AGP Executive Report

UN Pushes Back LDC Graduation: Nepal has formally asked the UN to delay its Least Developed Country graduation until 2030, warning that losing preferential trade benefits could hit growth and jobs. Pacific Women Under Climate Stress: New reporting links climate disasters to rising violence against women, with evacuation centres often leaving survivors with fewer safe options. Marine Life Under Pressure: Solomon Islands dugongs are flagged as highly at-risk as hunting and habitat loss threaten local extinction. Regional Security & Fisheries: Pacific nations wrapped up Operation Tui Moana, boosting fisheries surveillance and cracking down on illegal fishing. Fuel Crisis Alarm: Pacific leaders invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate a response to looming fuel supply shocks tied to Middle East instability. Solomons Updates: RSIPF divers completed underwater EOD training, and Solomon Ports is set to mark 70 years of service next month.

Pacific Energy & Security: Pacific leaders have invoked the Biketawa Declaration to coordinate a regional response to rising fuel supply risks, as Middle East instability threatens Pacific imports and drives up costs. Solomon Islands Politics: Matthew Wale has moved fast in office—reinstating the dolphin export ban and naming Gabriel Suri as Attorney-General, while the Opposition has appointed Manasseh Sogavare as Leader of the Official Opposition. Climate & Oceans: Vanuatu, Fiji and PNG have committed to a massive interconnected marine protected area under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, aiming for at least six million square kilometres. Local Development: Australia has backed Solomon Islands communities with 51 new projects worth over SBD 11 million for rural infrastructure. Health & Food Security: A PHC checklist workshop is strengthening frontline care coordination, while livestock outreach on Ugi Island is boosting animal health and farmer capacity. Sports & Culture: Kakamora Games kick off in Makira-Ulawa, and NATPAN 2026 spotlights panpipe heritage.

ICJ Climate Push: The UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly backed a landmark ICJ advisory opinion on States’ binding climate duties, with 141 countries voting in favour—an extra legal weight for climate accountability across the Pacific. Australia–Solomons Projects: Australia has approved 51 new community partnerships for 2026, worth over SBD 11 million, targeting rural basics like solar streetlights, classrooms, halls and water tanks. Honiara Roads: Hot Bread Corridor sealing is now open to the public, with crews moving to the next busy sections—expect congestion as works continue. Health on the Frontline: The Ministry of Health and WHO ran a Primary Health Care checklist workshop to improve access, coordination and service quality. Maritime Milestone: Solomon Ports Authority will mark 70 years of service on 3–4 June with a summit and panels on the Ports Master Plan. Agriculture & Livestock: A SIART-funded livestock outreach on Ugi trained 173 people across six communities to strengthen animal health and biosecurity. Sports & Community: Kakamora Games 2026 kicked off in Kirakira, while chess and floorball updates keep local sport momentum going.

New PM moves fast on marine protection: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has reinstated a ban on dolphin exports, signing the Fisheries (Prohibition of Export of Dolphins) Regulations 2026 on 16 May—reversing a short-lived lift under the previous administration. Regional energy alarm: Pacific leaders have invoked the Biketawa Declaration under the Pacific Islands Forum to coordinate a response to looming fuel supply risks tied to Middle East instability. Crime crackdown across the Pacific: Police chiefs and partners gathered in Fiji for a Pacific Transnational Crime Summit as an International Joint Investigations Team is set up in Colombia to target drug trafficking routes. Local governance and services: Work continues on Honiara and Munda air traffic control towers, while MID ramps up road relief across 20 Honiara routes after heavy rain. Labour and safety gaps: Fiji’s skills survey flags shortages across 95 job categories, and a Pacific push is growing for safer workplaces for women.

Leadership Shake-Up: Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister Matthew Wale has moved fast—reinstating the dolphin export ban just days after it was lifted, and completing a full 24-member Cabinet. Opposition Line: Hon. Manasseh Sogavare has been named Leader of the Official Opposition, setting up a sharper parliamentary contest. Infrastructure Push: Work is advancing on Honiara and Munda air traffic control towers, while MID ramps up road relief across key Honiara routes after heavy rain. Disaster Response: Central Province has begun a coordinated five-day initial damage assessment for Savo and Russell Islands following TC Maila. Agriculture & Markets: SIART’s Malaita market linkage workshops wrapped, with a second round set for Malu’u, aiming to connect farmers to reliable buyers. Regional Security: Pacific police leaders in Fiji are tackling the drug trade, including a new international joint investigations effort targeting trafficking routes. Culture & Community: World Bee Day spotlights beekeeping’s role in rural income and pollination, and NATPAN 2026 celebrates panpipe heritage.

Pacific Drug Crackdown: Fiji and the AFP have kicked off a Pacific Transnational Crime Summit in Fiji, with leaders pushing new tactics to hit drug syndicates and a new International Joint Investigations Team set for Colombia as seizures keep climbing. New Attorney-General: Prime Minister Matthew Wale has offered prominent lawyer Gabriel Suri the Attorney-General role, pending formal approval. Roads and Relief: MID is stepping up road relief works across 20 Honiara routes after heavy rain, while traffic teams manage Mendana Avenue during peak hours. Western Province Health: A Chinese medical team has wrapped up a week-long mission in Western Province after cyclone-affected community outreach. Culture and Farming: NATPAN 2026’s theme spotlights panpipe heritage, while SIART’s Market Linkage Workshop in Auki is helping Malaita farmers find better buyers and value chains. Sports and Community: Belaga communities are gearing up for an Independence Day soccer knockout, and the Chess Tournament 2026 venue has shifted to Outback Holiday Resort in Rove. Local Business: Bula Flights marked six months of Fiji’s digital booking platform and says it’s expanding into Solomon Islands.

FlyWell Launch: Fiji Airways has rolled out its FlyWell wellness program, adding red light therapy in the Premier Lounge at Nadi and on select long-haul flights from June 1, with complimentary access for eligible Business Class guests for the first two months. Solomons Politics: In Honiara, new Prime Minister Matthew Wale has moved fast to lock in a full 24-member Cabinet and repeat his “change is coming” message after winning a tight parliamentary vote. Dolphin Trade: Wale’s government also reinstated a ban on live dolphin exports after it was quietly lifted, warning it could damage the country’s reputation and tuna industry. Blue Pacific Connectivity: Pacific energy and transport ministers wrapped up the Manubada Call to Action, pushing for faster delivery on energy security and maritime connectivity. Local Development: Australia announced 51 new community partnerships projects across Solomon Islands worth over SBD 11 million, including solar streetlights, classrooms, and water tanks. Women at Work: A regional campaign is calling for workplaces free from violence and harassment, urging governments to ratify and enforce ILO Convention 190.

Colourism Spotlight: An ABC Pacific documentary, Does the Pacific have a problem with blackness?, has reignited debate across the region about discrimination by skin tone, with social media making the conflict louder and more public. STEM Push: UNESCO says STEM education is key to tackling climate, health and digital challenges, as a new push aims to make learning more inclusive and accessible. Safer Work for Women: Pacific partners have launched a regional campaign calling for workplaces free from violence and harassment, urging governments to ratify and enforce ILO Convention 190. New PM, New Cabinet: In Solomon Islands, Matthew Wale was sworn in after winning a tight parliamentary vote, promising “discipline and prudent management,” and quickly completed a full 24-member Cabinet. Fuel Update: Fuel maximum prices have been adjusted for 16–30 May, with petrol and diesel retail prices moving up. Marine Conservation: Malaysia renewed its marine conservation action plan through 2030, with Solomon Islands listed among Coral Triangle partners. Football Loss: The OFC mourns the death of SIFF Property and Facility Manager Reuben Oimae.

Solomon Islands Politics: Matthew Wale has been sworn in as Prime Minister after a tight 26–22 parliamentary vote, moving fast to complete a full 24-member Cabinet and promising “discipline and prudent management” as change “may be painful.” China Ties & Trade: Wale says his government will stick to the one-China principle, while also cracking down on live dolphin exports—after a brief, quiet lift and reinstatement that sparked fresh political heat. Infrastructure: Santa Cruz’s new terminal building in Temotu is about 70% complete, with works running on multiple fronts. Skills & Jobs: Australia-backed programs have trained local supervisors and managers to strengthen construction leadership for safer, better-quality delivery. Health & Access: In Fiji and across the Pacific, open-heart surgeries are starting to happen locally, easing the need for families to fund overseas treatment. Pacific Geopolitics: The Pacific Islands Forum heads to Palau in late August, with leaders watching how Cold War-style rivalries could shape the region.

New PM Takes Oath: Matthew Wale was sworn in as Solomon Islands Prime Minister after a tight 26–22 parliamentary win, promising “discipline and prudent management” and warning some reforms may be “painful.” Cabinet Locked In: He moved fast to form a full 24-member Cabinet, with Francis Sade sworn in as Deputy PM and Public Service Minister. Dolphin Export Shock: In a last-minute policy flip, the caretaker fisheries minister had lifted a live dolphin export ban—then Wale reinstated it, citing fisheries standards and reputational risk to the tuna industry. China Line Clarified: Wale told China’s ambassador he will stick to the one-China principle and deepen cooperation, even as his past criticism of the 2022 security deal hangs over the transition. Regional Watch: Messages of support are coming in, including from PNG’s Marape, as the new government steadies itself after weeks of political upheaval.

Cabinet locked in after election: Matthew Wale was sworn in as Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister and has now completed forming his 24-member Cabinet, with Francis Sade named Deputy PM and Public Service minister. Wale says the government will stay united through “open conversations,” reject backdoor deals, and put national interests first. China policy signal: In talks with China’s ambassador, Wale pledged firm adherence to the one-China principle and said his government will deepen cooperation with Beijing. Regional reaction: PNG’s James Marape congratulated Wale and promised continued work on security, climate resilience, fisheries, education, and infrastructure. Church diplomacy: Oceania Catholic bishops are meeting on Guam this week, with an islandwide Mass set for Tuesday. Ongoing governance work: The CAPSA statistics and audit project has completed its mid-term review, pushing stronger accountability systems. Elsewhere in the Pacific: A new study says whale sharks travel much farther than thought—relevant for wider marine protection.

Prime Minister Switch: Matthew Wale has been elected Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister in a tight 26–22 parliamentary vote, taking over from Jeremiah Manele after the previous leader was removed in a no-confidence motion. Wale says “change is coming” and warns the country is not immune to global geopolitical shocks, while promising tighter, more prudent management. Regional Diplomacy: PNG Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated Wale and signalled continued cooperation on trade, fisheries, security, labour mobility, and climate resilience. China Focus: Wale has long been sceptical of the 2022 security deal with China and says he will review it—keeping foreign policy and security ties a live issue for Australia and other partners. Governance & Capacity: In parallel, the CAPSA statistics and audit project has completed its mid-term review, pointing to ongoing work to strengthen accountability and decision-making.

New PM, big promises: Solomon Islands lawmakers have elected opposition leader Matthew Wale as prime minister in a tight 26–22 vote, after Jeremiah Manele was removed in a no-confidence move. Wale says “change is coming,” pledging prudent financial management and urging young people to be productive, while also pointing to the pressure of global geopolitics on the local economy. China ties in focus: Wale has previously criticised China’s 2022 security deal and says he will “look at” it first—so his next steps will be watched closely by Australia and others in the region. Governance & accountability: The CAPSA statistics and audit project has completed its mid-term review, backing efforts to strengthen national data and audit capacity. Energy push: Solomon Islands is also moving toward its first large-scale solar PV project with ADB support, aiming to cut heavy reliance on imported diesel.

PNG Police Incident: Papua New Guinea officers sent to help after Cyclone Maila were disarmed and stood down after an alleged drunk confrontation near Tenaru, where they threatened a civilian with a firearm; they’ll be repatriated once travel is arranged. New Solomon Islands PM: In the biggest local development, Matthew Wale was elected Prime Minister in a tight 26–22 parliamentary vote after Jeremiah Manele’s no-confidence ouster, with Wale promising “change” and tighter financial discipline while saying the country isn’t immune to global geopolitics. Regional Reaction: PNG PM James Marape quickly congratulated Wale and pledged continued cooperation on security, trade, fisheries, climate resilience and labour mobility. China Watch: Wale has previously criticised China’s security deal, but now signals a more measured approach—keeping the China-versus-Australia question front and centre. Sports & Culture: A Fiji-based Girmit Golf Open story highlights a Solomon Islands-linked Pacific Games pathway, while Doc Edge unveiled its 2026 programme with 28 world premieres.

Solomon Islands Leadership: Matthew Wale has been elected Prime Minister in a tight 26–22 parliamentary vote, after Jeremiah Manele was removed in a no-confidence move last week. Wale, a long-time critic of the 2022 China security pact, says “change is coming” and that Solomon Islands is “not immune” to global geopolitics—while also signaling he will review the China deal before deciding what to do next. Political Fallout: The week’s drama included legal fights over parliament sitting, plus a late candidate withdrawal that left a two-man race. China-Australia Watch: Australia welcomed the result as it weighs influence in the Pacific, but analysts say the real test will be how Wale balances China ties with Western partners. Energy Push: Separately, the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority and the Asian Development Bank signed up for the country’s first large-scale grid solar project, aiming to cut heavy diesel dependence. Science & Nature: A new study documents the elusive “hairy ghost pipefish” and names it after “Snuffleupagus.”

Prime Minister Switch: Solomon Islands lawmakers have elected opposition leader Matthew Wale as the new PM in a tight 26–22 secret ballot, after Jeremiah Manele was ousted in a no-confidence vote last week—Wale says “change is coming,” with a push for tighter financial management and a more transparent approach to the 2022 China security deal. Police Probe in PNG: In a separate Pacific flashpoint, PNG police officers deployed to Solomon Islands were disarmed and stood down after an alleged violent confrontation near Honiara’s Tenaru area, with internal disciplinary steps underway. Energy Push: Honiara is set for its first large-scale solar push, with the Solomon Islands Electricity Authority and the Asian Development Bank signing an advisory deal to cut heavy reliance on diesel. Ocean News: New whale shark tracking research shows the species travels far across the Indo-Pacific, including Solomon Islands waters—raising the stakes for wider marine protection.