Australia is supporting Solomon Islands as the Forum host and Chair of the upcoming 2025 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
This followed a request from the Solomon Islands Government,
Australian willingly agreed and provided funding support for essential road repairs and climate-friendly upgrades to public infrastructure around Honiara.
As part of Australia’s approximately SBD100 million in logistics and security support, Australia has provided direct grant funding to the Solomon Islands Government to improve eight major roads and drainage around the city and install energy-efficient cooling systems at conference facilities for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
With Australia’s support, 776 solar panels have been installed by local contractors on Friendship Hall and the Aquatic Centre, powering 128 new air conditioners and lighting, supporting 20 local jobs.
After the Forum meeting, a solar-battery system will be installed to ensure facilities can store the excess solar energy produced during the day, to power the facility at night.
This solar battery system will reduce running costs to almost zero, saving the Solomon Islands Government an estimated SBD3.3 million a year in cooling and lighting costs.
Australia’s SBD60 million support to the National Transport Fund is also upgrading roads and drainage at eight key locations around Chinatown and central Honiara.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the Forum provides an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation.
“Like our support the 2023 Pacific Games, Australia’s involvement is about long-term regional stability, economic development, climate resilience, and the success of major Pacific regional events.”
“Every Pacific infrastructure development project supported by Australia is a chance to employ local companies, create local jobs, build skills and capacity, and deliver long-term climate resilience,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“I’m also sure Honiara residents will be excited about better roads around Honiara, with improved resilience to heavy rain.”
The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is a significant regional event bringing together leaders from 18 member countries across the Pacific. It provides a platform for discussing shared challenges and opportunities related to regional security, economic development, climate change, and cooperation among Pacific nations.
– AHC
