Two officers from the Public Engagement and Communications Department of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands (NPSI) are currently in Tanna Island, Republic of Vanuatu, participating in the Vanuatu Parliament’s Civic Outreach Program.
This engagement forms part of an ongoing inter-parliamentary partnership aimed at promoting the exchange of best practices and experiences in civic education and public engagement.
Mr. Young Virivolomo and Mr. Philemon Loe were formally invited by the Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu to take part in the outreach initiative.
This exchange further strengthens the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between the two Parliaments on Wednesday, 31 May 2023.
The agreement encourages the exchange of parliamentary delegations to foster closer ties, enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation, and support professional development for Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff alike.
Since the signing of the MOA, both Parliaments have committed to a shared framework designed to advance democratic governance, improve institutional visibility, and develop the capacity of civic engagement teams.
Notably, on 7 October 2024, two staff members from the Vanuatu Parliament—Mrs. Stephanie Mahit, Chair of the Civic Education Task Force, and Ms. Evelyn Wokon, a task force member—joined the NPSI Public Engagement and Communications Team during their outreach program to Marovo Constituency.
The current outreach activities in Tanna Island, Tafea Province, represent the second such exchange under the partnership agreement.
These efforts align with national celebrations in Vanuatu, including Independence Day, the Vanuatu Arts & Culture Festival, and Public Service Commission (PSC) Day.
High-level dignitaries, including the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Parliament of Vanuatu, are expected to attend the festivities.
The Vanuatu Parliament’s Civic Outreach Program is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), further reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening civic awareness and public participation through regional collaboration.
– Parliament Media
