Solomon Islands has reaffirmed its strong commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This was during the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 14 to 23 July 2025.
The High-Level Political Forum is a platform to review the progress and challenges of implementing the SDGs on an annual basis. This includes presentation of Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) by member states on their SDG implementation progress. This year, a total of 37 VNRs were presented. Solomon Islands presented its second VNR in 2024.
Delivering the country’s national statement, Solomon Islands Ambassador to the United Nations and the Americas, Her Excellency Jane Mugafalu Kabui Waetara, highlighted progress made on key SDGs under review this year and acknowledged ongoing challenges.
Ambassador Waetara shared that Solomon Islands has made significant strides in its health system, with better access to services and high immunization rates. Primary healthcare now reaches 85% of the population, and maternal mortality has dropped by 30%.
She said these improvements are linked to the national health sector plan, with strategic priorities that focus on universal health coverage.
However, she noted that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise and now cause around 70% of deaths.
She also noted progress in promoting gender equality through various policies and laws, and initiatives where more women are participating in leadership and decision-making responsibilities.
Despite this, gender-based violence remains a challenge. The SAFENET national support network continues to play an important role in helping victims and survivors.
Ambassador Waetara highlighted the National Sustainable Development Strategy as the national overarching framework for improving the social and economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.
She highlighted the government’s commitment to improving enabling infrastructure in the productive sector, tax reform, and the introduction of new laws to support economic growth and create jobs.
Ambassador Waetara highlighted the importance of the Honiara Summit technical communique and political declaration that outlined concrete actions to address overfishing and restore fish stocks to sustainable levels.
Looking ahead, the Ambassador welcomed the UN 80 Initiative as a chance to make the UN more effective and fit for purpose.
She stressed the need for reforms that reflect the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Ambassador Waetara concluded by emphasizing the importance of shared commitment and meaningful partnerships, to enable us to navigate the unprecedented challenges and advance the implementation of the SDGs, and to ensure that no one is left behind.
The 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) concluded with Member States calling for urgent, coordinated action to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
– MFAET PRESS
