The 2025 Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) Annual Congress commenced in Honiara on Thursday 21 August 2025 bringing together accounting professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders for two days of insightful discussions, strategic perspectives, and valuable networking opportunities.
The 2025 Annual Congress was officially opened with a keynote address by Guest of Honour the Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon Harry Kuma who provided valuable insights for Congress participants with a focus on this year’s theme ‘Shaping the Solomon Islands Future Economic and Financial Landscape Relevance of the Accounting Profession’.
ISIA President, Mr Johnson Lobo said, the overall objective of the Accountants Congress is to facilitate discussions between private sector business community, industry experts, government and the accounting profession on relevant matters affecting the Solomon Islands economy, business practices and the development of the local accounting profession.
“Throughout the Congress, delegates will have the opportunity to engage in insightful discussions, attend informative panel discussions, and gain valuable insights from both local, regional and international speakers.
“From identifying critical economic development issues and challenges to exploring problem-based solutions to enhance sustainable growth, this event promises to be a transformative experience for all involved,” he said.
Australia Deputy High Commissioner, Emily Flahive was key speaker in the first session of the day on fostering economic growth through sustainable collaborations and partnerships in the Solomon Islands with key areas of focus on Australian government’s support to Solomon Islands particularly in strengthening governance and public financial management.
She said Australia’s partnership with ISIA is central to our shared efforts to foster economic growth through sustainable collaboration and partnership in Solomon Islands.
“Good public financial management and accounting practices is essential to fostering economic resilience, encouraging sustainable growth and ensuring that public resources are used effectively and transparently.
“Australia’s assistance is delivered through the Solomon Islands – Australia Governance Partnership, which support government institutions to become more accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the Solomon Islands people,” she said.
Solomon Islands Auditor General, Mr David Dennis delivered his anticipated presentation for session two on the current state of the Solomon Islands accounting profession, the trends, challenges and opportunities.
Dr Keith Kendall Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) elaborate on the role of accounting and auditing standards in strengthening national financial systems focusing on standards-setting for the Accounting Profession and developing a robust accounting profession during session three.
Sessions four and five had a special focus on Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in future economic and financial sustainability and from a private sector perspective in Solomon Islands. Respective presenters were Ms. Vicki Stylianou, Group Executive Advocacy and Professional Standards (IPA Group) and Mr Nelson Kere, Executive Officer at the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI).
Day one of the 2025 Annual Congress concluded with two panel discussions.
The first panel discussion focused on a collaborative approach to transforming MSMEs development which was also an opportunity to identify ways to strengthening MSMEs in Solomon Islands.
The second panel discussion was on Regional Approach to Cooperation, Empowerment and Resilience: Building a resilient Pacific Islands Accounting Profession.
Visting Pacific Islands PAO representatives at this year’s Congress shared their experiences in developing respective PAOs in their jurisdictions–current status, initiatives undertaken to strengthen profession, challenges, and successes.
This year’s Congress carries special significance with the launch of the inaugural ISIA Accounting Awards, which is proudly sponsored by the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI), to be presented during the Gala Dinner on 22 August 2025.
These prestigious awards will celebrate excellence and innovation across the accounting profession, recognising individuals who are making transformative contributions to the field.
ISIA President, Mr Lobo expressed sincere gratitude to the Platinum Sponsor of the 2025 Congress– the Government of Australia, Partners, and Organizers for their unwavering support in making this Congress possible.
“Together, we affirm our commitment to empowering ISIA and other professional bodies through strengthening collaboration and partnership towards nation building,” he said.
The ISIA 2025 Annual Congress concludes Friday 22 August 2025.
- ISIA Media Release
