The Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants (ISIA) officially held Annual Congress 2025 this week at the Heritage Park Hotel.
The event commenced on Thursday with a forum on financial reform, professional development, and inclusive economic growth.
Held under the theme “Shaping the Solomon Islands Financial and Economic Future Landscape-Revelence of the Accounting Profession” this prestigious Congress bring together accounting professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders for insightful discussions, strategics perspectives, and valuable networking opportunities.
Delivering his keynote address, guest of honour Minister for Finance and Treasury Hon. Harry Kuma commended ISIA’S role in shaping the national resilience and prosperity.
“In an era of rapid economic shifts and complex financial challenges, platform like this conference is essential for invigorating the profession’s role in driving sustainable economic growth and resilient development and collaborating with the government.
“Together, by strengthening our standards and partnership, we are endorsing the future of accounting in the Solomon Islands but actively building the foundation for stronger economies and the brighter communities for generation to come.”
He underscored the need for government to worked closely with all stakeholders to boost productivity, strengthen service delivery, and build resilience against external shocks and natural disasters while advancing with sustainable development to secure long term prosperity for all our citizens.
Minister Kuma also shared key economic indicators, including projected GDP growth between 2.7% and 3.8%, rising foreign reserves, and expanding employment across key sectors and highlighted the profession’s role in advancing green finance, digital inclusion, and fiscal discipline.
“It is important to reflect on the broader global economic trends while focusing on our national promise. Around the world global economic has slowed to 3% this year, down from 3.3% last year, as new trade barriers and prevailing uncertainties on the economic outlook but dispute this global backdrop, the Solomon Islands is determinedly charting a more positive course.”
ISIA President Johnson Lobo in his remarks also emphasized the urgency of the reform.
“New ways of doing things requires new knowledge and new skills for us to progress forward in this ever-changing environment.
“It is therefore necessary that we keep ourselves up to date with our current events and developments, and not locally but regionally and globally. The accounting profession is no different,” he said.
He outlined ISIA’s strategic priorities, including strengthening professionals’ development, aligning national practises with international standards, and deepening collaboration with tertiary institutions and global accounting bodies.
“These steps are designed to position ISIA as a modern and innovative and internationally effective institute with goal of long-term sustainability for our economy.”
This year’s Congress carries a special significance with the launch of the inaugural ISIA Accounting Awards, which will be presented during the Gala Dinner on Friday 22 August 2025.
Theses prestigious awards will celebrate excellence and innovation across the accounting professions, recognising individuals who are making transformation contributions to the field.
By ANDRIANAH KOLE
Solomon Star, Honiara
