THE Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) Leaders’ Summit is set to start today in Honiara, with a grand opening ceremony at the Lawson Tama Stadium, at 7am.
“Stewardship for Healthy Oceans & Nations” is the theme of the Leaders Summit. It will run starting today till tomorrow, at the Mendana Hotel
According to the chair of PIDF National Taskforce Rence Sore, Solomon Islands will be the Second Chair taking over the chairmanship from Fiji in the history of PIDF.
“The authority of our Chairmanship comes from an Agreement between the PIDF and Solomon Islands Government regarding the arrangements for the hosting of the Conference, Leaders Summit and Members Representative Councils for the period 2016-2017.
“This agreement was signed on 7 May 2016 by the Secretary General of the PIDF and High Commissioner of Solomon Islands in Fiji.
“As a requirement under the Agreement between the PIDF and SIG, we (Solomon Islands) will host the PIDF Leaders Summit in Honiara from 12 to 13 July 2016,” the Chair said, in a statement.
He added, the PIDF Leaders Summit is the first meeting of the leaders under the new governance structure since the inauguration of the PIDF Charter on 4 September 2015.
“The Leaders Summit comprises of Leaders of Pacific Islands Governments and Pacific Regional and Sub regional organisations as defined in the charter.
“The Summit meets once in every calendar year”.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Islands National Taskforce in a statement said this is a golden opportunity for the public to see some of the region’s renowned leaders who are here for the two days summit.
Most of the Pacific Island leaders have arrived yesterday, at the Henderson International airport and were escorted to their respective hotels for accommodation.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA