Government through the Ministry of Public Services (MPG) has launched three transformative policy documents on Monday.
They are the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Framework, the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy, and the Solomon Islands Public Service Transformation Strategy.
The launch held at the Rock Haven Inn Conference Centre. It was attended by senior government officials, development partners, and civil society leaders.
In his keynote address, Minister of Public Services Francis Sade described the launch as a milestone in the nation’s journey toward an accountable, professional, and inclusive public service.
“Our people depend on us to serve with competence and accountability,” Hon. Sade declared.
“That is why the government is committed to strengthening the Ministry of Public Service to ensure it becomes the engine of efficiency, professionalism, and transformation.”
He outlined eight strategic priorities guiding the Ministry’s reform agenda, which include merit-based recruitment, digital modernization, and capacity-building across all ministries. The three newly launched documents, he stated, are “the roadmap for translating these priorities into actions.”
The Transformation Strategy sets the direction for reforms in public service HR capacity and development, Minister Sade explained.
“The GESI Policy promotes inclusiveness and fairness in our recruitment and management processes, while the MEAL Framework provides the tools to measure our progress, remain accountable, and learn as we move forward.”
Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Public Service, Mr. Luke Cheka, emphasized the ministry’s role in translating government policy into practical action.
He thanked the Minister, the Public Service Commission, and development partners, especially the Australian High Commission, for their support in developing these documents.
“At the Ministry level, it is our duty as public servants to break down government policies into practical actions and activities,” Mr. Cheka said. “Today, as we launch these three documents, I want to highlight how they will guide us in strengthening the public service.”
He described the transformation strategy as a blueprint for building “a professional, disciplined, and productive workforce” and for improving public service delivery through institutional development and policy reform.
“This strategy aims to transform our public service into one that is responsive, efficient, and trusted by our citizens,” he added.
Mr. Cheka stressed that the GESI Policy ensures fair recruitment, training, and management processes, providing equal opportunities for both women and men, and ensuring that marginalized groups are not left behind. A public service that reflects the diversity of our society is better positioned to meet the needs of our people.
He also highlighted the MEAL Framework as a tool for accountability and continuous improvement. “It ensures that our work is not just about intentions but about real outcomes. Through this framework, we will hold ourselves accountable, learn from our experiences, and continue to improve.”
The launch marks a new chapter in public service reform, rooted in collaborative leadership and shared responsibility. With the MEAL Framework enabling evidence-based evaluation, the GESI Policy promoting equity, and the Transformation Strategy guiding systematic change, the Solomon Islands is poised to build a modern, inclusive, and responsive public service that meets the needs of its citizens.
“Together, these policies are not just documents; they are instruments of change,” Mr. Cheka affirmed. “With strong leadership, commitment, and collective effort, I am confident that we will build a public service that is modern, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our citizens.”
By ANDRIANAH DELASALET KOLE
Solomon Star, Honiara
