The Solomon Islands participated in the 8th General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) held in New Delhi, India, from 27 to 30 October 2025.
The Solomon Islands delegation was led by the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Hon. Derick Rawcliff Manuari, and included senior officials from the Ministry’s Energy Division and the Solomon Islands High Commission in New Delhi.
The opening plenary of the 8th ISA Assembly was inaugurated by the President of India, H.E. Droupadi Murmu, at the Bharat Mandapam Exhibition Hall on 28 October 2025.
The Assembly brought together dignitaries and delegates from 124 Member States, multilateral organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank Group, as well as solar energy experts from various research institutions.
The gathering focused on promoting global solar cooperation, expanding access to affordable solar energy, and accelerating the transition to clean and sustainable power.
During the Assembly, Hon. Manuari reiterated the Solomon Islands’ call for initiatives that support the deployment of affordable and resilient solar technologies tailored to the unique context of small island developing states (SIDS).
He also highlighted the need to establish an ISA Regional Office in the Pacific to strengthen collaboration and enhance the participation of Pacific Island countries in ISA’s programs.
In the policy and regulatory discussions, Hon. Manuari emphasized the importance of meaningful partnerships with the Alliance to strengthen Solomon Islands’ regulatory environment and to develop a clear national solar roadmap. This, he noted, would ensure that the country’s renewable energy transition is both strategic and inclusive.
On the sidelines of the Assembly, the Solomon Islands delegation participated in roundtable discussions with other SIDS members, engaged in a series of panel dialogues with ISA executives, and held a bilateral meeting with the President of the International Solar Alliance and Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy of the Government of India.
The 8th ISA General Assembly concluded on a high note, with member countries reaffirming their commitment to advancing global cooperation in solar and renewable energy. Solomon Islands joined other SIDS in co-signing a joint declaration and pledge to accelerate solar energy deployment across island nations through strengthened collaboration with the International Solar Alliance.
Since its inception, the International Solar Alliance has provided an important platform for promoting renewable energy financing and technology cooperation among developing countries.
The Solomon Islands delegation to the 8th ISA General Assembly comprised:
- Hon. Derick Rawcliff Manuari, Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (Head of Delegation)
- H.E. Anthony Makabo, High Commissioner to India (Alternate Head of Delegation)
- Mr. Charles Bako, Senior Energy Officer, Energy Division, MMERE
- Mr. Jones Taungani Soreh, Second Secretary, Solomon Islands High Commission, New Delhi
—MMERE PRESS STATEMENT
