UNDP and the British High Commission hosted a consultation workshop in Honiara to strengthen transparency and accountability in Solomon Islands’ extractive industries sector.
Honiara, Solomon Islands — The UN Development Programme (UNDP) and British High Commission, in partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands, convened a high-level consultation workshop on implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). The workshop was held on 5 March in Honiara.
Over 30 participants attended the event which brought together representatives from Government, regulatory and oversight bodies, mining companies, civil society organisations, provincial government, and landowner groups.
The consultation aimed to strengthen understanding of the EITI; to clarify stakeholder roles and responsibilities; and to support action toward transparent and accountable management of natural resource revenues.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Primula Kingmele, Director of the Economic Reform Unit at the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, reflected on the value of the discussions:
“This is an important step forward in our country’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible management of our natural resources.
Such discussions provide an opportunity for all stakeholders, Government, companies, civil society, and partners to come together, share understanding, and strengthen collaboration. EITI is not just about reporting, it is about trust, improving dialogue, and ensuring that information about the extractive sector is transparent and accessible to our citizens,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, His Excellency Paul Turner highlighted the importance of strong engagement across sectors in ensuring transparency and oversight.“It is heartening to see the level of engagement from government, private sector and the public on the EITI process. We need to ensure there is proper oversight of the extractives sector in the future. Everyone saw the way logging went in Solomons. We need to learn the lessons from that and ensure the benefits from natural resources are widely distributed and not just for the few,” he said.
UNDP in Solomon Islands Deputy Resident Representative Dr Raluca Eddon also highlighted that this consultation supports stronger coordination among government institutions and stakeholders working on extractive sector governance.
“This demonstrates the strong partnership and our shared vision in advancing transparency and integrity in the extractive industries for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders. UNDP remains committed to working with government, partners, and stakeholders to advance EITI implementation in the country,” she said.
The workshop was part of the UK-funded project Support to the Government of the Solomon Islands to Implement the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, implemented by UNDP. The project provides technical assistance, capacity-building, and advisory support to help Solomon Islands advance its re-engagement with the EITI framework and strengthen governance of the extractive sector.
Solomon Islands was previously an EITI implementing country but left the EITI in 2018. The Government is now working toward renewed engagement with the EITI.
SOURCE: UNDP Press Release
