Chevening Alumni Solomon Islands hosts Leadership & SDGs Symposium

9. Chevening Alumni member Gladys Bartlett is also another speaker at the symposium

7. Chevening alumni member Christina Bakolo is the Master of Ceremony at the Symposium – Copy

5. Chevening alumna Hon Peter Kenilorea was one of the invited speakers at the symposium

10. Chevening alumni members listening to remarks at the symposium

8. Chevening alumni member Florence Tagini taking notes at the symposium

3. Acting Deputy High Commissioner Ian Gorman listening to remarks at the symposium

The Chevening Alumni of Solomon Islands (CASI) hosts a Leadership and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Symposium today and Friday at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara.

The inaugural symposium brings together leaders from government, the private sector, civil society, and the Chevening alumni community to reflect on national progress towards the United Nations SDGs.

The symposium, themed “Leadership, Accountability and Sustainable Nation Building”, marks ten years since Solomon Islands adopted the SDGs in 2015. 

It aims to provide a shared space for dialogue, collaboration, and reflection on how policy commitments can be more effectively translated into practical outcomes for communities across the country.

Organised by CASI and supported by the British High Commission in Honiara through the Chevening Alumni Programme Fund (CAPF), over 30 participants are attending, including representatives from government line ministries, middle and senior management from public and private sectors, and Chevening alumni residing in Solomon Islands. 

Delivering special remarks on behalf of the British High Commission, Ian Gorman said: 

“The United Kingdom strongly encourages Chevening alumni to see themselves as part of a lifelong leadership community, with a shared responsibility to give back. Your education, experience, and networks are powerful tools, and when they are applied collectively, their impact is even greater.”

The programme features SDG progress updates from the Ministry of National Planning and Aid Coordination, alongside thematic panel discussions focusing on climate and environment; water, sanitation and health; education and human development; economic growth and livelihoods; and sustainable communities. 

Leadership and vision sessions also examine the role of accountable leadership in achieving sustainable development goals. 

A key objective of the symposium is to highlight the crucial role of middle management leaders in driving national development outcomes and to promote stronger collaboration between institutions directly engaged in SDG implementation. 

The symposium also provides opportunities for professional networking, including a dedicated CASI networking and cocktail event.

The initiative further reflects a commitment to Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), ensuring broad participation and inclusive dialogue as part of sustainable nation-building efforts. 

As Patron of Chevening Alumni Solomon Islands, the British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands continues to support CASI’s role in fostering leadership, strengthening partnerships, and contributing to national development through the Chevening alumni network. 

Concluding on Friday 17 April, the symposium is expected to produce a brief report capturing key discussions and recommendations, while strengthening partnerships among institutions working to advance the SDGs in Solomon Islands.

SOURCE: PRESS RELEASE