UN reaffirms support for Solomon Islands’ development priorities, economic transformation and LDC graduation journey
Honiara, 17 August 2026 — Prime Minister Matthew Wale has welcomed renewed assurances from the United Nations (UN) of its continued commitment to supporting Solomon Islands’ development priorities, including the country’s economic transformation and transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
The assurance was given during a courtesy meeting today at the Prime Minister’s Office between Prime Minister Wale and UN Resident Coordinator for Solomon Islands, Mr. Dirk Wagener and his delegation.
Mr. Wagener highlighted the UN’s significant presence in Solomon Islands, with around 140 staff permanently based in the country and 13 UN agencies delivering programmes across key development areas.
He said the UN delivered close to US$40 million in programmes and assistance in Solomon Islands last year, making the country one of the UN’s largest single-country presences in the Pacific.
Mr. Wagener also reaffirms the UN’s commitment to working closely with the GREAT Coalition Government by expressing the UN’s readiness to support stronger coordination among Solomon Islands’ development partners, including bilateral and multilateral partners.
He added, better coordination would allow development partners to provide more coherent and consistent support aligned with the Government’s priorities, including through larger and consolidated programmes rather than fragmented projects.
The UN Resident Coordinator also assured the Prime Minister that, despite ongoing UN reforms and global funding pressures, the Pacific remains a priority. He said that the UN continues to strongly support Small Island Developing States and Solomon Islands’ journey towards LDC graduation.
He noted that the Pacific has so far been relatively protected from reductions in UN staffing and resources because of the region’s structural vulnerabilities and development challenges. However, he cautioned that continued support would require collective efforts to maintain international interest and development resources for the Pacific.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Wale welcomed the assurance, describing the news as encouraging for Solomon Islands.
He also outlined the Government’s economic policy direction, noting that much of its development agenda is informed by the need to transform and diversify the Solomon Islands economy and move beyond dependence on extractive activities.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of a strong partnership between the Government and the United Nations in advancing Solomon Islands’ national development priorities and ensuring international support remains aligned with the country’s long-term vision.
SOURCE//: PRIME MINISTER OFFICE PRESS RELEASE
