PM Wale urges development partners to align support with national priorities and deliver results for Solomon Islanders.
Honiara, 17 August 2026 — Prime Minister Matthew Wale has called on Solomon Islands’ development partners to better align their support with national priorities and help deliver tangible results for the people.
Speaking at the opening of the Solomon Islands Development Partnership Summit 2026 at Heritage Park Hotel today, Prime Minister Wale said stronger cooperation between Government and development partners was essential to achieving the country’s development goals.
He acknowledged the significant contribution of development partners, noting that between 2016 and 2021, they contributed SBD$8.8 billion of the SBD$13.6 billion mobilised for development.
Prime Minister Wale said the GREAT Coalition Government’s reform agenda is focused on strengthening institutions, restoring trust, upholding the rule of law and ensuring Government serves the people.
“We are rebuilding trust between Government and our people, and between Government and our development partners, anchored in openness, mutual respect, transparency and accountability,” he said.
He said the Government’s priorities include Free Education, affordable electricity, stronger institutions, responsible decentralisation and people-centred development.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the need to transform and diversify the economy by strengthening agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, mining, energy, commerce and small and medium enterprises, while building the country’s manufacturing base.
“We are resolved to transform this economy and widen the horizon of opportunity for every Solomon Islander,” he said.
Prime Minister Wale urged development partners to support coordinated national programmes, increase the use of local content and national systems, and ensure development investments create greater benefits for Solomon Islanders and local businesses.
“Let this Summit mark the passage from dialogue to action, from commitments to implementation, and from scattered individual projects to a coordinated national development effort,” he said.
With Solomon Islands set to graduate from Least Developed Country status in December 2027, the Prime Minister also called for continued support during the transition towards greater self-reliance.
He said the Development Partnership Summit will become an annual event, with the next Summit expected in 2027.
Prime Minister Wale thanked the United Nations, UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Dirk Wagener, and the Government of New Zealand, through High Commissioner His Excellency Jonathan Curr, for supporting and financing the Summit.
SOURCE// OFFICE OF PRIME MINISTER PRESS RELEASE
