UK joins Solomon Islands EITI consultations to advance transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement in mining.
The United Kingdom along with members of the European-based Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) joined the Solomon Islands Government, mining companies and civil society at Heritage Park today for strategic consultations on the next steps in Solomon Islands’ EITI implementation.
The workshop followed Solomon Islands’ readmission as an EITI implementing country in September 2026. The consultations brought together key stakeholders to strengthen their shared understanding of the EITI Standard and identify priorities for effective implementation.
Discussions focused on the role of the Multi-Stakeholder Group which will oversee governance and information flows in the extractives sector. Sarah Hayton, Senior Country Manager from EITI, addressed the workshop along with British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Paul Turner. On the Government side, the Ministry of Finance set out the priorities as the country embarks on its first crucial period of EITI implementation.
The UK has been supporting Solomon Islands’ readmission to the EITI, providing technical expertise through UNDP. His Excellency Paul Turner said:
“The UK is pleased to support Solomon Islands as it takes forward the next step in implementation of the EITI. EITI gives clear wins for the Government in terms of tax revenue; for local communities in terms of having a stronger voice in mining decisions; and for mining companies themselves in terms of expanding their export markets.”
The workshop also provided an opportunity to translate strategic priorities into practical activities whilst underlining the need for more remote provinces to be fully integrated into the EITI process and procedures.
HE Turner said that the issue of ensuring information flows from across the Solomons was crucial to ensure there was a national level implementation of EITI. “The engagement cannot just be in hotel conference rooms in Honiara”, Turner said as he urged resources target enhanced reporting and monitoring across all provinces.
SOURCE// British High Commission Honiara
