PM Wale Calls for Stronger Development Partnerships to Drive Results and Economic Transformation

Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has urged Solomon Islands’ development partners to work more closely with the Government to deliver practical results that support national priorities and improve the lives of Solomon Islanders.

Speaking at the opening of the Solomon Islands Development Partnership Summit 2026 at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara, Prime Minister Wale said development cooperation must move beyond dialogue and individual projects toward a coordinated national effort focused on implementation, accountability and long-term transformation.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the major role development partners have played in supporting the country’s progress, noting that between 2016 and 2021 they contributed SBD$8.8 billion of the SBD$13.6 billion mobilised for development.

He said the GREAT Coalition Government’s reform agenda is centred on strengthening institutions, restoring public trust, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that Government services respond to the needs of 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,” Prime Minister Wale said.

Key government priorities highlighted at the Summit include Free Education, affordable electricity, stronger public institutions, responsible decentralisation and people-centred development.

Prime Minister Wale also stressed 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.

He encouraged development partners to support coordinated national programmes, increase the use of local content and national systems, and ensure development investments create stronger 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,” Prime Minister Wale said.

As Solomon Islands prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status in December 2027, the Prime Minister called for continued support to help the country manage the transition and strengthen its path toward greater self-reliance.

The Development Partnership Summit is expected to become an annual platform for dialogue, coordination and progress review, with the next Summit planned for 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.

Media Release | Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet