Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP this week held a special bilateral meeting with the United Nation’s Secretary General, His Excellency Antonio Guterres at the United Nations (UN) HeadQuarters in New York.
Key issues relating to the SIG- UN Partnership were brought to the discussion table by Prime Minister Sogavare.
The Prime Minister advocated for an elevated United Nations presence in Solomon Islands, and say a UN Resident Coordinator assigned for Solomon Islands is the preference.
There are eleven (11) UN agencies operating in Solomon Islands and the Prime Minister insists that there ought to be more United Nations presence in Solomon Islands, given the unique challenges, complexities and the vulnerability of issues Solomon Islands domestically face being a post conflict state and considering the growing population demographics.
The Prime Minister also emphasized that Solomon Islands would like to see its national priorities translated into the UN agencies work programs being delivered in the country.
Hon. Sogavare used the occasion to acknowledge UNHOLLLS and UNDESA for their support on the extension for preparation for graduation (2024 -2027).
The Prime Minister also reiterated the call for the UN to assist Solomon Islands’ transition strategy and request UN support to improve and strengthen Solomon Islands data and statistical systems within the National Planning and National Statistics agencies.
The Prime Minister also calls for Solomon Islands participation in the UN Peacekeeping Mission. Solomon Islands has been unable to deploy any police officers on peacekeeping missions in the last 5 years.
One of the main issues discussed thoroughly was the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF) as it will support national projects that can transform lives and living standards of our people in the Solomons.
The Prime Minister concluded the bilateral in inviting the Secretary General to visit Solomon Islands, more precisely when the Solomon Islands becomes chair of Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS) in 2025.
His Excellency Antonio Guterres thanked Solomon Islands Prime Minister for the opportunity to have the bilateral meeting and responded positively in swiftly delegating his officials to work closely with Solomon Islands Government on the key issues raised.
The UN Secretary General notes the invitation from Solomon Islands Prime Minister and will consider visiting Solomon Islands.
As the Secretary General to the UN, HE Antonio Guterres is the highest chief administrative officer of the world organization.
Source: PM Press
