Civil Society in Solomon Islands: The Backbone of Democracy and Development

By Munkhtuya Altangerel, Resident Representative, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji

As we near the end of the first quarter of 2025, civil society organisations across Solomon Islands aren’t just enduring – they’re thriving.

Despite limited resources and the ever-present challenge of funding, these organisations continue to make significant strides in promoting social justice, environmental sustainability, and community development throughout the country’s 147 inhabited islands.

My recent visit to Solomon Islands provided a firsthand look at how these dedicated changemakers are shaping their nation’s future. Their work serves as a testament to the strength and vitality of civil society across the Blue Pacific, where community members often contribute their time voluntarily to ensure their voices – and their communities’ voices – are heard. 

 Leaders Emerging from Advocacy Roots

Solomon Islands’ civil society landscape is enriched by individuals who have transformed advocacy into tangible change. Prominent human rights defender Afu Billy continues to champion gender equality through grassroots mobilisation, while others have ascended to senior leadership positions:

*Teasi Sanga now serves as Chairperson of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission

*Anti-Corruption Commissioner Florrie Alalo brings her advocacy experience to governance

*Delilah Kekea Homelo leads as Chief Executive of Solomon Power

 These leaders demonstrate how civil society advocacy can translate into institutional change and meaningful development outcomes. Their work extends beyond governance structures to ensure that all citizens actively participate in shaping their country’s future.

During my visit, I witnessed this democratic engagement firsthand as women, youth, and disability advocates joined our discussion with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission looking at lessons learned from the 2024 General Elections. 

 Malaita: Seeing Locally-Led Development in Action

A two-hour fast ferry ride across the Ironbottom Sound from Honiara brought me to Malaita Province – my first trip outside the capital. Known for its rich soil producing the country’s sweetest pineapples and abundant taro, Malaita offered insights into how development works beyond the urban centre of the capital.

At the Malaita Market, freshly harvested produce shared space with fish caught minutes earlier and brought straight from boats docked at the rear. This bustling hub of local commerce exemplifies the self-sufficiency and resourcefulness that characterises the province.

Our meetings with Malaita’s Provincial Government emphasised the importance of locally-led development. As one Ward Committee Chair humorously remarked, if UNDP’s approach works in Malaita, it can be replicated elsewhere in Solomon Islands or across the Pacific. This area-based methodology ensures that projects are fit-for-purpose and genuinely reflect local needs and priorities. 

Demographic Realities and Future Challenges

While civil society organisations are making impressive strides, significant challenges remain. Solomon Islands’ demographics tell a compelling story:

*70 percent of the population is under 35 years old

*In Honiara alone, approximately 50 new babies are born each day

*The country’s population will soon exceed one million, making it one of the most populous island nations in the Pacific

These figures underscore the urgent need to deepen engagement with young people and create pathways for their meaningful participation in civic life. Similarly, people with disabilities and their advocates require greater inclusion to ensure that democracy truly works for everyone.

A Crossroads for Solomon Islands’ Future

What we do now – government, development partners, and civil society – will determine whether this new generation chooses to remain in Solomon Islands as leaders and guardians of thriving communities bordered by healthy reefs and clear blue shorelines, or whether they will seek opportunities elsewhere.

Civil society organisations stand at this crossroads as crucial agents of change. By amplifying local voices and ensuring development is truly inclusive, these organisations can help create a Solomon Islands where the growing population chooses to stay, invest, and build. 

Moving Forward Together

To build a Solomon Islands where people choose to remain and lead, we must go beyond acknowledging civil society’s importance – we must actively invest in their capacity to shape the future. This means:

*Providing sustainable funding mechanisms for grassroots organisations

*Ensuring youth and disability advocates have seats at decision-making tables

*Supporting the scaling of successful locally-led initiatives across provinces

Civil society is not just a support system – it is a driving force for national progress. Their work today will determine the Solomon Islands of tomorrow.

END

PACNEWS