Solomon Islands Government and UN host first Joint Steering Committee

The Solomon Islands Government, and the United Nations (UN) jointly hosted the first Joint Steering Committee meeting to discuss the implementation of their joint work in the Solomon Islands, strategic partnerships moving forward, and financing opportunities on Wednesday 16 March.

The meeting was hosted by Solomon Islands Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Collin Beck, and UN Resident Coordinator to Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Sanaka Samarasinha.

PS Collin Beck was joined by PS Susan Sulu and PS Dr Melchior Mataki and other senior Government officials.

PS Beck welcomed Solomon Islands engagement with the United Nations and acknowledge the work of the UN in the last four years. The two Parties discussed Solomon Islands 2022 priorities against the 2022 UN Joint Country Programme and further agreed to begin discussion on the next cycle of UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 on the Third week of April.

Mr Samarasinha said the UN will support Solomon Islands in its response to and recovery from COVID-19, strengthening Governance and rule of law, promoting sustainable economy, and the full inclusion of all including women and youth in development processes.

“The establishment of the Joint UN/Government Steering Committee was discussed of which both parties recognized its importance allowing both the Government and UN to provide strategic direction and oversight to the implementation of the joint UN programmes in Solomon Islands. New levels of collaboration across the system, and streamlining of processes will result in greater efficiencies and decreased transaction costs,” he added.

UN’s contribution to Solomon Islands in 2022 is projected to be US$23.1m – a 5% increase from the 2021 provisions.

These contributions will support the Solomon Islands in equitable basic services, climate change, disaster resilience and environmental protection, governance and community engagement, gender equality, and Economic empowerment and Human rights.

-GCU/UN Resident Coordinator’s Office