Solomon Islands opens Honiara Summit in colourful traditional ceremony
The Honiara Summit 2025 officially opened today in a colourful traditional ceremony, welcoming over 300 delegates from 28 countries to discuss global efforts towards Sustainable Development Goal 14.4 (SDG 14.4) on sustainable fisheries.
Solomon Islands traditional performers showcased the diverse cultures of the country during the official opening ceremony of the Honiara Summit. Photo by Ivan Utahenua/FFA Media
The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, officiated the opening ceremony, which featured a chupu presentation, a traditional Solomon Islands welcome. In his address, Hon. Manele highlighted the significance of the summit’s theme, “Iumi Tugeda. Delivering SDG14.4: Achieving Sustainable Fisheries.”
Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Jeremiah Manele delivering the keynote address at the Honiara Summit opening. Photo by Ivan Utahenua/FFA Media
“In Solomon Islands pijin, iumi tugeda means ‘you and me together’. It is obvious sustainable fisheries can only be achieved if we work together whether at the national, regional or international level,” said Hon. Manele.
He emphasised the Pacific’s longstanding commitment to regional cooperation in fisheries management, stating, “For over half a century, Pacific leaders have recognised the fundamental importance of working together to ensure the sustainability of our fish stocks. Regional cooperation is critical to optimising the benefits of our valuable fisheries resources while ensuring their long-term sustainability.”
The Honiara Summit serves as a key preparatory meeting ahead of the United Nations 3rd Ocean Conference, which will take place in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June 2025.
Speaking at the opening, UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, commended the Solomon Islands Government for hosting the summit and acknowledged the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) for co-hosting the event.
UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson. Photo by Ivan Utahenua/FFA Media
“We are gathered in preparation for the UN 3rd Ocean Conference to be held in Nice [France], 9 – 13 June this year. Specifically, we’re here to examine the world’s implementation of SDG 14, our universally agreed target of ensuring the sustainability of the world’s fisheries,” Ambassador Thomson stated.
The Honiara Summit 2025 is a milestone event bringing together government representatives, fisheries agencies, regional organisations, and international stakeholders to strengthen collaboration towards securing the future of the Pacific’s fisheries resources.
HONIARA, 25 February 2025
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| About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int |
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