Honiara, June 19 – The United Nations Resident Coordinator for Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, Mr. Dirk Wagener, and UNDP Resident Representative for Solomon Islands, Ms. Tuya Altangerel, called on the Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele on Wednesday during their official visit to Solomon Islands.

The UN Resident Coordinator commenced the meeting by congratulating the Prime Minister on his election and appointment, and the people of Solomon Islands for their peaceful elections and transition to a new government. He commended Solomon Islands’ steadfast commitment to sustainable development and for its strong support of cooperation with the United Nations system.

Mr. Wagener highlighted the strong UN presence in the Solomon Islands and emphasized:

“There are eight agencies of the UN family in Solomon Islands with 170 staff, this being the second largest presence of the UN in the Pacific, underscoring the continued prioritization of Solomon Islands.”

Highlighting the multidimensional challenges faced by the Pacific countries, compounded by climate change, the UN Resident Coordinator reiterated the UN’s continued commitment to supporting the Government in achieving the objectives outlined in the country´s National Development Strategy and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

On behalf of UNDP, Ms. Altangerel expressed her deep appreciation for “the Government’s trust, cooperation, and financial contributions to critical areas of UNDP’s work in the country.”

The discussion also focused on new opportunities for UNDP´s key areas of potential support. Ms. Altangerel spoke on areas, “such as climate change adaptation, energy transition, decentralization, and technological adaptation with targeted programs around the blue economy for more employment for the young Solomon Islanders who count for the 70 percent of the population”

Before concluding, the UN Resident Coordinator also offered support in strengthening of the coordination of development partners in the country.

For more information or media enquiries please contact:

Daniel C. Gonzalez, Communications Specialist, UNDP Solomon Islands Office, daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org | +677 7740 740/ +34 656 565 270