
PRIME MINISTER MANELE WELCOMES PACIFIC LEADERS
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Honiara, Monday 8 September 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele officially welcomed Pacific Islands Forum Leaders and delegates to Honiara, marking the beginning of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM54).
The Prime Minister said it was a “great honour and privilege” for the Government and People of Solomon Islands to host the Forum Family, noting that preparations had taken months and involved contributions from across the country.“Indeed, the true beauty of the Forum is the opportunity that we have to share the richness of our culture, diversity and heritage through the annual convenings of our Leaders Summit, across our Blue Pacific Continent. We are so proud to have this opportunity to host you all this year – tagio tumas,” he said.
The Prime Minister extended a special acknowledgment to the people of Guadalcanal, the traditional custodians of the land, for their enduring stewardship and cultural heritage.
He also thanked Solomon Islanders in the provinces and capital who worked together to prepare for the meeting, saying their collective effort was a reflection of national pride.
The week-long Forum will include political dialogues, cultural showcases, and the endorsement of key regional commitments on peace, resilience, and Pacific unity.

SPOUSES VISIT NATIONAL ART GALLERY
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Honiara, Monday 8 September 2025 – As part of the official program for the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM54), the spouses of Pacific Island leaders, accompanied by Madam Joycelyn Manele, visited the Solomon Islands National Art Gallery today. They were accompanied on a tour by French Polynesian President Hon. Moetai Charles Brotherson.
The visit is part of the PIFLM spouses’ program, which highlights the cultural heritage and creative talents of the host nation while giving international guests a chance to engage with local communities.
The spouses explored traditional artifacts, unique products, and local handicrafts. Highlights included shell money making from Langa Langa Lagoon, Malaita, and traditional basket weaving from Rennell and Western Province.
Traditional gifts were presented to the spouses, including kusa, shell money, jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, and lavalava. Guests also had the opportunity to browse local stalls and purchase items from talented Solomon Islands artists and craft makers.
The National Art Gallery exhibition will remain open for the duration of PIFLM54, giving local artists a platform to showcase their work and share the Solomon Islands’ rich cultural heritage with international visitors.
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OFFICIAL OPENING OF PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM LEADERS MEETING SET FOR TOMORROW
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Honiara, Sunday 7 September 2025 – The official opening of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM54) will take place tomorrow, Monday 8 September 2025, at the National Stadium, Sports City, Honiara, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
The ceremony will be open to the public, with seating available in the East Wing of the Stadium. The West Wing has been reserved for VIPs and invited guests of PIFLM54.
Earlier in the afternoon, Forum Leaders will participate in the traditional welcome ceremony of the Tepuke and the Uto ni Yalo at the Maritime Academy of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Due to limited space, this will be a closed session for Leaders and invited delegates only.
However, the public will be able to view the ceremony live on the big screen at the National Stadium prior to the start of the official opening ceremony at 6:00pm. Gates at the National Stadium will open at 4:00pm for the public.
Tomorrow evening’s official opening will feature a cultural welcome with the Chupu Ceremony, the presentation of gifts from Solomon Islands’ nine provinces, and a diversity dance. The programme will also include remarks by Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa, Prime Minister of Tonga Hon. Aisake Valu Eke, and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP, followed by the formal handover of the Forum Chairmanship. A special performance will close the evening’s proceedings.
The official opening marks the start of the week-long programme of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, hosted by Solomon Islands under the theme: “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent.”
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SPECIAL SERVICE MARKS START OF PACIFIC ISLANDS FORUM WEEK
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Honiara, Sunday 7 September 2025 – A special service was held this afternoon at St Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara to mark the start of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (54PIFLM).
The service brought together Forum Leaders, Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, government ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests in reflection and prayer for the success of the week-long meeting.
As the first official event of the Forum, the service highlighted the spirit of unity and fellowship that underpins this year’s theme: “Iumi Tugeda: Act Now for an Integrated Blue Pacific Continent.”
Delivering the sermon, General Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, Reverend James Bhagwan, reminded leaders that the ocean, reefs, and islands are gifts from God entrusted to them as custodians for future generations. He strongly emphasized the importance of working together to safeguard these shared treasures.
The 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will be held from 8–12 September 2025 in Solomon Islands, with all main sessions in Honiara and the Leaders Retreat to be hosted in Noro, Western Province.
The official opening ceremony will take place in Honiara tomorrow.
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