Solomon Islands Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Nestor Ghiro has reminded the more than 300 delegates participating in the 2025 Honiara Summit of the importance of managing the oceans and marine resources.
Minister Ghiro issued this strong statement when he welcomed the international delegates and Pacific leaders, partners in fisheries and officials at the opening of the summit at Friendship Hall in East Honiara yesterday.
The summit focuses on meaningful action and innovation towards achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)14: Life Below Water with a dedicated focus on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources for our sustainable development.
Speaking at the grand opening, Minister Ghiro said, “Your presence here today therefore reflects a shared commitment to one of the most pressing issues of our time – the sustainable management of our oceans and fisheries and marine resources.
“And more so today, we gather not only as representatives of our respective nations and organizations but as stewards and indigenous custodians of our oceans, united by this one common purpose, the sustainability of our oceans and fisheries.”
The theme of the Summit is ‘Iumi tugeda: Delivering on SDG14.4: Achieving Sustainable Fisheries’ calls for our togetherness, to work together, to cooperate together to deliver SDG 14.4.
Minister Ghiro said the Summit therefore presents a unique opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue about the critical challenges at hand.
“As you know, SDG 14 calls for us to end overfishing and to restore fish stocks to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield.
“The significance of this goal cannot be overstated, especially for small island developing states like ours, where the health of our marine resources is inextricably linked to our livelihoods, culture, development and future,” he emphasised.
Minister Ghiro said this therefore requires urgent attention and collaborative action.
“Together we can share knowledge, exchange experience, and develop innovative strategies and actionable solutions that will help us achieve this vital objective to benefit our nations and the global community,” he added.
Minister Ghiro further added, “we are reminded of the vital role our oceans play in supporting not only our livelihoods but also our culture and ecosystems.”
He said the region’s rich marine biodiversity with its healthy tuna fish stock is a living testament to the importance of sustainable fisheries.
“Our communities depend on these resources, and it is our responsibility to ensure their health and vitality for future generations.”
The Summit is jointly hosted by the Government of Solomon Islands and the Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in close collaboration with the United Nations Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thompson.
Among the guests attending the Summit are:
1. UNSG Special Envoy for the Ocean, Peter Thomson;
2. FAO Assistant Director General, Dr Manuel Barange;
3. Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Feleti Teo;
4. Prime Minister for Niue, Dalton Tagelagi;
5. President of Palau, Surangel Whipps;
6. EU Director General (MARE), Mrs Charlina Vitcheva;
7. President Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Dr Atsushi Sunami;
8. Prime Minister for Papua New Guinea, James Marape; and
9. FFA Director General Noan Pakop.
