PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has expressed his Government of National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT’s) commitment to fostering an environment where young women can rise, achieve and contribute to shared progress in the Pacific Islands region.
PM Manele was speaking at a welcome dinner hosted for the Miss Pacific Islands, Moemoana Schwenke, the eight contestants of the MPIP 2025 and their entourages by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Monday night at the Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel.
“As the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, I stand before you this evening with immense pride, knowing that our country is playing a part in nurturing the potential of women across the Pacific.
“We are here to support you, not only during this pageant show, but in your future endeavours, in whatever way we can.
“Our government is committed to fostering an environment where young women can rise, achieve and contribute to our shared progress in the Pacific,” he said.
“My government has pledged its support to this once in a lifetime event in our country. We will do our best to ensure that this is successful and that we make you proud to represent your countries here in Solomon Islands.
“My government is proud to support this event as it aligns with our ongoing efforts to promote gender-equality, youth empowerment and the protection of our culture and our environment. Our people take great pride in our heritage and our land.
“As we welcome all of you to our shores, we celebrate our pacific connections, knowing that we are bound together by shared values, mutual respect, care for our environment and importance of our families and communities,” PM Manele added.
PM Manele also took the opportunity to encourage the eight contestants with the message that by being here in Solomon Islands for the event, each of them is already a winner.
“Whether you are crowned as the Miss Pacific Islands 2025 or not, each of you is already a winner. Each of you is already a champion, each of you is a role model for the next generation of women who will follow in your footsteps. Your courage, your commitment and your vision for a better Pacific will inspire those around you to believe in their own power, create change.
“Hence, while there will be only one over-all winner at the end of this event, be assured that you are all champions in your own right. You are ambassadors of your communities, your cultures and your nations. You stand for what you believe in.”
He added that beauty is both external and internal and that the combination of both is what brought the contestants to the MPIP 2025 platform.
PM Manele said each of the contestants has the power to shape the future of the Pacific region and that they are the hope and inspiration that will carry the Pacific forward into a brighter tomorrow. More on pageant queens in pages 8 and 9.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
