Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT’s) proposed donor roundtable event has gained the support of United Nations (UN).
This came after the UN Resident Coordinator in Fiji, Dirk Wagener pledged his support when he met with the Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM), Dr Jimmie Rodgers in a meeting at the margins of the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Summit in Nuku’alofa, Tonga, last week.
The roundtable program is one of the main events contained in GNUT’s 100-day program.
Mr Wagener stated that the UN resident office is familiar with such events and wished to share the experience with the GNUT’s Donor Roundtable Event.
During the meeting, different modalities and scenarios were explored as the UN seeks to have its presence in the country.
UN Country Teams to Regional Office setups were discussed and the UN Resident Coordinator affirmed that his office has come up with a business case and will amalgamate it with that of GNUT’s intention.
Mr Wagener further stated that his office will work closely with GNUT to establish the program’s joint committee.
He stated that his office looks forward to assist GNUT with the hosting of the SDG14.4 meeting in February next year (2025). The SDG 14.4 meeting will be co- hosted by the Solomon Islands Government and the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
Mr Wagener also expressed his office’s interest to assist Solomon Islands Government with the hosting of the 54thPacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Honiara.
Solomon Islands will host the 54th PIF meeting next year from September 8 to 12.
The UN will finally establish its office in Honiara following an invitation and call made by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.
PM Manele specifically pointed out that the UN needs to have a permanent presence in Honiara as the international governing body needs to have more visibility in various projects in the country.
- OPMC
