16th Pacific Water Conference & EXPO, and 9th Pacific Water Ministerial Forum underway in Honiara
By Eliza Kukutu
The 16th Pacific Water Conference & EXPO, and the 9th Pacific Water Ministerial Forum is underway in Honiara following its official opening this morning at the Friendship Hall.
Solomon Islands is hosting the event for the first time ever under the theme “Water and Wastewater for All: Connecting people, policies, and communities for a shared sustainable future.”
The week-long event brings together around 300 delegates, providing a platform for Ministers, utility leaders, water professionals, industry experts, and development partners to engage in insightful discussions, exchange best practices, and explore new technologies tailored to the unique needs of the region.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele receiving gits from the Vanuatu delegation.
Delivering his keynote address, Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele said the theme is a timely reminder of the importance of water and waste water in the region.
He highlighted that water is not simply a utility issue, but is central to life and development.
” Across our Blue Pacific, we face shared challenges including Rising seas salting our groundwater, Prolonged droughts straining our communities, Extreme weather events damaging infrastructure, Rising costs, and aging infrastructure. But with every challenge comes opportunity — to work smarter, to work together, and to ensure that no Pacific child grows up without safe water and sanitation.”
” I urge you to share your experiences, knowledge and solutions to address our common challenges. This region needs integration not just in trade but also in the planning and delivery of water and wastewater services,” Prime Minister Manele said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Pacific Water & Waste Water Association, Fuimaono Dominic Schwalger emphasized on the ongoing impacts of climate change which continues to challenge water needs in both the national and community level.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Pacific Ministers posing for a group photo.
He highlighted the significance of hosting the Ministerial Forum alongside the conference.
” What elevates this conference beyond a technical meeting is the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum – the only regional platform where ministers convene solely on water and sanitation to align policy, prioritise investments, and connect political will with on-the-ground expertise. Their presence ensures our dialogue is not just informative, but influential.”
“As Honiara prepares to host Pacific leaders in the coming weeks, our timing is significant. The outcomes and messages we craft here can help drive water security higher on the regional agenda where it belongs, and translate commitment into funded, sequenced delivery across our member countries,” Schwalger said.
The landmark event will run from 25th to 29th August, 2025.
ENDS//