Prime Minister Manele in Vienna for OPEC Fund Development Forum
Vienna, Austria – Tuesday 17 June 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele is in Vienna, Austria, for the OPEC Fund Development Forum hosted by the OPEC Fund for International Development.
The Prime Minister arrived in Vienna over the weekend after attending the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, where he joined global leaders in advancing international cooperation on ocean protection and sustainable marine resource management.
The OPEC Fund Development Forum brings together world leaders, senior government officials, development partners, and international organisations to discuss collaborative solutions to global development challenges. Under the theme “A Transition that Empowers Our Tomorrow,” this year’s Forum focuses on promoting inclusive growth, climate resilience, and sustainable financing, with particular attention to the needs of vulnerable and developing countries, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The OPEC Fund for International Development is an intergovernmental development finance institution established in 1976 by the member states of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the OPEC Fund provides financial support to developing countries for their socioeconomic development. Its mission is to foster South-South partnerships with fellow developing countries worldwide, aiming to eradicate poverty and promote sustainable development.
The Solomon Islands has been a beneficiary of the OPEC Fund’s support, receiving approvals totaling approximately US$7 million. These funds have been directed to projects in transportation, multi sectoral initiatives, and energy, including the Guadalcanal Road Improvement Project (1984) and the Honiara Road Rehabilitation Project (1995). The Fund also supported the BOP multisectoral project (1981), addressing a range of development challenges across the country.
While in Vienna, Prime Minister Manele is expected to participate in key discussions and bilateral meetings with development partners during the Forum to strengthen cooperation and explore opportunities to support the Solomon Islands’ current national development priorities, including infrastructure development, renewable energy, and climate adaptation.
His participation affirms the Solomon Islands Government’s commitment to building strong international partnerships to advance Solomon Islands’ development aspirations.
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– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT