PRIME MINISTER MEETS WITH UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR

Prime Minister Honourable Jeremiah Manele this week received a courtesy call from the United Nations Resident Coordinator to Solomon Islands, Mr. Dirk Wagener.

Mr. Wagener was accompanied by Mr. Brian James Williams, Chief of the Financing for Peacebuilding Branch, based in New York, United States of America.

Following an exchange of courtesies, Prime Minister Manele acknowledged the ongoing support of the United Nations through its various agencies in Solomon Islands. He underscored the importance of sustaining peace and stability in the country, given its post-conflict context, and recommended that the UN, through its Peacebuilding Fund, consider supporting the Bina Harbour Project in Malaita Province.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Bina Harbour Project is pivotal to achieving long-term peace and stability.

He also expressed the need for a UN Resident Coordinator to be based in Honiara, given the country’s post-conflict status and population demographics.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister was also briefed on the UN Peacebuilding Fund, particularly its two funding options for post-conflict countries: the Immediate Response Facility, and the Peacebuilding and Recovery Facility, which provides support over a five-year period.

To qualify for Peacebuilding Fund support, countries must meet strict criteria, including recognition as post-conflict states.

The UN Resident Coordinator to Solomon Islands, Dirk Wagener, assured Prime Minister Manele that the recommendation for a Honiara-based Resident Coordinator will be pursued.

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– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT