National Development Strategy Under Review

The Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) is currently reviewing the National Development Strategy (NDS) launched in 2016.

With a timeline from 2016 to 2035, the National Development Strategy (NDS) outlines the broad objectives for development and how the country would like to advance sustainable development.

Permanent Secretary for MNPDC Susan Sulu explained that the review process aimed at several objectives.

“One is specially to look at how we have progressed sustainable development in the context of the national development strategy. So, what progress have we made, but also to look at what are some of the gaps and the challenges in implementation. 

“The second part of the review process of the NDS is, this is tied to our pathway to graduate out of Least Developed Country (LDC) status, and that is, the review would also serve as a pathway to informing our preparation of the LDC graduation smooth transition strategy. 

“Thirdly, Solomon Islands has agreed to do a voluntary National Review of its implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2024. So, this review will also be a pathway towards informing our voluntary national reporting on the sustainable development goals,” PS Susan Sulu explained.

According to the PS, the inclusive approach involves various stakeholders, with the results set to be presented by March 2024.

“The process that we have undertaken is one that is inclusive, inclusive in terms of the line ministries and the sectors here in the capital that are responsible for driving implementation at the sectoral level, including, as well, our development partners, our non-government organization stakeholders, and the private sector. 

“It also involves consultations with provincial governments, we have completed a number of provinces in 2023.

“This year, we have a timeline of completing the review by March. Our initial timeline was September last year, we however, were not able to finance the remaining provincial consultations. 

“But we have mobilized some resources to be able to undertake provincial consultations in the remaining provinces, which are Choiseul province, Western Province, Temotu province, Rennell and Bellona province. So, these are the remaining provinces that we need to undertake consultations with, the teams are now undertaking logistical and administrative arrangements to complete this. And so by March, we should be able to present the results of the review,” 

The PS highlighted commitments related to the Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation and the voluntary National Review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2024. 

Ms Sulu highlighted the importance of the strategy, stating that it will enable and prepare the country to graduate from the LDC category.

She pointed out that this commitment reflects the Solomon Islands’ dedication to both national and global development goals, showcasing a vision for sustained reform in planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, and aid coordination.

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By Alex Dadamu