AT the second day of the National Dialogue, the Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Sogavare, Leader of the Opposition, Hon Jeremiah Manele, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Provincial Premiers and youth and women leaders agreed to work collectively and in partnership to sustain peace in the country after RAMSI leaves.

The two-day dialogue hosted by the Prime Minister under the theme ‘Sustaining Peace and Stability’ is supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF) project, through United Nations Development Program and United Nations Women Solomon Islands.

The provincial premiers reiterated their commitment to work closely with the central government on accelerating reforms to develop all Provinces.

Honiara should be seen as an asset to develop Solomon Islands, stated The Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Hon Anthony Veke.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon Manele and the Speaker of the Parliament, Mr Ajilon Nasiu attended the event fully alongside women and youth leaders and contributed to various resolutions and recommendations.

Prime Minister Sogavare welcomed the consensus and recommendations proposed by participants and promised to work closely with national stakeholders to advance reform agendas, anticorruption, development decentralisation, land reform and advancing women and youth participations.

During the discussion on reparation in relation to the Recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, participants agreed to focus on the need to deal with the past for a better future.

Participants expressed their desire and support to the Government and Members of Parliament to pass a Reparation Bill and Framework.

Anti-corruption was highlighted as the top priority with all participants agreeing for the Anti- Corruption Bill to be passed as law as soon as possible.

In her remarks to participants before travelling back to Suva, Resident Coordinator United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office in Fiji, Ms Osnat Lubrani, reiterated UN commitments to continue supporting Solomon Islands and its national efforts to sustain peace and accelerate development.

“The United Nations is very proud to see commitments and consensus by everyone in Solomon Islands in thinking about a better future and sustaining peace. We are here to support you. UNDP and UN Women will be on the ground to work with all of you.”

–OPMC PRESS