Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Minister for Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNURP) Hon Samson Maneka being led by Western Province Premier Wayne Maepio and PPC Vincent Eria upon arrival yesterday at Nusatupe Airstrip.

A dialogue on sustaining peace and accelerating development is being held in Gizo starting today.

It is organised by the Western Provincial Government together with the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNURP) supported from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the United Nations Peace Building Fund (UNPBF).

Western Province hosts this dialogue and international stakeholders have been invited to observe in the province.

The objective of the dialogue is to ascertain local solutions and commitments to sustain peace that are owned by leaders and people of Western Province, and the national government of Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Hon Samson Maneka, Minister of MNURP as well as women, youth representatives, church leaders, village, tribal chiefs, provincial members, and Western province Premier Wayne Maepio are in attendance.

Hon Maepio said this is an opportunity to identify, examine and discuss the development challenges and economic potentials of the Western province.

“We will be discussing more issue on tourism, security including on border security, anti-corruption and resourcing peace and development.

“Our main issues emanating from this dialogue will be presented at the National Dialogue to be convened in June 2017 in Honiara,” said Maepio.

He thanks the Prime Minister and delegates, stakeholders, Provincial Government and the people of Western Province for the occasion.

Meanwhile, the UNPBF is supporting the Government of Solomon Islands and national stakeholders during a transitional period in view of the RAMSI drawdown this year.

This is to create an inclusive space for dialogue and reconciliation and to strengthen the national capacity for implementing the national peace building policy, including enhancing the engagement of women and youth in peace building processes.

The dialogue concludes on Wednesday May 24, 2017, at the Wesley United Church Rest house hall.