The Deputy Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Hon. Francis Sade, delivered a powerful and impactful intervention at the Executive Session of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
Addressing fellow Heads of Government, distinguished delegates, and the Chair, Deputy Prime Minister Sade emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to tackle the interconnected challenges facing Commonwealth member states.
Central to his remarks was the Solomon Islands’ strong commitment to the GREAT policy priorities: Green Growth, Resilience, Empowerment, Agility, and Trade.
At the session, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted climate change as a daily reality for the Solomon Islands and called for increased climate finance and investment in sustainable infrastructure.
He stressed the importance of empowering the youth through access to quality education, digital skills training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Furthermore, he urged the adoption of flexible and responsive governance frameworks to help small island developing states adapt quickly to economic shocks and technological changes.
He also voiced strong support for initiatives aimed at reducing trade barriers, harmonizing standards, and enhancing market access for smaller economies.
Deputy Prime Minister Sade affirmed the Solomon Islands’ commitment to working closely with Commonwealth members to build a greener, more resilient, empowered, agile, and prosperous future for all.
The statement underscores Solomon Islands’ leadership in addressing urgent challenges related to climate resilience, economic development, youth empowerment, and trade within the Commonwealth framework.
The government remains dedicated to driving meaningful progress in line with the CHOGM 2026 theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
