THE formalisation of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) Virtual Engagement Policy Framework has continued.
Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries and other senior representatives from Government ministries attended a session on 30 September to discuss and formalise the framework.
National Consultant for the Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (PIMEU) of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr. Bernard Bataanisia facilitated the discussion this morning at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM)’s conference centre.
According to Bataanisia, the Government sees the need for the Virtual Engagement Policy because of the closure of international borders and travel restrictions brought about by the current COVID-19 pandemic.
It also provided an opportunity for virtual meetings to be conducted between Honiara and the Provinces.
According to Bataanisia, once the formalisation process is completed, the policy framework will go to the Cabinet for deliberation and endorsement and will be monitored by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, in consultation with all Ministries.
The aim is to ensure SIG is effectively engaged in its meeting and conferences internationally as well as nationally during the period when travels are restricted and borders are closed.
The objectives of the policy include to ensure Solomon Islands remain engaged with its bilateral and multilateral partners during the COVID-19 pandemic, and after, as well as to ensure meeting outcomes are conveyed to the Government for appropriate action and follow up.
