The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), formalising a landmark partnership to strengthen Solomon Islands’ security capability through education, professionalisation, and institutional development.
The Australian High Commission was also present at the signing ceremony, welcoming the agreement as a major step forward in the context of Australia’s support for a fully local security studies capability in Solomon Islands.
The MOU establishes a framework for cooperation between the academic and security sectors, supporting the expansion of postgraduate security studies at SINU and laying the early foundations for a future security studies institute.
The initiative will help SINU realise its ambition to become a regional leader in security studies, while responding to calls from Solomon Islands security sector leaders for advanced professional development opportunities to be delivered domestically.
“The Solomon Islands context is very unique,” Permanent Secretary for MPNSCS Ms Karen Galokale said at the signing ceremony. “We cannot use imported frameworks. We need academic programs that are aligned to our national priorities and strategies as well as international standards.
“We are therefore very supportive of a local institute and want to thank the Australian Government and SINU for their work to build long-term capability.”
Ms Stephanie Aeuckens, Minister Counsellor (Political) at the Australian High Commission, attended the ceremony at Kukum and emphasised the importance of locally led institutions in building enduring security capability.
“Enabling Solomon Islanders to study, teach, research, and lead in the security domain within their own national institutions is central to building durable and self-sustaining capability,” Ms Aeuckens said.
“Australia takes its role as Solomon Islands’ primary security partner very seriously. We were pleased that Australia was SINU’s first and natural choice to support the development of a long-term sovereign capability built around people, skills, knowledge, and locally led institutions.”
Under the MOU, SINU and the Ministry will collaborate on program development and delivery, knowledge exchange, staff secondments, and institutional strengthening. With Australian support, two Ministry officers have already been seconded to SINU and will form part of the teaching staff for the postgraduate security studies program commencing in March.
“We now need to translate this MOU into tangible outcomes,” Acting Vice Chancellor of SINU Dr Eric Katovai said at the ceremony, “to ensure a stable, more secure, and more resilient Solomon Islands.”
Australia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Postgraduate Security Studies Program, including its planned transition into a full diploma and preparatory work toward establishing a dedicated security studies institute at SINU.
The MOU also aligns with broader security reforms, including the landmark agreement between Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supporting Solomon Islands’ ambition to expand the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.
Planning is progressing for the construction of a new RSIPF Police Academy. Together, these initiatives reflect a holistic approach to security sector development—combining infrastructure with sustained investment in people and institutions.
“Congratulations to SINU and the Ministry on the signing of the MOU,” Ms Aeuckens said.
“This is a decisive step toward a more professional, resilient, and sovereign Solomon Islands security sector, built on local leadership and long-term national capability.”
