The National Steering Committee (NSC) and the National Technical Working Group (NTWG) recently celebrated the SOLKAS Project’s achievements since it began in February 2024. These milestones were discussed during meetings at CAM Enterprise in Honiara on December 11 and 12, 2025.
The NSC oversees the project’s strategic direction while the NTWG focuses on technical guidance. Together, they ensure that SOLKAS aligns with national development goals, especially in sustainability.
SOLKAS aims to benefit around 263,000 people, which is about 64% of the country’s total population. This includes about 185,100 direct beneficiaries across 170 communities and 100 schools in six provinces: Central, Guadalcanal, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, and Temotu.
During the event, Tory Clawson, the Country Director for Save the Children in Solomon Islands, highlighted the project’s broader significance. “SOLKAS is more than just a climate initiative; it strengthens governance,” she said, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate impacts. She noted that “our systems must keep pace” with these accelerating challenges.
David Hiba Hiriasia, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster and Meteorology, echoed this sentiment. He described SOLKAS as a “strategic investment” that aligns closely with national priorities in climate resilience and disaster management. He pointed out the Solomon Islands Government’s significant contributions to the project’s success.
The event was also the launch of the SOLKAS E-newsletter, which will serve as a central hub for updates, community stories, and climate-smart practices. This publication highlights the hard work of local individuals and communities involved in the project.
Without the teamwork among Save the Children, the Solomon Islands Government, and local partners, the progress of SOLKAS would not have been possible. Funding for this initiative includes USD 31.8 million, primarily from the Green Climate Fund, supplemented by contributions from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand.
As we look at the global picture, initiatives like SOLKAS are vital. According to a recent survey, nearly 70% of Pacific Islanders believe that climate change is a top priority for their governments, demonstrating a shared urgency and commitment to resilience.
In a time where everyone feels the impact of climate change, projects like SOLKAS not only provide immediate help but lay the groundwork for a stronger future for all Solomon Islanders.
