The Honiara Summit 2025 opened on Tuesday with a vibrant traditional ceremony, gathering over 300 delegates from 28 countries to advance discussions on Sustainable Development Goal 14.4 (SDG 14.4), which focuses on sustainable fisheries. The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele, officiated the inauguration, which included a traditional chupu presentation, symbolizing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In his opening remarks, Manele emphasized the summit’s theme, “Iumi Tugeda. Delivering SDG 14.4: Achieving Sustainable Fisheries,” translating to “you and me together” in Solomon Islands pijin. He underscored the need for collective action at national, regional, and international levels to address the critical challenges facing fisheries sustainability.
The Prime Minister reiterated the longstanding commitment of Pacific leaders to work together in fisheries management, stating, “For over half a century, Pacific leaders have recognized the fundamental importance of collaboration to ensure the sustainability of our fish stocks.” He pointed out that regional cooperation is essential not only for maintaining the health of fish stocks but also for optimizing the economic benefits derived from these resources.
Manele called for increased dialogue at the summit to tackle pressing issues such as overfishing, illegal fishing practices, and destructive fishing methods. He highlighted the expectation that summit findings will contribute toward a comprehensive progress report on SDG 14.4.1 and provide solutions to existing implementation gaps.
Ambassador Peter Thompson, the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Ocean, praised the summit as a crucial opportunity for demonstrating solidarity and environmental stewardship. He acknowledged the Solomon Islands government for hosting the summit and recognized the cooperation with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).
The Honiara Summit is a pivotal preparatory meeting leading up to the UN 3rd Ocean Conference scheduled for June 9-13, 2025, in Nice, France. It serves as a crucial platform for forging partnerships among government representatives, fisheries agencies, regional organizations, and international stakeholders, all dedicated to securing the future of Pacific fisheries.
This summit embodies a hopeful vision for collaboration and proactive measures that can ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries, which are vital to the economic and cultural fabric of Pacific Island nations. By working together, there is a promising pathway to better management practices that can benefit both the environment and local communities reliant on these marine resources.
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