by Ednal Palmer

New British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Paul Robert Turner today met and briefed members of the local media on the work of the United Kingdom (UK) in the Solomon Islands and some of his key priorities.

Turner, who is also the non-resident High Commissioner to the Republic of Nauru, said the UK has provided most of its support to the Solomon Islands through multi-lateral partners such as UNICEF and others.

“We are the largest contributor to Gavi, a global vaccine organisation that linked to the United Nations,” Turner stated.

“We contribute about USD$2.6 billion through that program, which aims to save lives, reduce poverty, and protect the world against the threat of epidemics and pandemics, so much of the work that UNICEF is doing here is drawing on our funding,” he added.

“We also contribute large amounts of money to the Global Partnership for Education. These organisations are on the ground in the Solomon Islands.”

Turner said the United Kingdom also has bilateral programs with Solomon Islands that work in similar way.

“Most work with government is with parliament and institutional strengthening. We work with the media through the BBC Media Action program and provide scholarships for Solomon Islanders.”

Asked about his priorities during his term, Turner said it is climate change and helping strengthen and protect the country’s democratic institutions (Democracy).

“We put in a large amount of money in the global climate fund. 

“I understand it is bureaucratic to access the funds, but that is why we are here to support to expand bilateral relations and be a key partner in fighting climate change.”

The High Commissioner said he was keen to explore other opportunities in several economic sectors, especially the local cocoa industry, and affirmed that one of his personal goals is to produce tangible outcomes in the sector during his time in office.

Turner was appointed British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru in July 2024 and took up official duties early this year. 

He replaces Thomas Coward, who is now the Political Counsellor for the UK in Australia at Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Turner’s experience covers the UK Government and international organisations, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, and the European Union.

With the UK Department for International Development (DFID), Turner oversaw economic and trade portfolios in East and Southern Africa as well as in China. More recently, he worked for the World Bank in Uganda. 

Turner has also led development teams in a range of fragile states, including Afghanistan and the Western Balkans. 

The High Commissioner is the UK Government’s representative in a Commonwealth nation. 

They are responsible for the direction and work of the High Commission and its Deputy High Commissions and/or Consulates, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.