By Transparency Solomon Islands
The misuse and abuse of entrusted power (Corruption) remains a major problem in the Pacific region and needs urgent action.
From people’s voices, experiences, observations and perceptions per Global Corruption Barometer Pacific 2021 report, corruption is a major concern and issue in the region.
It is a significant problem in the machinery of the government and will get worse if left unchecked.
With the establishment, participation and involvement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the Pacific region, they become a significant catalyst aimed to target and deliver more sustainable change and improvement in the Pacific region, more importantly an avenue for positive change in people’s lives.
CSOs bridge the gap from government services to and for the grassroots. (For people with disability, women, children, men and their resources) aimed at achieving long lasting, sustainable change.
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) acknowledged and commends Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Pacific Islands Forum leaders for their recognition of Civil Society Organizations in the country.
The CSOs will have an hour of dialogue with the Forum during the upcoming 54th Leaders Meeting in Honiara next month.
This gesture—simple in structure but profound in meaning—signals a shift toward more inclusive governance, where the voices of those working tirelessly in Honiara, villages, provincial townships, and remote islands are not just heard but valued.
For decades, CSOs across the Pacific have been the quiet architects of change and Solomon Islands is no exception.
They have filled gaps in service delivery, championed human rights, responded to disasters, promote clean elections and good governance, promote general health and well being, nurtured cultural identity and engaged in other relevant areas.
Yet, their contributions are often sidelined because of high-level decision-making. CSO’s become unnoticed.
However, this initiative will enable CSOs Direct Access to DecisionMakers.
This willgive themfreedomand opportunity to speak facetoface with heads of government and regional policymakers and have the ability to present grassroots priorities without layers of bureaucracy.
An opportunity to participate freely to share their thoughts on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent with lived community perspectives, experiences and stories.
This offers a platform to raise urgent issues like climate resilience, gender equality, youth empowerment concerns, general health and well being, women and children welfare issues, sustainable livelihood, clean elections and good governance and other areas of concern that matter most to our people.
The opportunity will potentially build stronger Network and Partnerships amongst Pacific Islands member countries.
This is aimed at stronger ties with other CSOs, regional bodies, and development partners.
This gives them the chance to explore collaborations that can lead to joint projects or funding opportunities.
TSI believes, that a well-resourced, funded and supported Civil Society Organization is able to empower people with key and critical knowledge for them to make more informed decisions and choices.
The engagement gives room for higher visibility and recognition to showcase the work of local CSOs to a regional and international audience and works towards Strengthen legitimacy and public trust by being seen as part of the policy conversation.
CSO’s will benefit from Knowledge Exchange, potentiallylearn from other Pacific CSOs’ approaches to shared challenges. They will gain insights into regional policy trends, funding mechanisms, and advocacy strategies.
A way forward in terms of Capacity Building Opportunities byIdentify training, technical support, and resource avenues offered by Forum partners.
By opening the doors to direct engagement, Forum leaders acknowledged that sustainable development cannot be achieved without the insights and lived experiences of civil society.
Therefore, this proposed hour of dialogue with the CSO’s, gives opportunity for inclusive participation.
The Solomon Islands, as host nation, deserves particular recognition. it is a validation of the tireless work done by local change-makers.
It also reflects the nation’s commitment to democratic values and community-led development
This meeting offers an opportunity for CSOs to present grassroots solutions to regional challenges. Share Solomon Islands’ cultural heritage and community resilience stories, reinforcing the value of local knowledge in regional solutions.
It allows leaders to listen, learn, and co-create policies that reflect the realities of Pacific people.
A Pacific region with its citizens promoting good governance, free from corruption.
Let this hour be the beginning of a deeper partnership.
One where civil society is not just consulted, but integrated into the very fabric of regional decision-making.
The Pacific Islands Forum has taken a bold step toward that future. May it be the first of many.