This week in New York, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele took part in a high-level roundtable at the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Global Forum, highlighting the Solomon Islands’ achievements in ocean conservation and sustainable development across the Pacific.

The Bloomberg Global Forum, held alongside the United Nations General Assembly, convenes world leaders, philanthropists, and private sector representatives to explore solutions to pressing global challenges.

Through interactive discussions and side events, participants exchange ideas, build partnerships, and identify actionable solutions on issues including climate resilience, ocean governance, and sustainable economic development.

During the roundtable at The Plaza Hotel, Prime Minister Manele shared Solomon Islands’ perspective on regional and global ocean governance. Discussions focused on the historic ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, which reached its 60-country threshold this week and is expected to enter into force in early 2026. 

While welcoming this milestone, the Prime Minister stressed that the treaty’s effectiveness will ultimately depend on being complemented by strong conservation and sustainable-use measures within national jurisdiction. He emphasized that only through this dual approach can the health and resilience of the world’s oceans be secured. 

The Prime Minister also highlighted the Melanesian Ocean Reserve (MOR) initiative, a Solomon Islands-led effort integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern science to safeguard biodiversity and secure sustainable economic benefits for Ocean Peoples. 

Discussions highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, philanthropy, and innovative partnerships to implement ocean conservation strategies effectively.

“The BBNJ Agreement and regional initiatives like the Melanesian Ocean Reserve illustrate the growing momentum toward collaborative ocean governance. Solomon Islands remains committed to protecting our oceans for current and future generations,” PM Manele said.

Other leaders participating in the roundtable included Fiji’s Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Hon. Wesley Simina, President of the Federated States of Micronesia, Hon. Feleti Teo, Prime Minister of Tuvalu along with representatives from philanthropic and international organizations.