AGP Executive Report

US Peace Corps Return: Solomon Islands and the United States have signed an agreement to restart the Peace Corps programme in the country after more than 20 years, with Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela signing in Honiara and PM Matthew Wale highlighting renewed community support in schools, health and sports. Bilateral Talks in Honiara: Wale also met US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau during the same visit, reaffirming shared priorities and people-to-people ties. Pacific Language & Culture: Tok Pisin is celebrated as a living, unifying language in New Zealand’s Tok Pisin Wik events, with PNG community voices praising how it connects people across cultures. Beach Soccer Build-Up: Bilikiki coach James Naka is narrowing his squad for next month’s OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup in Tahiti, moving from 16 players down to a final 12. Tuna Bites Campaign: FFA and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, featuring a Pacific-wide tuna dish competition with Solomon Islands among participating countries. Sports & Community: Solomon Islands chess president Simon Chottu joins an Oceania sports roundtable in Melbourne on tech and sustainable development in sport, including expanding chess in schools. Film Challenge Momentum: POP48 is gearing up across host countries including Solomon Islands, pushing Pacific filmmakers to tell their own stories in a 48-hour challenge.

Beach Soccer: Bilikiki coach James Naka is narrowing his OFC Beach Soccer Men’s Nations Cup Tahiti squad, cutting from 16 down to a final 12 travelling players, with focus shifting to defending, attacking and set pieces. Music & Arts: Popondetta Arts and Music Festival delivered a big moment for Solomon Islands singer-songwriter Richard Saeni, aka Sean Rii, as he took the stage. Sports Development: Solomon Islands Chess Federation president Simon Chottu is in Melbourne for an Oceania roundtable on tech, innovation and sustainable funding in sport, including expanding chess in schools. Film Challenge (Regional): Pasifika TV’s POP48 48-hour film challenge is ramping up, with Solomon Islands among the host countries recruiting teams to create short films in just two days. Football (Regional): Labasa are gearing up to defend the B.O.G title in Fiji, bringing Solomon Islands futsal coach Jerry Sam as technical advisor. Governance & Sport Funding: The National Hosting Authority accepts serious findings from the 2023 Pacific Games special audit, including procurement breaches and court rulings affecting special funds. Bilateral Cooperation: Solomon Islands and Japan reaffirm cooperation on education, infrastructure, aviation and sports, including continued Japanese experts supporting local education work.

Tuna Bites & TV Culinary Challenge: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with one-day tuna-dish competitions in Fiji, FSM, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu—broadcast on TV to spotlight tuna’s role in Pacific food security and culture. POP48 Film Challenge (Solomon Islands in the mix): Pasifika TV’s 48-hour People of Pasifika film challenge is pushing Pacific filmmakers to tell their own stories, with teams from Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands racing to produce 4–6 minute films and audiences voting across PCBL platforms. Sports Spotlight (Solomon Islands): Labasa’s Extra Battle of the Giants title defence in Ba brings in Solomon Islands futsal coach Jerry Sam as technical advisor, while the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa features Solomon Islands in Group A. Arts & Screen Funding: Screenrights announces 2026 Cultural Fund recipients under “Learning Through Story,” including projects supporting disabled creatives and story-led screen training. Local Governance Watch: The National Hosting Authority accepts Auditor-General findings on the 2023 Pacific Games, including procurement and control weaknesses, and says it will work with Finance to fix special-fund warrant requirements. Solomon Islands–Japan Cooperation: Solomon Islands and Japan reaffirm cooperation on education, infrastructure, aviation and sports, with Japanese experts continuing work via the education task force.

Pacific Food & TV: The FFA and SPC launch “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, with Solomon Islands among eight countries running a one-day tuna dish contest judged by top chefs, then broadcast on TV to spotlight tuna’s role in Pacific food security and culture. Film & Storytelling: POP48 — People of Pasifika’s 48-hour film challenge — is pushing Pacific filmmakers to “tell their own stories,” with Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands hosting teams that will write, shoot and edit short films in 48 hours. Sports & Community: Labasa’s Extra Battle of the Giants title defence is underway in Ba, with the club bringing in Solomon Islands futsal coach Jerry Sam as technical advisor. Arts Funding: Screenrights announces 2026 Cultural Fund recipients under “Learning Through Story,” including a disability-led screen training project and story-led learning initiatives. Local Governance & Culture: The 18th Synod of the Diocese of Ysabel (DOY) wraps up in Jejevo, with church leaders and partners thanking communities for food, hospitality and entertainment during the week of deliberations. Bilateral Spotlight: Solomon Islands and Japan reaffirm cooperation in education, infrastructure, aviation and sports, including continued Japanese expert support.

Sports Leigh-Out: Fans got a fresh round-up of off-island and home-turf action in the latest Leigh Gases sports segment, with attention on the 21st Labor Day Softball Tournament and other regional highlights. Film & Storytelling: POP48 is pushing Pacific filmmakers to “tell their own stories,” with Fiji’s Pasifika TV chief of content spotlighting the 48-hour challenge that includes teams from Solomon Islands and other Pacific hosts. Football Pathways: Torika Boseiwaqa, 14, earned her first national call-up for Fiji’s Mini Kulas squad for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Solomon Islands—an early international step for a player inspired by her football family. Sports Governance: The National Hosting Authority accepted serious findings from the Auditor-General’s special audit into the 2023 Pacific Games, including procurement and control issues, while also responding to court rulings on special fund spending. Bilateral Cooperation: Solomon Islands and Japan reaffirmed cooperation on education, infrastructure, aviation and sports, with Japanese experts continuing work via Solomon Islands’ education task force. Regional Diplomacy: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Taiwan’s participation and China’s pressure remain hot topics, with leaders’ attendance and summit dynamics drawing scrutiny.

Pacific Film & Storytelling: Pasifika TV’s POP48 48-hour film challenge is gearing up across Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and the Cook Islands, with teams racing to make 4–6 minute films and reclaim Pacific narratives from authentic perspectives. Church & Community: The 18th Synod of the Diocese of Ysabel (DOY) wrapped up in Jejevo after a week of planning, with partners like UCSI and the Anglican Episcopal Church thanked for support, food, hospitality and entertainment. Solomon Islands Sports Spotlight: Labasa’s Babasiga Lions kick off the Extra Battle of the Giants in Ba with Solomon Islands futsal coach Jerry Sam as technical advisor, aiming to defend their B.O.G title and start fast in Group A. Regional Diplomacy Meets Culture: Solomon Islands and Japan reaffirm cooperation on education, infrastructure, aviation and sports during the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Governance & Funding: The National Hosting Authority accepts Auditor-General findings on the 2023 Pacific Games, including procurement control weaknesses, while addressing court clarifications on special funds. Sports Pathways: Australia announces $15.6m to help Pacific athletes and officials reach Brisbane 2032, feeding into events like the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games.

Extra Battle of the Giants (B.O.G) Football: Labasa are gearing up to defend their Battle of the Giants title in Ba, with coach Alvin Chand saying the Babasiga Lions will treat every group match like a final after recent losses to Ba. They’ve brought in Solomon Islands futsal coach Jerry Sam as technical advisor, and Labasa open Group A play against Nasinu at Govind Park (Sept 4–6, finals Sept 12–13). Solomon Islands–Japan Cooperation: On the margins of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Solomon Islands and Japan reaffirmed ties, discussing education, infrastructure, aviation and sports, with Japanese experts continuing work via Solomon Islands’ education task force. Pacific Film & Storytelling: The inaugural POP48 Film Challenge (Sept 4–6) is set to spotlight fast-made short films across Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Solomon Islands, with audiences voting via PCBL platforms. Cultural Screen Funding: Screenrights announced 2026 Cultural Fund recipients under “Learning Through Story,” including disability-led screen training and story labs supporting diverse creators. Sports Development Pathways: OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa with Solomon Islands in Group A, while Oceania sports leaders also push tech and innovation to grow access to sport.

Film & Culture: “The Foolishness of God: A Forgiveness Journey with Desmond Tutu” opens FIFDA Paris on 4 Sept, with the documentary’s Solomon Islands reconciliation thread highlighted after years of filming across major justice moments. Sports Governance: Solomon Islands’ National Hosting Authority accepts serious findings from the Auditor-General’s special audit into the 2023 Pacific Games, including procurement control issues, while also backing the wider Games achievements and moving to fix lawful warrant processes. Diplomacy for Development: Solomon Islands and Serbia are translating growing ties into practical community projects, with talks covering renewable energy, education, digitalisation, sports, tourism and community development. Regional Leaders’ Summit Tension: Solomon Islands is urging PIF members to reconsider dialogue partners’ presence at the leaders’ meeting in Palau, as partner attendance remains a flashpoint amid wider geopolitical pressure. Bilateral Spotlight: Solomon Islands and Japan reaffirm cooperation on education, infrastructure, aviation and sports, including continued Japanese expert support and aviation/airport infrastructure planning. Local Sport Pathways: Solomon Islands chess president Simon Chottu joins a Melbourne roundtable on tech and sustainable sport funding, aiming to expand chess in schools and youth opportunities. Youth Football: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa, with Solomon Islands in Group A facing hosts Samoa and other strong opponents.

Pacific diplomacy at the PIF: Solomon Islands is urging Pacific Islands Forum members to rethink how “dialogue partners” are handled during the leaders’ summit week in Palau, after past disputes over partner attendance and a surge in sideline events. US–China rivalry spills into attendance: Multiple leaders are missing the summit, with reporting pointing to Chinese pressure behind no-shows, while Taiwan’s participation remains a flashpoint. Solomon Islands–Japan ties: Foreign and planning ministers in Palau reaffirmed cooperation with Japan on education, infrastructure, aviation and sports, including continued Japanese expert support. 2023 Pacific Games audit fallout: The National Hosting Authority says it accepts the Auditor-General’s special audit findings and court clarifications, while Transparency Solomon Islands calls for public answers on unlawful spending and procurement breaches. Sports pathway news: OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa with Solomon Islands in Group A; Australia also announced $15.6m to help Pacific athletes reach Brisbane 2032. Chess in the spotlight: Solomon Islands Chess Federation president Simon Chottu joins an Oceania sports roundtable in Melbourne on tech and expanding chess in schools. Film culture: Netflix’s WWII drama “The Mosquito Bowl” gets a first look, spotlighting Guadalcanal’s role in the war.

Pacific diplomacy: Pacific ACP leaders meeting in Koror urged countries to ratify the EU’s 20-year Samoa Agreement, aiming to boost political, economic and social cooperation. Film & culture: The 70th BFI London Film Festival has released its full 2026 programme, with 251 works from 88 countries and 12 days of screenings and talks. Pacific Games fallout: Solomon Islands’ National Hosting Authority responded to Auditor-General concerns over 2023 Pacific Games financial and procurement processes, while Transparency Solomon Islands demanded public answers over alleged unlawful spending, including $118.29m tied to facilities without approved budgets. Sports development: Solomon Islands and Japan reaffirmed cooperation on education, infrastructure, aviation and sports, with Japanese experts continuing work via the education task force. Football pathway: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa, with Solomon Islands in Group A against Samoa, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea. Chess in the spotlight: SICF president Simon Chottu joined a Melbourne sports roundtable on tech and sustainable funding, exploring ways to expand chess in Solomon Islands schools. Brand & sport: Trukai Industries signed rugby league rising star Cooper Bai as a two-year brand ambassador, linking youth sport to community and healthy living.

Pacific Governance & Culture: A new “Perspectives on Pacific Resilience” series argues democratic partners can help Pacific governments strengthen digital security, law and maritime governance, and resilience planning amid intensifying external competition. Solomon Islands–Japan Ties: Foreign Affairs and planning ministers Rick Houenipwela and Peter Kenilorea Jr. met Japan’s Iwao Horii at the PIF in Palau, reaffirming cooperation on education, aviation/airport infrastructure, infrastructure, and sports. Sports Pathways: Solomon Islands chess boss Simon Chottu joined a Melbourne roundtable on tech and sustainable sport funding, pushing to expand chess in schools. Pacific Games Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands and the Auditor General’s findings keep the spotlight on Pacific Games 2023 spending, with calls for public answers over alleged unlawful procurement and record-keeping. Inclusive Sport: NSC and the National Disability Forum Solomon Islands are gearing up for a Play For Equity Open Day on Sept 5 at SINIS, with a focus on women and girls with disabilities. Team Solomons Recognition: The British High Commissioner hosted Team Solomons athletes after the Commonwealth Games, celebrating personal bests and para-sport milestones.

Pacific sport momentum: Oceania athletes are in qualification mode for Tahiti 2027 and LA 2028, with a big week of action including an Oceania triathlon development camp in Moorea as a test event for the Pacific Games. Chess and sport tech: Solomon Islands Chess Federation president Simon Chottu is in Melbourne for an Oceania roundtable on innovation and digital transformation in sport, exploring ways to expand chess in schools and boost youth opportunities back home. SI–Japan cooperation: Solomon Islands and Japan reaffirmed ties in Palau, with talks covering education, infrastructure, aviation and sports, plus continued Japanese expert support via Solomon Islands’ education task force. Football pathway: 14-year-old Torika Boseiwaqa earns her first Fiji Mini Kulas call-up for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in the Solomon Islands, inspired by her sister’s rise. Inclusive sport push: NSC and National Disability Forum Solomon Islands are gearing up for a Play For Equity Open Day on Sept 5 at SINIS, with a focus on women and girls with disabilities. Pacific Games accountability: Solomon Islands’ High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority acted without lawful authority in 2023 Pacific Games spending, and the Pacific Games Council says it will seek legal advice on next steps. Local sport leadership: Former Solomon Islands captain Batram Suri has been appointed head coach of Lautoka ahead of the Extra Battle of the Giants tournament. Community culture: Tenaru St Joseph’s Catholic National Secondary School is set to host its 2026 Annual Bazaar on Aug 29, featuring food, entertainment, stalls and a raffle to support student programs.

Pacific Diplomacy & Sports: Solomon Islands and Japan renewed cooperation at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with talks covering education, infrastructure, aviation and sports. OFC Football: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa, with the Solomon Islands in Group A against hosts Samoa, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea—two finalists qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Pacific Games Accountability: Solomon Islands’ High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority acted without lawful authority in 2023 Pacific Games spending, after a special audit flagged serious procurement and record-keeping failures; the Pacific Games Council says it will seek legal advice on next steps. Local Sport & Fitness: NSC and NDFSI rescheduled the Play For Equity Open Day to September 5 for inclusive sport and recreation, with emphasis on women and girls with disabilities. Community Events: Tenaru St Joseph’s Catholic National Secondary School plans its 2026 Annual Bazaar on August 29, featuring food, entertainment, stalls and a raffle draw. Sports Talent Spotlight: Torika Boseiwaqa, 14, earned her first Fiji Mini Kulas call-up for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Solomon Islands.

Olympic Pathway Funding: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese announced a $15.6m, four-year push to help Pacific athletes and officials train and qualify for Brisbane 2032 and beyond, with support also for Tahiti 2027 and other major events. Youth Football Spotlight: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa, with hosts Samoa in Group A facing New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands—two finalists earn FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027 spots. Pacific Forum Tensions: Pacific Islands Forum unity faces strain as several leaders pull out, including Solomon Islands, while diplomatic friction and China-Taiwan pressure remain in the spotlight. Arts & Screen Funding: Screenrights named 2026 Cultural Fund recipients under “Learning Through Story,” backing story-led learning and animation projects across the region. Pacific Games Accountability: Solomon Islands’ 2023 Pacific Games spending continues to ripple—High Court findings and a special audit point to unlawful procurement and serious financial management failures, with calls for public answers and legal next steps. Sport for Inclusion: NSC and NDFSI rescheduled the Play For Equity Open Day to Sept 5 at SINIS, aiming for accessible, disability-inclusive sport with a focus on women and girls. Local Sports Moves: Former Solomon Islands captain Batram Suri joins Lautoka as head coach for the Extra Battle of the Giants, while Labasa brings in Solomon Island futsal international Jerry Sam as technical director. Community Events: St Joseph’s school annual bazaar is set for Saturday, with food, entertainment, stalls and fundraising.

Football & Youth Sport: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship kicks off in Samoa with the Solomon Islands in Group A alongside hosts Samoa, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea, with the top two set to qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Regional Politics & Diplomacy: A third of Pacific Islands Forum leaders may miss the summit in Palau, with pullouts including Solomon Islands, while Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. says a Chinese envoy pushed to exclude Taiwan and warned of retaliation. Arts & Screen Culture: Screenrights announced 2026 Cultural Fund recipients under the Learning Through Story theme, supporting screen and learning projects across Australia and New Zealand. Solomon Islands Sport Governance: The High Court ruled the National Hosting Authority unlawfully bypassed public procurement safeguards for the 2023 Pacific Games, and Transparency Solomon Islands is calling for public answers over $118.29m spending without approved budgets. Community Sport & Inclusion: The NSC and NDFSI have rescheduled the Play For Equity Open Day to September 5 at SINIS, focusing on inclusive sport with extra emphasis on women and girls with disabilities. Local Football Coaching: Former Solomon Islands captain Batram Suri has been appointed head coach of Lautoka ahead of Fiji’s Extra Battle of the Giants tournament, while Labasa also brings in Solomon Island futsal international Jerry Sam as technical director.

Pacific Diplomacy: Palau is pushing back on Beijing pressure by inviting Taiwan to take part in Pacific Islands Forum events, with President Surangel Whipps Jr. saying Taiwan is a long-time development partner. Regional Politics: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese will still attend the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau despite late leader no-shows, while Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale is absent amid a no-confidence move. Brand & Sport: Trukai Industries signs rising rugby league star Cooper Bai as a two-year brand ambassador, linking the deal to youth sport and healthy living across PNG and Solomon Islands. Football Coaching Moves: Former Solomon Islands captain Batram Suri is appointed head coach for Lautoka ahead of the Extra Battle of the Giants tournament, while Fiji-based Solomon futsal international Jerry Sam joins Labasa as technical director. Pacific Games Fallout: Solomon Islands’ 2023 Pacific Games spending is under legal and public scrutiny after audits and a High Court ruling found unlawful procurement and weak financial controls, with calls for investigations and legal next steps. Community Sport Inclusion: NSC and NDFSI reschedule the Play For Equity Open Day to September 5 at SINIS, aiming for accessible, disability-inclusive sport with a focus on women and girls. Local Arts & Community: Tenaru St Joseph’s Catholic National Secondary School holds its 2026 Annual Bazaar on Saturday, 29 August, featuring food, entertainment, stalls, and a raffle to support student programs. Workplace Justice: Supreme Casino security guards win compensation after a nine-year unfair dismissal case, with the Trade Disputes Panel ordering pay for 24 workers.