Solomon Islands Moves Closer to Finalizing First National Employment Policy

Christian Viegelahn, ILO Employment Specialist, emphasized that the NEP acknowledges the multi-dimensional aspects of employment and proposes realistic and actionable strategies.

The Solomon Islands is on the brink of finalizing its first-ever National Employment Policy (NEP) following a crucial validation workshop held in Honiara on March 4-5, 2025. The event brought together over 50 stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, trade unions, employers, private sector entities, and civil society organizations. The initiative, supported by the International Labour Organization (ILO), aims to tackle employment challenges and enhance the creation of decent jobs in the Solomon Islands.

The two-day workshop allowed stakeholders to assess and refine the current draft of the NEP, engaging in comprehensive discussions across various thematic areas. These include macroeconomic policies for job creation, enterprise development, agricultural productivity, education and skills training, labour migration, labour market information, social protection, working conditions, and strategies to promote employment opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities. The workshop also examined the proposed action plan and mechanisms for implementing the policy effectively.

Key Stakeholder Insights and Support

The workshop was officially opened by the Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), Hon. Harry Kuma. In his address, Minister Kuma highlighted that the NEP represents a collective vision for a dynamic and resilient labour market. He underscored employment as a cornerstone for social stability, poverty alleviation, and inclusive economic growth.

Christian Viegelahn, ILO Employment Specialist, emphasized that the NEP acknowledges the multi-dimensional aspects of employment and proposes realistic and actionable strategies. "With the continued strong commitment of stakeholders, this policy will be a significant tool in fostering decent employment opportunities for all in the Solomon Islands," he stated.

Commissioner of Labour at MCILI, Brown Pwai, described the NEP as a "fundamental policy that will serve as a foundation for economic sustainability and help address employment-related challenges." Meanwhile, Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) President, Tony Kagovai, reaffirmed the trade union movement's full support for the policy, noting its timeliness and importance in the country's socio-economic context.

Next Steps and Implementation

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour, and Immigration (MCILI) plans to extend consultations and awareness sessions to stakeholders in the provinces and remote outer islands to ensure broad engagement and understanding of the NEP. Once the policy is finalized, it is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval in June or July 2025.

The initiative is made possible through support from the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, in collaboration with the Government of the Solomon Islands. It is funded by the Joint SDG Fund under the Joint Programme on Advancing the SDGs by Enhancing Livelihoods and Economic Resilience through Economic Diversification and Digital Transformation across five Pacific Island nations.