The year 2024 marks an extraordinary time, a time when the very soul of the Solomon Islands is laid bare, and the people are called upon to cast not just ballots but the very essence of the nation’s future. It is a year where the enormity of the task at hand is matched by the cost – both financial and cultural – of conducting a General Election that is meant to right past wrongs and chart a course toward stability and growth.

Manaaki Scholars from across the Pacific region visited PCF during their short-term training course in Politics and Public Policy at the University of Auckland, led by Dr. Jennifer Curtin. As part of our ongoing commitment to deepening relationships with our Pacific neighbours, Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) used this opportunity to build its presence around the work that it is doing in the region, knowledge exchange and capacity building.

Food, especially pork, serves as a unifying force, connecting diverse cultures and fostering a sense of community. Through Kwaita’s passion and dedication, the Pacific witnesses not just a feast but the preservation of tradition, a celebration of unity, and a reminder of the strength found in togetherness.

The Sol23 Pacific Games have descended upon the Solomon Islands, marking a momentous occasion that transcends mere athletic competition. This vibrant event, hosted in the heart of the Pacific, not only showcases the incredible sporting talents of our island nations but also serves as a powerful testament to the spirit of unity, resilience, and support that defines the Pacific way of life.