Honiara, Solomon Islands – Each year on 9 May, Europe Day commemorates the Schuman Declaration, a pivotal moment in European history. This 1950 proposal for pooling coal and steel production between France and Germany laid the groundwork for what is now the European Union (EU). Europe Day celebrates the EU's core values of peace, unity, and cooperation.

In the Solomon Islands, Europe Day served as a springboard for a thought-provoking discussion at the Kukum Lecture Theatre of Solomon Islands National University (SINU) in Honiara. Themed ‘Decentralized Service Delivery for Peace and Unity in Solomon Islands’ the symposium brought together policymakers, academics, and representatives from NGOs and youth organizations. They explored strategies to strengthen local governance and improve delivery of services across the islands.

The panel included prominent figures like Professor Transform Aqorau (SINU Vice-Chancellor), Ms. Sharon Inone Mekupe (Greenergy Pacific NGO CEO), and Mr. Patrick Pee (UNDP Representative). The symposium highlighted shared values of peace and unity, not just within Europe, but across continents. 

Funded by the EU's Provincial Governments and Service Delivery project (implemented by UNICEF and UNDP), the event also involved the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and SINU. 

The European Union expressed the following: 

“While physical presence may be absent, European Union´s commitment to support Solomon Islands remains unwavering. The European Union recognizes the paramount importance of collaborative efforts in strengthening provincial governance structures and enhancing decentralized service delivery for the betterment of communities as it is being shown in Solomon Islands with our financial support to the initial Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme when it was launched in 2008 and the establishment of the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) and the current Provincial Governments and Service Delivery project implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Robert Dolaiasi Kaua, the Deputy Secretary of MPGIS said:

“Europe Day with its historical significance resonances with the goals of our Solomon Islands regarding the country’s decentralization agenda as a means to achieve a more inclusive and fairer system for all.” 

Professor Transform Apoau, Vice-Chancellor of SINU, emphasized: 

“Academia plays a pivotal role in the decentralization process by providing rigorous research and evidence-based recommendations that guide policy formulation and implementation. Our institutions are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that decentralization efforts are grounded in local realities and tailored to the diverse needs of our communities. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity building, and continuous engagement with all stakeholders, academia can drive sustainable and inclusive development that empowers every province of Solomon Islands.”