A delegation from the Solomon Islands is currently attending the prestigious Australian Evaluation Society (AES) 2025 International Evaluation Conference in Canberra, Australia, this week from September 15th to 19th. The delegation’s primary objective is to significantly bolster Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) capabilities within the nation’s vital Justice and Police sectors.
The distinguished delegation includes:
• Christina V Bakolo, Deputy Secretary Corporate of the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA)
• Clifton Tigiu, Chief Strategic Planning Officer for MJLA
• Maxon Bentley, Principal Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services.
• Rueben Kilgour, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services.
• Ms. Hannah Paleka, Monitoring, Evaluation Learning Officer, ASIPJ
These dedicated officers are participating to learn from global experts in Monitoring and Evaluation and ensure that the acquired knowledge can be effectively customized and applied within the Solomon Islands’ ministerial context. Their attendance underscores the Solomon Islands’ commitment to enhancing evidence-based policy-making and program effectiveness.
The AES 2025 conference, held at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCC), is themed “Beyond the Bubble”. This powerful theme encourages participants to embrace diverse
perspectives, engage with different communities, challenge assumptions, and develop a more holistic understanding to foster effective problem-solving and positive impact. This aligns seamlessly with the Solomon Islands’ goal of strengthening M&E frameworks that are both robust and culturally responsive.
Throughout the extensive program, the delegation is exploring four key themes: Foundations (paying attention to world views, values, theories, methodologies, tools, and techniques of evaluation), Connecting (fostering networks, participatory approaches, Indigenist evaluation, systems thinking, place and ecosystems), Cultivating (growing the profession, building capacity and awareness of evaluation, and knowledge translation), and Transforming (embracing ethical use of AI, new technologies, adaptive leadership, innovation, and learning). These themes offer invaluable insights for improving M&E practices across their respective ministries.
The conference features provocative keynotes, panel discussions, papers, and skill-building sessions delivered by a diverse array of speakers. The emphasis on Indigenous-led practice and diverse perspectives is particularly pertinent for adapting learnings to the Solomon Islands’ unique cultural and operational landscape.
“Our participation in the AES 2025 conference is a crucial step towards strengthening our national capacity in Monitoring and Evaluation,” stated Ms. Christina V Bakolo. “We are eager to engage with leading experts, absorb new methodologies, and tailor these insights to our unique challenges within the Justice and Police Sectors. We are looking forward to returning to the Solomon Islands equipped with enhanced knowledge and practical strategies to implement in our work, ultimately contributing to more effective programs and a more just and secure society for all Solomon Islanders. “Upon their return, the delegation is committed to sharing their newly acquired expertise and implementing advanced M&E strategies, ensuring sustainable improvements and greater accountability in government initiatives within the Justice and Police sectors.
About the Australian Evaluation Society (AES) International Evaluation Conference: The Australian Evaluation Society (AES) is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing evaluation practice and theory. The AES 2025 International Evaluation Conference provides a welcoming and stimulating platform for evaluators, commissioners, and those interested in evaluation to connect, learn, and contribute to the field. It is held at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCC).
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[MJLA]
