Honiara, Solomon Islands (December 2, 2024) – Provincial Speakers and Clerks from across Solomon Islands have gathered in Honiara for a week-long induction training program, aimed at enhancing their capacity and understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This initiative is part of the Provincial Governance and Service Delivery (PGSD) project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands.
The training, which has commenced on Monday, December 2nd, will cover a range of topics, including parliamentary procedures, financial management, and effective communication.
Hon. Wayne Osopo Ghemu, Minister of Provincial Governments and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Speakers and Clerks play an important role in the legislative process. You are considered vital to our assemblies, offering administrative support for the smooth running, and making the legislative process transparent and accountable to people.
By the end of this training, you will be acquainted with an increased knowledge and understanding of the procedures and practices of your role, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of your provincial assemblies, working with integrity, and upholding the highest standards of Parliamentary practice to navigate the complexities of our legislative process and to contribute meaningfully to the governance and development of our provinces.”
“This induction training is a crucial step in strengthening provincial governance in Solomon Islands and very much in line with the European Union´s support on provincial governance and decentralization that we have been offering to the country for the last few years,” said Francesco Ponzoni, Programme Manager of the European Union on a statement shared prior to the event. “By equipping provincial clerks and speakers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can enhance the effectiveness and transparency of provincial assemblies which is one of the main goals.”
Raluca Eddon, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Solomon Islands, added that: “We all know that clerks and speakers are not born so but made, and it´s our responsibility to help you to become so. UNDP is committed to supporting that process and continue working with the Government of Solomon Islands and the European Union in improving provincial governance to bring to people the services they need for which investing in your capacity is an absolute priority.”
The induction training is expected to conclude on December 6th, 2024. While the two first days are mainly focus on theory sessions, the rest of the week, it will be rather practical with sessions taking place at the National Parliament with practical exercises, group discussions, and hands-on exercises.
Funded by the European Union under the European Development Fund, the Provincial Governance and Service Delivery Project is implemented by UNDP and UNICEF in Solomon Islands, in partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands under the Ministries of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Education and Human Resources Development, and Health and Medical Services.E
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