Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called for a fundamental shift in how Pacific nations think about progress, urging a Pasifika-centred approach to development that draws on the region’s own philosophies, traditions, and values.
Speaking on at the “Netweaving the Soul of Pasifika Development” symposium — a joint initiative of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and Pasifika Communities University (PCU) held at the Aquatic Centre — Prime Minister Manele reflected on the 60-year development journey of Pacific Island countries.
He said much of that journey had been shaped by Western models of governance, economic growth, and social progress.
“These Western frameworks have guided our leaders and institutions for decades, but today they are showing signs of strain,” Manele said. “We must ask ourselves whether these models are helping our people thrive — or merely survive.”
Universities as catalysts for new thinking
The Prime Minister underscored the role of universities in reimagining development. He encouraged SINU and PCU to draw upon Pasifika philosophies, ethical traditions, and spiritual worldviews as the basis for fresh thinking.
Quoting the late Papua New Guinean statesman and philosopher Bernard Narokobi, Manele stressed the importance of seeing “the human person as part of an interdependent world with plants, animals, and the spirit world.”
He argued that such perspectives could help Pacific societies shape development pathways that are more aligned with their identities and realities.
Confronting contemporary challenges
Manele also addressed the complex challenges confronting the region, including climate change, the rise of artificial intelligence, political instability, and pressing social issues such as gender-based violence and the spread of drugs.
To meet these, he floated the idea of a regional Thought Leaders Network to support decision-makers in interpreting challenges through Pasifika lenses rather than relying on imported models.
“The question we must ask is: Where is our Pasifika Development Soul? This is about understanding who we are, what development means for our people, and shaping narratives that truly reflect our values and context,” he said.
Bridging academia and leadership
The Prime Minister expressed hope that the symposium would generate ideas to strengthen the link between academia and Pacific leaders.
By drawing on the region’s cultural strengths and lived realities, Manele suggested, Pacific nations could craft development approaches that are both resilient and authentic — ensuring future progress is rooted in the soul of Pasifika itself.
