Solomon Islands has begun preparations to implement the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), following its readmission to the global transparency programme in September 2026.
Representatives of the United Kingdom, EITI, the Solomon Islands government, mining companies and civil society met at Heritage Park in Honiara on Nov. 3 to discuss implementation priorities and the country's obligations under the EITI Standard.
The workshop focused on establishing a common understanding of the initiative's requirements and the role of the Multi-Stakeholder Group, which will oversee governance and information flows in the extractives sector.
EITI Senior Country Manager Sarah Hayton and British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Paul Turner addressed the meeting, while the Ministry of Finance outlined the government's priorities as the country enters its first implementation period.
The British High Commission said the UK had supported Solomon Islands' readmission through technical assistance provided in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme.
Turner said the initiative could deliver benefits across the extractives sector, including stronger government oversight of tax revenues, greater participation by local communities in mining-related decisions and improved market access for mining companies.
He also stressed the importance of extending implementation beyond Honiara, saying information from remote provinces would be necessary to ensure the process covered the country nationally.
The workshop considered how strategic priorities could be translated into practical activities, including stronger reporting and monitoring arrangements across the provinces.
Turner said engagement should extend beyond meetings in the capital, calling for resources to be directed towards improving information flows and participation in remote communities.
The EITI is a global initiative that promotes transparency and accountability in the oil, gas and mining sectors through disclosure of information on extractive-sector revenues and government and company activities.
Solomon Islands' readmission in September marked the start of a renewed implementation process, with the multi-stakeholder framework expected to bring government, industry and civil society together in overseeing disclosure and accountability.
