Rabuka’s Ocean of Peace vision reflected in Solomon Islands peace push

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka 's Ocean of Peace vision is finding practical expression across the Pacific, with Solomon Islands investing US$3 million in a new peacebuilding programme focused on preventing conflict and strengthening social cohesion.

The programme will operate across all nine provinces of Solomon Islands, focusing on peacebuilding, constitutional reform, decentralisation and strengthening trust between communities and government.

Dr Shailendra Singh, a specialist in media and peacebuilding, welcomed the development, describing it as an extension of the principles behind Rabuka’s Ocean of Peace initiative.

“Good to see Solomon Islands following Fiji’s lead by investing in peace before crisis strikes. Like Fiji, Solomon Islands now has a dedicated peacebuilding fund under the auspices of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji,” Dr Singh said.

He said investing in preventing conflict was considerably more cost-effective than dealing with its consequences.

“Proactive investment in conflict prevention and peacebuilding is far cheaper than reacting after the fact. Solomon Islands knows this better than most. RAMSI is estimated to have cost around AUD$2.8 billion over 14 years.

“Investing a few million dollars now to reduce the risk of future conflict is both fiscally prudent and a far better return on investment,” Dr Singh said.

Rabuka first proposed the Ocean of Peace concept in 2023, before Pacific leaders formally endorsed the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration in Honiara in September 2025.

The vision places dialogue, cooperation, mutual respect and Pacific-led solutions at the centre of regional peace and security.

Solomon Islands Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs Hon. George Temahua said lasting peace required addressing the underlying political, social and economic issues that can create tensions.

The 24-month programme will also strengthen the participation of women and young people and give communities a greater voice in decisions affecting them.

It is being jointly delivered by UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government.

While the programme is a Solomon Islands initiative, its focus on preventing conflict before it occurs, building trust and strengthening inclusive institutions closely reflects the principles at the heart of Rabuka’s Ocean of Peace vision.

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