Pacific leaders highlight transparency at Honiara Summit

The FiTI International Secretariat recently attended the 2025 Honiara Summit held 24-27 February at the Friendship Hall in Honiara, Solomon Islands, providing an excellent opportunity to engage with fisheries stakeholders in the Pacific region.

The theme of the summit – “Iumi tugeda delivering on SDG 14.4: Achieving Sustainable Fisheries” – focused on meaningful action and innovation towards achieving SDG 14: Life Below Water, with a dedicated focus on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources for the Pacific’s sustainable development.

Attended by Pacific leaders, Ministers, delegates and observers, the Summit provided a platform for high level discussions relating to SDG 14.4, as well as an opportunity to approach representatives from the five FiTI target countries in the Pacific and network with delegates and observers.

In the margins of the Summit, the FiTI Secretariat met with Fiji Minister for Fisheries, the Honorable Alitia Bainivalu, to follow up on a prior meeting in 2024. The Secretariat also met with Mr Glen Joseph, Director of the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority, and Mr Edward Honiwala, Director of Fisheries at the Solomon Islands Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, as well as representatives from the National Fisheries Authority in Papua New Guinea.

There were also side discussions held with representatives from other organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Pacific Community (SPC), World Wide Fund for Nature (US), World Wildlife Fund for Nature (Pacific), Oceans 5 and individual consultants.

The Summit concluded with a technical communique and an adjoining political declaration that set firm commitments to sustainable fisheries. The technical communique made strong statements regarding the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, improved governance and enhanced fisheries management transparency:

“Transparency and accountability are essential across the supply chain: Transparency and accountability in the fisheries sector, including the supply chain, are key to promoting aquatic foods from sustainably managed fisheries. Clear traceability systems and public reporting on fish stocks, fishing methods, and sustainability practices help build trust and ensure responsible sourcing of seafood.”