Press Release
Friday, 20 March 2026
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) on Wednesday welcomed a visiting delegation from Liaocheng University in China, with which SINU recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
According to SINU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau, the discussions were constructive and focused primarily on climate change and energy, two areas of critical importance to SINU and the Solomon Islands more broadly.
On climate change, the visiting delegation highlighted Chinaโs ongoing efforts, including its transition toward renewable energy and carbon neutrality targets. They also expressed strong interest in engaging with Pacific institutions in climate dialogue and cooperation.
During the discussion, Professor Aqorau emphasized that for SINU, climate change is not an abstract issue but an existential threat, with impacts already being felt across the country. He stressed that SINU must play a leading role in research, policy engagement, and capacity building to address the challenge.
โIn that context, I informed the delegation that SINU will host the 2026 Pacific Ocean Climate Change Conference (POPCCC) in September, and we formally extended an invitation to Liaocheng University to attend,โ he said.
โI am pleased to note that they have indicated their intention to participate.โ
โThe visiting delegation also invited SINU to attend their own conference in China, providing a valuable platform for further engagement.โ
On the topic of energy, the delegation discussed Chinaโs advances in renewable energy, including solar technologies and the rapid expansion of clean energy infrastructure. In response, Professor Aqorau highlighted the challenges faced by SINU, including the high cost of electricity, which places pressure on University operations.
He conveyed SINUโs interest in exploring a public-private partnership to solarise the entire Universityโa proposal that was received with interest by the delegation.
The visiting delegation also inquired about the establishment of a Confucius Centre at SINU.
โWe informed them that a proposal has already been submitted through the Prime Ministerโs Office. Additionally, we have a SINU staff member currently at Liaocheng University who is being prepared to support this initiative,โ Professor Aqorau said.
He added that the meeting reinforced important lessons as SINU continues to engage with international partners, including Chinese institutions.
The Liaocheng University delegation was led by Professor Chen Dezheng, Executive Deputy of the China-Pacific Islands Countries Climate Action Cooperation Center. The delegation was accompanied by Solomon Islands Ambassador to China, Mr. Barrett Salato, who traveled with them from China to Honiara.
ENDS//