Press Release
26 February 2026
Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has formalised a Letter of Agreement with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) to support the coordination and implementation of the 5th Pacific Oceans Pacific Climate Change Conference (POPCCC), which will be held in September 14th-18th 2Β 026 in Honiara.
The agreement was signed yesterday afternoon by SINUβs Acting Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice- Chancellor Academic, Associate Professor Eric Katovai, and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (FAFF), Dr Vaeno Vigulu, marking an important milestone in strengthening regional collaboration on climate change and ocean sustainability.
Through this partnership, SINU and SIG/MECDM will play a key role in supporting conference preparations, providing institutional support to ensure the successful delivery of the event. Under this arrangement, a Conference Coordinator (CC), Mrs Tracey Vunaghi had been recruited with roles to lead the preparations and arrangements to ensure a smooth hosting of a successful event.
The conference will bring together regional and international experts, policymakers, Β researchers, and stakeholders to discuss critical climate change and ocean issues affecting Pacific Island countries and territories. Hosting the event in Solomon Islands highlights the countryβs growing role in regional climate leadership and reinforces SINUβs commitment to advancing research, education, and collaboration in climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
Acting Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor Academic, Associate Professor Eric Katovai, welcomed the partnership, noting that the agreement reflects SINUβs dedication to contributing to national and regional priorities.
βThis agreement strengthens SINUβs role as a key academic and research institution supporting climate change dialogue and solutions in the Pacific. We are proud to partner with SPREP in delivering this important regional conference in Honiara in September 2026,β Dr Katovai said.
Dean of FAFF, Dr Vaeno Vigulu, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee added that the initiative will also create valuable opportunities for students, researchers, and staff to engage directly in regional climate action efforts.
The agreement will support conference coordination activities throughout 2026, with funding assistance provided to ensure effective planning and implementation ahead of the September 2026 conference.
The SPREP through a team from the Pacific Climate Change Centre (PCCC) had visited Honiara between February 16th and 20th to support the 5th POPCCC Committee arrangements and engage with key stakeholders in the country.
The Pacific Oceans Pacific Climate Change Conference is a key regional platform that promotes knowledge sharing, partnerships, and practical solutions to address the impacts of climate change across the Pacific. SINU/SIG in partnership with SPREP/PCCC will host the 5th POPCCC in Honiara, the 1st and 2nd conferences were held in New Zealand in 2016 and 2018, the 3rd was held online in 2022, and the 4th was held by the National University of Samoa (NUS) in Samoa in 2024.
Solomon Islands National University and SPREP in partnership with the SIG/MECDM are looking forward to the smooth hosting of the 5th POPCCC come September 2026.
ENDS//