The United Kingdom joined representatives of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the Solomon Islands government, mining companies and civil society at Heritage Park in Honiara on 3 November for talks on the country's EITI implementation.
The British High Commission said the workshop followed Solomon Islands' readmission as an EITI implementing country in September 2026, and brought participants together to build a shared understanding of the EITI Standard and set priorities for implementation.
Discussions focused on the role of the Multi-Stakeholder Group, which will oversee governance and information flows in the extractives sector.
EITI senior country manager Sarah Hayton addressed the workshop, along with British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Paul Turner. The Ministry of Finance set out the government's priorities as the country begins its first period of EITI implementation.
The high commission said the UK has been supporting the readmission, providing technical expertise through the United Nations Development Programme.
Turner said the UK is pleased to support Solomon Islands as it takes the next step in implementing the EITI. He said the initiative offers gains for the government in tax revenue, for local communities in having a stronger voice in mining decisions, and for mining companies in expanding their export markets.
The high commission said the workshop also looked at turning strategic priorities into practical activities, and at the need for more remote provinces to be brought fully into the EITI process and procedures.
Turner said information flows from across the country were essential if EITI was to be implemented at a national level, and urged that resources be directed to stronger reporting and monitoring in all provinces.
"The engagement cannot just be in hotel conference rooms in Honiara," Turner said.