LocationsProvincial Speakers and Clerks Convene for Comprehensive Training on Governance Roles Under EU-Supported PGSD Initiative
December 3, 2024
Participants of the weeklong workshop in Honiara.
Honiara, Solomon Islands – Provincial Speakers and Clerks from across Solomon Islands have gathered in Honiara for a week-long induction training program, aimed at enhancing their capacity and understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This initiative is part of the Provincial Governance and Service Delivery (PGSD) project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands.
The training, which commenced on 2 December, covers a range of topics, including parliamentary procedures, financial management, and effective communication.
Minister of Provincial Governments and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), Hon. Wayne Osopo Ghemu emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“Speakers and Clerks play an important role in the legislative process. You are considered vital to our assemblies, offering administrative support for the smooth running, and making the legislative process transparent and accountable to people. By the end of this training, you will be acquainted with an increased knowledge and understanding of the procedures and practices of your role, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of your provincial assemblies, working with integrity, and upholding the highest standards of Parliamentary practice to navigate the complexities of our legislative process and to contribute meaningfully to the governance and development of our provinces.”
Solomon Island's Minister of MPGIS, Hon. Wayne Osopo Ghemu at the workshop.
Programme Manager for the European Union, Francesco Ponzoni, underscored the EU's support in a statement shared ahead of the event:
“This induction training is a crucial step in strengthening provincial governance in Solomon Islands and very much in line with the European Union´s support on provincial governance and decentralization that we have been offering to the country for the last few years. By equipping provincial clerks and speakers with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can enhance the effectiveness and transparency of provincial assemblies which is one of the main goals.”
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Solomon Islands, Raluca Eddon, added that:
“We all know that clerks and speakers are not born so but made and it´s our responsibility to help you to become so. UNDP is committed to supporting that process and continue working with the Government of Solomon Islands and the European Union in improving provincial governance to bring to people the services they need for which investing in your capacity is an absolute priority.”
The induction training, scheduled to conclude on 6 December, combines theoretical and practical components. While the first two days focus on theory, the remainder of the week will involve practical sessions at the National Parliament, including group discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world application of learned concepts.
Funded by the EU under the European Development Fund, the PGSD project is implemented by UNDP and UNICEF in partnership with the Government of the Solomon Islands. Key collaborators include the Ministries of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Education and Human Resources Development, and Health and Medical Services.
For more information or media inquiries please contact:
Daniel C. Gonzalez, Communications Analyst, UNDP Solomon Islands Office, daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org, +677 7740740/ +34 656560270
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