Solomon Islands Hosts Opening of 16th Pacific Water Conference & 9th Ministers Forum

The Solomon Islands today welcomed delegates from across the Pacific to the official opening of the 16th Pacific Water and Wastewater Conference and Expo (PWWC2025) and the 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum, hosted at the National Aquatic Centre in Honiara.

The week-long gathering, themed “Water and Wastewater for All: Connecting People, Policies, and Communities for a Shared Sustainable Future”, opened with a moving Chupu ceremony, an indigenous tradition of Guadalcanal Province, home of Honiara. A vibrant cultural performance followed, in which representatives portrayed “princes and princesses” from the nation’s diverse provinces in full traditional costume. The ceremony reflected the Solomon Islands’ reputation as “a Pacific within the Pacific,” embracing Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian heritage.

Delivering the first remarks, Dr Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, highlighted the urgency of regional collaboration. “In the Pacific, water is not just a resource – it is life itself. Yet, this very source of life is under increasing threat from climate change. This Conference is more than a meeting; it is a platform to strengthen our collective voice, to share innovation, and to safeguard our future,” he said.

On behalf of the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA), Chairman Fuimaono Dominic Schwalger welcomed over 250 delegates and exhibitors. He emphasised the scale of the region’s water challenges. “Too many Pacific people still do not have access to safely managed drinking water – almost four out of ten Pacific people remain without access, and two-thirds remain without access to basic sanitation. With these realities, we have a water crisis in our hands. Our strength lies in collective action and in solutions tailored to island realities,” he noted.

The Keynote Address was delivered by the Honourable Jeremiah Manele, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, who highlighted water and sanitation as priorities for national development, resilience, and regional solidarity. “Water connects to health, education, agriculture, energy, and climate resilience. Every dollar invested in water is an investment in our people, our livelihoods, and our shared future. Water is life, water is dignity, water is resilience, water is our shared future,” the Prime Minister affirmed.

The ceremony also featured the traditional presentation of gifts from attending countries to the host nation, a symbol of Pacific unity. The event concluded with a final cultural performance before the formal opening of the Expo. The Hon. Derrick Manuari, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, led the official walk-through of the Expo, which showcases more than 30 regional and international exhibitors presenting cutting-edge water technologies, sustainable infrastructure, and solutions to strengthen Pacific water security.

Over the coming days, Ministers, utility leaders, technical experts, development partners, and young water professionals will gather for plenaries, technical sessions, and the Pacific Café. Together, they will chart pathways to improve resilience, governance, and inclusive access to safe water and wastewater services for Pacific communities.

For Media Enquiries:
Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) Secretariat
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