On the 4th of November 2024, the High Commissioner His Excellency Anthony Makabo participated in the 7th Session of the International Solar Alliance held in New Delhi, Republic of India. The Assembly has attracted 120 participants from member countries in the Africa, Europe, America, Caribbean, Pacific and the Asian region. Also in attendance are multilateral organizations like the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and various Solar Energy Research Institutions.
On the first day of engagements, H.E Anthony Makabo conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the Government of India and the International Solar Alliance for the warm invitation to attend in person and represent the people and Government of Solomon Islands during the high-level Ministerial meeting.
During his intervention, H.E Anthony Makabo stated that this year’s session of the Assembly comes at a critical juncture for countries like Solomon Islands, where the impacts of climate change are not just a matter of policy discourse but a daily reality. The High Commissioner further highlighted that Solomon Islands, as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), remain highly vulnerable towards the environmental changes caused by climate change, particularly with the rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
In light of this, Solomon Islands is committed to the transition approach promoted by such partnerships like the International Solar Alliance. The High Commissioner further praised the alliance as an essential platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing. The ISA’s ongoing initiatives, particularly in the efforts to scale solar energy deployments, improve solar technology access and enhance capacity building among its member states, are fully aligned with the development aspirations of Solomon Islands, stated H.E Anthony Makabo.
In his concluding remarks, the High Commissioner further mentioned that as a full member of the International Solar Alliance, Solomon Islands would like to see more tangible outcomes in its engagements within this avenue and would welcome initiatives such as the provision of expertise assistance to undertake assessments for potential solar projects in the Pacific Island nation.
Solomon Islands as an island nation has financial challenges that are far beyond its national capabilities. Therefore, the deployment of solar projects to its remote communities, collaborative efforts through innovative solar solutions and provision of renewable supportive approaches will greatly benefit the people of Solomon Islands going forward, stated the High Commissioner H.E Anthony Makabo.
Solomon Islands stands ready to collaborate with its fellow nations to push the boundaries of solar energy innovation and ensure that clean, affordable energy reaches even the most remote and underserved communities around the globe. The 7th Session of the International Solar Alliance concluded on 6th November 2024, and the 8th Session is scheduled for 27th – 30th October 2025, in New Delhi, India.