Honiara, Solomon Islands, 6 March 2026 –The Government of Solomon Islands in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) today launched the “Transformation to Low/Zero Emissions Transport Sector – Enabling Uptake of Electric Mobility in Solomon Islands” project during an inception workshop held in Honiara.
The project is being co-executed by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and the Global GGGI and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 8 with implementation support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The Inception Workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, development partners, private sector stakeholders and civil society to discuss the project’s objectives, review the project implementation plan, align priorities and introduce the Inter-Sectoral Coordination Platform (ISCP) that will guide coordinated action across institutions.
Road transport is one of largest consumers of imported fuels in Solomon Islands and the fastest-growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country, driven by rapid increases in vehicle numbers and the absence of vehicle emission standards, fuel efficiency regulations, and coordinated urban transport planning. The project aims to support the country’s transition toward cleaner and more efficient mobility systems by creating an environment for the quick uptake of electric vehicles and sustainable transport solutions.
Through this initiative, GGGI will work closely with the government and national stakeholders to strengthen policies and regulatory frameworks, developing integrated sustainable urban mobility planning, implementing pilot electric vehicle demonstrations, and building awareness and technical capacity across government and the private sector.
Opening the workshop, Permanent Secretary of MECDM, Mr David Hariasia highlighted the importance of addressing these challenges through a coordinated national response.
“This project is not just about introducing electric vehicles. It is about building the foundations for a strategic, inclusive and sustainable transition in our transport sector, strengthening policies, institutions, technical capacity and coordination so that Solomon Islands can move toward a cleaner, safer and more resilient transport system,” he said.
The Inception Workshop provided an important platform for stakeholders to share insights, identify priorities, and ensure strong national ownership. It also ensured that the project is inclusive and that everyone represented had a voice. Speaking on behalf of GGGI, Pacific Regional Director Ratu Sakiusa Tuisolia emphasized the broader economic and development benefits of reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“Electric mobility presents an opportunity not only to reduce emissions but also to strengthen energy security, improve air quality, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and support a more resilient and future-ready development pathway for Solomon Islands,” he said.
The initiative forms part of a broader regional programme supporting net-zero mobility transitions across Pacific Island countries, including Fiji and Vanuatu.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable transport solutions that support national climate commitments while improving public wellbeing and strengthening economic resilience.
For more information, visit: https://gggi.org
GGGI Pacific (Regional Office)
Anant Jha
Senior Officer, Pacific Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Pacific
anant.jha@gggi.org
Kelly Vacala, Regional Communications & Knowledge Sharing Lead
kelly.vacala@gggi.org