BY NED GAGAHE

Two officers from the National Parliament of Solomon Islands (NPSI) are currently in Tanna Island, Republic of Vanuatu, actively participating in Vanuatu Parliament’s Civic Outreach Program.

Parliament confirmed that this initiative is part of an ongoing inter-parliamentary partnership aimed at exchanging best practices and experiences in civic education and public engagement.

Mr. Young Virivolomo and Mr. Philemon Loe from NPSI’s Public Engagement and Communications Department received formal invitations from the Vanuatu Parliament to take part in the outreach.

Their participation builds on the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between the two Parliaments on May 31, 2023.

The MOA promotes the exchange of parliamentary delegations to strengthen ties, boost inter-parliamentary cooperation, and support professional development for MPs and parliamentary staff.

Since signing the agreement, both parliaments have committed to a shared framework focused on advancing democratic governance, enhancing institutional visibility, and developing civic engagement capacity.

On October 7, 2024, two Vanuatu Parliament staff—Mrs. Stephanie Mahit, Chair of the Civic Education Task Force, and Ms. Evelyn Wokon—joined the NPSI outreach to Marovo Constituency as part of the first exchange under the MOA.

The current outreach in Tanna Island marks the second exchange under the partnership and coincides with Vanuatu’s national celebrations, including Independence Day, the Vanuatu Arts & Culture Festival, and Public Service Commission Day.

Top-level leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Vanuatu Parliament, are expected to attend the events.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting the Civic Outreach Program, underscoring a regional commitment to strengthening civic awareness and public participation through collaborative efforts.

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