DILI, 12 April 2025 (TATOLI) – Solomon Islands assumed the Chair of g7+ 2026, which will officially commence on 1 January 2026, marking the first time since the Group’s establishment in 2010.
The Pacific Island Country was elected Chair of the g7+ at the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the g7+ countries, convened in Dili, Timor-Leste, on the occasion of the 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Group.
“We agree that Sierra Leone will complete its term as Chair on 31 December 2025. Solomon Islands will assume the role as Chair on 1 January 2026 for a two-year term. Democratic Republic of Congo and Liberia will serve as Deputy Chairs for the same period,” according to the outcome document of the 6th g7+ Ministerial Meeting, released today.
In taking over the leadership, the Solomon Islands’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Peter Shanel Agovaka, who was elected as the Chair of the organization pledged to strengthen the organization’s solidarity and collective efforts in addressing global challenges.
In this regard, Agovaka stated that peace advocacy through mediation, reconciliation, and conflict prevention, as well as building resilience and advancing sustainable economic development, would be prioritized during his country’s leadership as Chair of the organization.
He stressed that when g7+ speaks with one voice, it reflects the group’s determination to work together towards a united and peaceful future.
Agovaka considered the Solomon Islands’ selection as the g7+ Chair for 2026 an indication of the trust and recognition of member states in the country’s leadership capabilities.
The 6th Ministerial Meeting of the g7+ includes discussions on safeguarding peace in turbulent times, the evolution of g7+ as a global actor, and strategic positioning of the group in the current geopolitical landscape.
The four-day Meeting concluded with the adoption of the Dili Declaration II, outlining the group’s strategic priorities and future direction.
Present at the event were the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support in the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Elizabeth Spehar, the President of the Republic, Jose Ramos Horta, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, President of the National Parliament, President of the National Parliament, President of Court of Appeal, Deolindo dos Santos, Deputy Prime Minister For Economic Affairs and Minister for Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuady Lay, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Rural Development Mariano Asanami Sabino, Minister of Planning and Economic Development of Sierra Leone and Chair of g7+, Madame Kenyeh Barlay, General Secretary of g7+, Helder da Costa, government officials, Heads of Delegations of g7+ member states, Government Officials, MPs, and Civil Society, Private Sector.
The Group of Seven Plus (g7+) is an intergovernmental organization of 20 countries that was established in 2010. The organization was created to promote peace and stability in countries affected by conflict and fragility.
The g7 +, originally founded by seven countries, now includes 20 countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and the Middle East: Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Papua New Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo and Yemen.
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