Australia provides educational support to Solomon Islands government officials

Twenty senior (20) officials from 11 Solomon Islands government organizations have visited Brisbane for the mini-Master of Business Administration (MBA) training at the Australian Institute of Management.

The program provided the opportunity to enhance their management and strategy skills as public sector leaders, reports Solomon Star. Australia's High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, said Australia is committed to supporting the development of current and emerging leaders in Solomon Islands.

"Effective leadership skills in the public sector are integral to the economic development, resilience and prosperity of Solomon Islands," High Commissioner Hilton said.One participant, Ms Natalia Patternot, Director of External Trade at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, said the mini-MBA training provided a comprehensive understanding of the resources and tools available for empowering, inspiring and guiding others. "Through the roles we are privileged to hold, we have a responsibility towards long-lasting and effective impact," Ms Patternot said.

Another participant, Mr Thomas Bebeu, from the Policy Secretary Resources Sector at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, said the mini-MBA training is useful not only in the workplace but also for personal development.

"The skills and knowledge gained from the course can be applied to various aspects of life, making it a well-rounded and beneficial experience," Mr Bebeu, said. This is the fourth cohort to have successfully completed the mini-MBA since 2024.

Through the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership, Australia is supporting a range of professional development opportunities both in-country and in Australia, for current and emerging leaders across all sectors and provinces of Solomon Islands.

Australia was the first country to establish diplomatic relation with Solomon Islands, upon Solomon Islands' independence on 7 July 1978. We have strong people-to-people links, shared democratic values and a longstanding history of cooperation.

Australia is an important economic partner, and Solomon Islands' largest development partner, supporting almost all areas of society and the economy, with programs spanning health, justice, education, governance, gender, climate, infrastructure and private sector development.


There is regular two-way engagement between Australian and Solomon Islands' ministers and senior officials. Prime Minister Albanese hosted Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manele as Guest of the Australian Government from 23-29 June 2024. This was Prime Minister Manele's first international visit since taking office in May 2024.