The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI), in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), has successfully hosted the country’s first-ever Public Accountability Forum at the National Museum Auditorium on Thursday, 27 November 2025.
The forum, supported by the European Commission through Internews’ Building Voices for Accountability initiative, brought together key stakeholders to discuss and examine the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and its significant implications for the Solomon Islands’ agriculture sector.
Participants engaged in constructive dialogue on how the regulation may impact local producers, particularly within the cocoa industry, and explored pathways to ensure compliance while safeguarding livelihoods.
The panel featured SICCI Cocoa Industry Working Group Advisor Moses Pelomo, EUDR Consultant and Cocoa Industry Working Group Chair James Kana, and Cathilro Diana Yates, who shared insights on regulatory requirements, market access, and sustainability challenges.
Speaking on behalf of MASI, Board Member Ednal Palmer highlighted the importance of public accountability platforms in fostering informed discussion and ensuring that stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, and the private sector, are equipped with the knowledge needed to respond effectively to emerging global regulations.
