PORT MORESEBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA – 8 SEPTEMBER 2026— The Governor of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI), Dr. Luke Forau has reaffirmed the Bank's strong commitment to the Wansolwara Collaboration, describing the initiative as a practical expression of Melanesian partnership that will strengthen cooperation among central banks and contribute to better economic outcomes for citizens across the region.
Delivering his remarks during the formal session of the 2026 Central Bank Wansolwara Exchange Programme in Port Moresby on Tuesday, the CBSI Governor said the collaboration brings together the central banks of Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu in the spirit of regional partnership, mutual respect and practical cooperation. The programme is hosted by the Bank of Papua New Guinea from 7 to 11 September 2026 under the theme "Strongim Wantok: Shaping Our Shared Future."
Governor Forau described the Wansolwara Collaboration as more than an institutional arrangement, noting that it reflects shared values, culture and identity that unite Melanesian countries.
"The Wansolwara Collaboration reflects who we are as Melanesian people. It reflects the values of solidarity, trust and togetherness that have long defined our relationships."
According to Governor Forau, central banks across the region face many of the same issues, including expanding financial inclusion, modernising of payment systems, strengthening institutional capacity, responding to climate-related risks, and addressing emerging cybersecurity threats. He stressed that no single institution can address these challenges alone and that collaboration provides an opportunity to share knowledge, exchange practical experiences, and develop solutions suited to the realities of Melanesian economies.
The Wansolwara platform was established to support policy dialogue, technical cooperation, research collaboration and professional networking among the three Melanesian central banks. Delegates from the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), CBSI and Reserve Bank of Vanuatu (RBV) are participating in technical presentations, knowledge-sharing sessions, financial inclusion activities, cultural exchanges and institutional learning opportunities throughout the week. Topics covered include economic outlooks, regulatory innovation, forecasting and policy analysis systems, green finance, and practical approaches aimed at strengthening the resilience of financial systems.
In his remarks Governor Forau also emphasized the value of staff exchanges, technical secondments, joint workshops and leadership development programmes as ways to strengthen skills, deepen professional relationships to build stronger institutions across Melanesia.
“It is about building a stronger Melanesian network of central banks that can support each other, learn from each other, and grow together.”
— Dr Luke Forau, Governor - Central Bank of Solomon Islands
Governor reaffirmed CBSI's support for the initiative and expressed confidence that the collaboration would continue to strengthen relationships among Melanesian central banks and advance shared aspirations for inclusive and resilient development going forward.
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About the Central Bank of Solomon Islands:
The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) is the nation’s premier financial institution, responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy. CBSI oversees and regulates the country’s banking and financial system, ensuring economic stability and growth.
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