Pacific Change Makers: Peter Kenilorea on Solomon Islands security and political challenges

In this podcast Dr Meg Keen speaks with Solomon Islands’ opposition MP Peter Kenilorea about the challenges ahead as the country gears up to host the Pacific Games and face an election early next year.  Peter shares his thoughts on domestic security, slow economic growth, geopolitics and Solomon Islands-China relations: “My biggest fear is to be so dependent on one partner … you’re at their whim”. He reflects on the high expectations from his electorate and pressing social issues such as delivering education and opportunities for youth.

Peter Kenilorea Jr is the member for East Are’Are in the Solomon Islands parliament. He was elected to Parliament in 2019 after working in senior posts at the United Nations, the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in legal practice. His father, Sir Peter Kenilorea, was Solomon Islands’ first Prime Minister after independence.