Speaker of the National Parliament, Hon. Patteson. Oti, Guest of Honor at the launching of the Citizen Budget Guide (Guide) in Honiara on Monday said the launch of the Citizen Budget Guide is an indication of a collective commitment towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Whilst the occasion is the first for Solomon Islands, the Citizen Budget Guide is an indication of our collective commitment towards the Sustainable Development Goals. It is in line with SDG Goal 16 that we celebrate tonight’s milestone.”

SDG 16 is to Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The Development Services Exchange (DSE) develop this first ever Citizen Budget Guide for the 2020/2021 fiscal year.

Hon. Oti congratulate DSE and its members for the effort and work put into developing the document. The Guide is a simplified summary of the national budget for citizens, to provide an understanding of how the budget affects their life.

Hon. Oti acknowledged the Pacific Islands Association of NGO’s (PIANGO), European Union, and UNDP and for supporting DSE in putting together the Guide.

DSE’s launching of the Guide coincides with the Budget briefing workshop for Civil Society Organisations organised by Parliament with support from the UNDP Parliamentary Effectiveness Initiative programme.