Join us. Support Louis Smith. Together, let’s build the Bougainville we all dream of.
Meet Louis
Born on May 21, 1959, in Arawa Colonial Hospital, Louis Smith has spent his life grounded in the realities and resilience of Bougainville. Raised by a mother who set aside her nursing career to care for him, Louis understands the sacrifices many Bougainvillean families make in the face of limited opportunities. His roots run deep—from the Atolls to the heart of the island—shaping a lifelong commitment to see Bougainville thrive as a nation built by and for its own people.
As president, Louis will lead Bougainville into a bold new era of independence, working hand-in-hand with communities to develop modern infrastructure, expand sustainable industries, and create economic opportunities that empower every Bougainvillean. Guided by both lived experience and a clear vision, he is dedicated to building a self-reliant future where the island’s resources, culture, and destiny remain firmly in the hands of its people.
Bougainville has endured hardship, but it is ready to rise. With the right leadership, it can become a global model for sustainability, independence, and prosperity.
Vision for Bougainville
Our Priorities
Sustainable Economic Development
Louis and his administration will ensure Bougainville’s natural resources are managed responsibly so that its rich ecology, abundance, and natural splendour are protected as the treasured legacy belonging to Bougainvilleans. He will cultivate homegrown businesses and entrepreneurship, as well as engage good-faith partners and world-class expertise to innovate on existing local industry and agricultural practices to create environmentally sustainable, future-forward, lasting prosperity. Louis will secure a beautiful, bountiful, and bright future for its people, and bring an enlightened approach to its governance.
Environmental Protection & Restoration
The pristine beauty of Bougainville is not just a treasure—it’s our responsibility. Louis will implement policies to protect forests, coastlines, and reefs, while restoring areas harmed by past exploitation. This will pave the future for its agriculture, aquaculture, and natural beauty.
Peace & Unity
A strong and peaceful Bougainville depends on unity. Louis will foster inclusive governance that represents all communities and demographics, ensuring every voice is heard in shaping our shared future. With his grassroots campaign focused on hearing the people and respecting its local and regional communities, Louis will emphasise communication and transparency in his administration's governance, to both deserve and maintain public trust.
Infrastructure & Ethical Investment
From modern roads and ports to reliable energy and communications, Louis will pursue infrastructure projects that serve the people and its bright future. All investments will be transparent, ethical, and structurally aligned with Bougainville’s long-term sustainability.
Global Perspective
Louis is a son of Bougainville and the greater region. He went out into the world to gain global perspective, broaden his knowledge, and share Bougainville's story. In doing so, he has cultivated an ever-growing network of credible, highly-capable, and impassioned people who are uniquely and strategically positioned and committed to bring about his vision for a prosperous, healthy future for his fellow Bougainvilleans.
Putting Bougainville on the Map
Louis aims to bring global recognition to Bougainville, its people and their history, beyond its imminent status as the world's newest country in a lush ecological paradise. One such landmark, high-impact project that will draw such attention will come about by engaging his dear friend and global expert in innovative, eco-friendly, sustainable development—Moein Nodehi. Together, they intend to embark on an ambitious, innovative, and much-needed project of bringing a next-generation, beautiful, signature airport to Bougainville.
Building an airport, in tandem with engaging airline partners will bring direct flights and global air traffic to Bougainville, putting it on the literal flight map and also on the map in the minds of people who travel the world. This needed first step into the world outside its territory is essential as we grow the globe's imagination of Bougainville, mapping a bright future with the help of people in the world, as well as bringing access to the world to Bougainvilleans. This is all possible with innovative solutions in affordable, sustainable, achievable development that is focused on the needs of the people.
Moein Nodehi and Biotonomy
Moein Nodehi's company Biotonomy is a global development & education company that applies the principles of nature-based solutions, biomimicry, and innovative technology in 3D-printed construction to develop "autonomous" buildings, communities, and cities that utilise principles in nature-based development, enhancing relationships between needed development and ecosystems, improving air and water quality, soil health, and biodiversity. Its principles advocate for sustainable resource use, drastically reducing waste and environmental impact. This approach is crucial, given the history of Bougainville, and the potential of its future, the legacy of its natural splendour and beauty.
Louis' friendship with Moein Nodehi, and his access to fellow innovative thinkers and novel solutions is a gift to all Bougainvilleans, and serves as an example of the kind of world-class talent this campaign will introduce to Bougainville and the region. Biotonomy's solutions have been awarded by the United Nations, the Government of Spain, and the city of Malaga, Spain, as some of the most innovative solutions for addressing Sustainable Development Goals. Its mission is to help make buildings and cities become a force for restoring the natural world. For more information on its achievements and projects, visit www.biotonomy.com.
The Path Forward
Louis Smith’s vision is more than a political plan—it’s a promise to put Bougainville and the welfare of its people first. Together, we can build a nation that is independent, self-reliant, sustainable, and united in purpose. The future of Bougainville will be written by Bougainvilleans, for Bougainvilleans.
