FOURTEEN Solomon Islanders are poised to make a positive impact on their communities and organizations after participating in a 10-day workshop held in Nadi, Fiji, in October.
The participants represented a cross-section of society, including community-based organizations, private sector groups, government bodies, non-governmental organizations and the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
They joined 70 other participants from eight Pacific Island nations at the regional workshop, part of the “Leaders for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Sea and Human Security” training program.
This initiative aims to enhance professional and leadership skills, strengthen regional networks, and build resilience in areas such as climate, social, economic, food, and maritime security.
The workshop marked the second phase of a three-phase program. Participants were selected based on their performance in a nine-week online course, which formed the first phase of the program.
A representative for seaweed farmers in the Western Province, Wilfred Luiramo highlighted the training’s role in fostering direct community engagement with the broader Indo-Pacific program.
“Geopolitics may be beyond our control, but programs like this allow rural communities to connect and contribute directly,” he said.
An officer with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jeffrey echoed similar sentiments.
He said, while geopolitical concerns often dominate global discussions, it is crucial for smaller island nations to focus on pressing challenges like climate change and resource security.
The Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki shared insights on various approaches to security.
He explained that traditional security thinking, which often focuses on military balance, is only one dimension.
“When we think about geopolitics and security, different elements come into play,” he said.
Ambassador Yoshiaki added that while military considerations remain relevant, there is wisdom in prioritizing diplomatic and collaborative strategies over geopolitical competition.
He said Japan has doubled its military budget in response to rising regional conflicts but remains committed to diplomacy through the United Nations and alliances with ASEAN and other regional partners.
“We seek a free and open Indo-Pacific where no country is viewed as an enemy; even China is welcome to engage,” he stated.
The “Leaders for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Sea and Human Security” program, implemented by UNITAR and funded by Japan, provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to address various security challenges.
Running from June 2024 to February 2025, the program unfolds in three phases:
Phase 1 involved two months of online training, completed by over 450 learners in August 2024.
Phase 2 included in-person workshops for top performers, held in Jakarta (for the Asian cohort) and in Nadi, Fiji (for the Pacific cohort) from 1-10 October.
Phase 3 will be an in-person workshop in Japan, scheduled for February 2025, where 50 finalists will be selected from the second phase.
This program is part of the broader “Shimanami Collective” initiative, a Japan-supported series of training programs aimed at building resilience against natural disasters and enhancing security across the Indo-Pacific.
The initiative has a special focus on empowering youth and women in the region.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
