THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) on Thursday hosted the visiting Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy for a seminar and he took the opportunity to underscore the importance of jobs to Solomon Islands economy and security.
Minister Conroy told SINU students present at the seminar held at the Panatina Lecture Theatre at Panatina Campus that he wanted to talk about jobs and the importance of jobs to the Solomon Islands economy and how Australia can provide more jobs for the unemployed population of Solomon Islands.
“Australia is committed to helping Solomon Islands with jobs, development and the broadening of your economic base.
“One way is through our Pacific Australia Labor Mobility program, which to date has seen more than 7,600 people go to Australia to work in a range of industries.
“We want to empower you to give you the building blocks that you need to shape the future of Solomon Islands in ways that make sense to your context for decades into the future,” Minister Conroy said.
Minister Conroy told SINU students that universities are special places in any nation because they bring together the greatest assets – the sharpest, most analytical and most critical minds and fearless, committed and energetic young people to learn what they can from those who have come before them and also decide how they themselves are going to shape the world.
He said continued peace, stability and prosperity in ‘our’ part of the world depends on economic growth, sustainability and resilience of all countries, small and large.
“That’s why Australia has made jobs for Solomon Islanders a priority in our development program in the Pacific,” Minister Conroy added.
Minister Conroy further added that Australia wants to empower Solomon Islands kids who have not been able to finish school, those who do not have the literacy and numeracy skills so they can thrive in a 21stCentury economy.
“This country faces real challenges across the board from under-developed infrastructure to an under-utilized labor force to some of the highest electricity costs globally.
“That’s why Australia is committed to helping Solomon Islands with jobs, development and the broadening of your economic base,” he emphasized.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
