BY NED GAGAHE
Keiichi Higuchi, the Japanese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, delivered a compelling speech at the signing ceremony of a new grant agreement aimed at improving school nutrition in Isabel and Western Provinces.
The ceremony, held at the Japanese Embassy in Honiara, marked the official launch of the SBD 28.7 million (US$3.4 million) project, which focuses on addressing malnutrition and supporting sustainable agriculture in the Solomon Islands.
Ambassador Higuchi opened his speech by extending a warm welcome to all attendees, including distinguished guests, media representatives, and those who have contributed to the initiative.
He expressed his honor in representing the Japanese government at the signing of the Exchange of Notes for the Project for Nutrition Improvement through School Meals in Isabel and Western Provinces.
“This project will provide sustainable food production support to communities surrounding four boarding schools in Isabel and Western Provinces and establish an agricultural distribution system for these schools,” Ambassador Higuchi explained.
He highlighted that in addition to improving nutrition and hygiene in the schools, the project will also provide nutrition education to create long-term health benefits for the communities.
The Ambassador addressed the pressing issue of malnutrition in the Solomon Islands, noting that the country suffers from the “triple burden” of malnutrition—undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition.
He identified unhealthy dietary habits, such as the insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables and excessive intake of processed foods and sugary soft drinks, as key contributing factors to the nation’s nutrition crisis.
Furthermore, Ambassador Higuchi emphasized the added challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, which have impacted biodiversity and caused the loss of essential habitats for root crops and vegetables.
This, he said, has led to rising food prices in domestic markets, exacerbating the nutrition problems.
The Japanese Ambassador also reflected on the Pacific Island Leaders’ Meeting (PALM-10) held in July 2024, where the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Honorable Manasseh Sogavare, requested assistance with agriculture and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
“I strongly believe that this project will not only contribute to improving agriculture and nutrition for the people of the Solomon Islands but also respond to Prime Minister Sogavare’s aspirations for his people to be fit, healthy, and vibrant,” Ambassador Higuchi said.
The project is expected to increase the productivity of local farmers, thereby contributing to economic stability in Isabel and Western Provinces, while addressing the complex issue of NCDs in the region.
Ambassador Higuchi expressed hope that the initiative would make a positive and lasting impact on the health and well-being of boarding school students in the provinces.
The Ambassador concluded his speech by referencing the Japan-Pacific Island Forum Leaders Declaration and the PALM-10 Joint Action Plan, which identified climate change as the greatest existential threat to Pacific nations.
He reiterated Japan’s commitment to combating climate change, not just for the Solomon Islands but for all countries in the Pacific region.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved in this project,” Ambassador Higuchi concluded.
“I strongly hope that this project will progress successfully and contribute to a healthier and more prosperous future for the Solomon Islands.” He said.
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