BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
A community building workshop is underway in Honiara convening nine Pacific islands countries who are part of the Pacific Islands Leadership Programme (PILP).
At the opening ceremony, which coincided with the PILP alumni reunion event on Wednesday, Prime Minister Rick Houenipweala says it is appropriate to bring the community building workshop to Solomon Islands since the alumni participants also come from different countries across our region.
He said his government believes the tourism industry should be encouraged and developed further with the intention of one day surpassing forestry and the unsustainable logging industry in Solomon Islands.
“I hope as a tourism experience, that you will enjoy your stay here in Solomon Islands and that for your workshop you will have a meaningful, fruitful and productive workshop here in Honiara,” PM Hou said.
Hou thanked the Taiwanese Government for such an initiative especially Taiwan Ambassador Roger Luo and his staff for such thoughtfulness.
Minister for Culture and Tourism Bartholomew Parapolo encouraged participants to use the opportunity not only to enjoy Solomon Islands but to learn and return home with stories and memories.
Ambassador HE Roger Luo.
Parapolo congratulates the alumni and encouraged them to continue the professional interaction as future leaders for their respective countries.
Taiwan’s Ambassador His Excellency Roger Luo in his remarks, recognised the contribution of the East West Centre as a world renowned think-tank for the Asia-Pacific’s young leaders.
Mr Luo said East West Centre has many outstanding scholars and professors supporting the PILP training programme.
The PILP is designed for early and mid-career professionals from all walks of life from 25-38 years of age. The seminar convened young leaders from Papua New Guinea, Nauru, French Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands and PILP programme coordinators from the East West Centre in Hawaii, USA.
