BY NED GAGAHE
Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Solomon Islands Office, Mr. Mitsuyoshi Kawasaki, has reaffirmed JICA’s strong commitment to supporting human resource development in the Solomon Islands, describing education as a powerful tool for national transformation.
Kawasaki made the remarks during the signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes (E/N) and Grant Agreement for the Japan Development Scholarship (JDS) Project on July 29, 2025 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) office in Honiara.
“It is my pleasure to be here to witness the signing of the Exchange of Notes, and to personally sign the Grant Agreement for the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship,” he said.
Kawasaki extended his congratulations to the Solomon Islands Government, particularly the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC), for its effective coordination of the initiative.
He highlighted Japan’s broader regional commitment made during the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) held in Japan in July 2024.
At that meeting, the Government of Japan pledged continued cooperation on sustainable development for Pacific Island countries, including human resource development programs that will benefit more than 6,500 Pacific people over three years.
Since JICA began its cooperation with Solomon Islands in 1978, more than 1,300 Solomon Islanders have been invited to Japan for short-term training under JICA’s Knowledge Co-Creation Programs. Additionally, since 2016, over 20 Solomon Islanders have studied at Japanese universities under various scholarship programs including P-Leads, SDGs Global Leaders, and Agri-Net.
Now, under the JDS initiative, three Solomon Islanders from the first batch will depart at the end of this month to pursue postgraduate studies in Japan. The second batch of recipients will follow, thanks to the agreements signed this week.
“During the four-year duration of the JDS Project, approximately 20 government officials will be given the opportunity to undertake master’s degrees in areas such as public policy, public financial management, international relations, and climate change and environmental policy,” Mr. Kawasaki said.
He said that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele often quotes Nelson Mandela’s famous words: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
“I also agree with this quote,” Mr. Kawasaki said. “We sincerely expect that the officials who will study in Japan will return to become leaders who will shape the future of Solomon Islands.”
He said the JDS Project not only supports the development of human capital in the country but also plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral relations between Solomon Islands and Japan.
“These scholars are expected to become key figures who will bridge our two nations and enhance the friendly and strategic ties we share,” Mr. Kawasaki said.
In closing, he reaffirms JICA’s long-term commitment.
“We will continue working together with the government and people of Solomon Islands for the mutual prosperity of both countries,” said Kawasaki.
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