BY CHRIS ALEX
Marking a significant milestone for the Solomon Islands human resource development, three promising public servants have been selected as the country’s first recipients of the prestigious Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).
The trio were officially farewelled by family members and JDS Project Operating Committee members during a send-off ceremony on Friday, July 25, 2025.
The three scholars represent the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECDM), Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) and the Central Bank of Solomon Islands.
They are set to depart Honiara on August 31. They will first undergo a one-month orientation in Tokyo before commencing graduate studies at top-tier universities in Japan.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) and member of the JDS Operating Committee, commended the scholars for their commitment and ambition.
“You are not only embarking on an academic journey but also representing the future of Solomon Islands’ development. Your success will pave the way for others and contribute to building a strong and capable public sector,” said Dr. Rodie.
Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Keiichi Higuchi highlighted the importance of cultural immersion alongside academic study.
“Please take care of your health and take time to understand Japan not just through books but through people, language, and community,” he advised.
Also sharing his encouragement was Mr Kawasaki Mitsuyoshi, Resident Representative of JICA Solomon Islands, who emphasized JICA’s commitment to strengthen capacity building and leadership development in the Pacific.
The JDS program, launched in 1999 and funded by the Government of Japan, aims to support young public sector leaders from developing countries by offering fully funded graduate degrees in Japan. Initially focused on Asian nations, the program has since expanded globally, and 2025 marks the first year of inclusion for Pacific countries such as Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea.
In consultation with the Solomon Islands Government, five priority study areas were selected for the JDS program: Public Policy, Public Financial Management, International Relations, and Climate Change/Environmental Policy.
The program is coordinated by the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination, with support from the Ministry of Public Service and MEHRD.
To date, over 6,000 JDS scholars from 23 countries have benefited from the program, with 315 new scholars accepted in 2024 alone.
As the Solomon Islands deepens its partnership with Japan, the successful departure of these three scholars marks the beginning of a long-term investment in national capacity and international cooperation.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
