Seven emerging Solomon Islands Government leaders have attended the prestigious Canberra Fellowships Program in Australia.
The delegation was comprised of senior officials representing agencies and state-owned enterprises responsible for the delivery, management and protection of critical infrastructure, including from the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Ministry of Finance and Treasury, alongside senior representatives from state-owned enterprises and companies responsible for transport, energy, water and telecommunications.
Over the course of a week, the delegates and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade visit liaison officers travelled to Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney to meet and exchange views with senior leaders in the Australian Government, private sector and academia.
They also developed their leadership and strategic organisational management skills through an expert-led training workshop.
Mr Alan Christian Siale, Deputy Policy Secretary at Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet, said the Canberra Fellowships Program was a unique experience which connected counterparts.
“Our discussions were productive and wide-ranging, from asset management to critical infrastructure protection to the benefits and challenges of public private partnerships,” said Mr Siale.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said, that as well as investing in infrastructure, as Solomon Islands largest bilateral development partner, Australia is also committed to investing in the people that deliver, manage and maintain critical infrastructure assets on behalf of Solomon Islands.
“We greatly appreciate these emerging leaders from Solomon Islands taking time out of their busy schedules, and being away from family, to learn about Australia, share their insights and deepen the bonds of the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
The delegation was also able to experience Australia’s cultural heritage, with a Welcome to Country by traditional landowners in Canberra, a tour of Parliament House and an A-league football match in Sydney.
ENDS///….
