BY JOY OFASIA
THE Japan International Cooperation Agency office in Honiara has officially welcomed the New Year 2024 with greetings to all key national stakeholders in the Solomon Islands, with renewed hope of working together to contribute to the sustainable development of the country.
“JICA in Solomon Islands would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Public, Ministries, SOEs and other counterpart agencies, Development Partners, and CSOs/NGOs in Solomon Islands whom we have been working closely with for the past years.
“Last year was a committed year for the country (SI), especially with the successful hosting of the Pacific Games 2023. As we enter the New Year, 2024, we wish everyone in the Hapi Isles a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous new year and wish all our counterpart agencies success. We hope to work closely with you all again to contribute to the sustainable development of Solomon Islands.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s first Official Development Assistance. Through this process, both Japan and JICA have learned a lot. Building on this foundation, we, as JICA, will continue to strive to improve human security and connect the world with trust in a world facing multiple crises,” according to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) media statement.
The media statement continued: “This year, a major earthquake occurred in Japan on New Year’s Day, centred on the Noto Peninsula, and on the 2nd, a shocking aircraft accident occurred at Haneda Airport. Rather than celebrating the New Year, we have begun the year with concerns about the safety of disaster victims and those involved in accidents.
“We wish to express our deepest condolences to all the victims and extend our sympathies to the victims and everyone involved in the accident. Immediately after the earthquake, the JICA Hokuriku Centre quickly confirmed the safety of JICA-related personnel, including international scholarship students.
“Aftershocks are still occurring in the affected areas, and recovery and reconstruction will take time, but Japan is doing its best. When disasters occur overseas, JICA has always supported recovery and reconstruction with the motto “Build Back Better.” Japan will also strive to Build Back Better.
“As the effects of climate change become more and more serious, and complex crises such as persistent conflicts are becoming more severe around the world, in June 2023, Japan revised its Development Cooperation Charter. It contains the following paragraph:
“Today, it is more necessary than ever for the international community to cooperate in order to overcome the complex crises by transcending differences in values and conflicts of interest. At a time when prospects are shaken for progress on development challenges through international cooperation, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, Japan, as a peace-loving nation and responsible major power, is in a position to lead such international cooperation based on the concept of “Human Security.” Amid the complex interplay of conflict and cooperation in international relations, development cooperation has an exceptionally vital role to play in Japan’s diplomatic efforts,” the statement reads.
