Australian support unlocks virtual leadership training for Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands’ Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) kicked off its workforce leadership skills training again this week, thanks to new video conferencing equipment and funding for a 12-month virtual leadership coaching program provided by the Australian Government.

Australian High Commission Counsellor, Andrew Elborn joined the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, Nego Sisiolo on Wednesday 25 November, to launch IPAM’s new Leadership Coaching Program which is the first training program to use the new equipment.

The leadership program has been developed locally and is funded by Australia’s Solomon Islands Governance Program.  It aims to build change leadership networks and coalitions that can help to make a difference in Solomon Islands’ development.

Australia recognises that IPAM has a crucial role to play in building the capacity of public sector leaders to improve efficiency and transparency of service delivery, Mr Elborn said when formally handing over the video conferencing equipment to IPAM.

“The impact of COVID-19 shouldn’t stop this important work,” Mr Elborn said.

“Current and future leaders can still have the opportunity to learn leadership skills that are not taught in universities but are learned and applied in practice at respective workplaces,” Mr Elborn said.

Permanent Secretary Sisiolo said the support of the Australian Government was timely and would greatly improve IPAM’s capacity to deliver its training program despite the global pandemic.

“Training virtually online is the new normal and Solomon Islands is very grateful to the Australian Government for giving us this capacity,” Mr Sisiolo said.

Participants in the 12-month Leadership Coaching Program have been drawn from the government, private sector and non-government and community organisations, with an emphasis on those who are interested in developing leadership skills to drive reform in their sectors.  Three cohorts of 15 people will participate in this training over the next year.