by Georgina Maka’a
Four media personnel were part of a 17-member delegation from the Solomon Islands, which included government officials, state-owned enterprises, and sports representatives.
They joined professionals worldwide to complete a series of intensive seminars on various topics in Beijing, China.
The Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) organized the seminars, a training institute that focuses on helping people understand international cooperation, trade, investment, governance, and public management.
For the media seminar, 34 media professionals from countries including Iraq, Sri Lanka, Cyprus, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, the Maldives, and Armenia attended a seminar on ‘Heads of Journalist Organization for BRI Partner Countries.’
Participants engaged in discussions about China’s history, the media industry, and news reporting practices relating to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The seminar also covered various topics, such as:
- China’s national conditions and modernization path
- The BRI and Global Development Initiative
- The global shift in media power
- Technology and visual storytelling in media
- Cooperation among journalists from BRI countries
- How business associations can enhance international communication
Wu Hao, the Deputy Director of the Executive Department of China-aid Training Programs at AIBO, opened the seminar by highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation. He emphasized that sharing resources and strengths can foster mutual development and assist countries in collaborating to address global challenges.
Desmond Rave, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s police media officer, described the seminar as an ‘eye-opener.’
Rave indicated that it helped him gain a clearer understanding of China and provided firm realities as opposed to regular propaganda news that tainted China.
RSIPF Media Officer, Desmond Rave(far right) with his media counterparts in one of their field trips
“Coming to China has allowed me to see and conclude that the many stories about this country were purely negative propaganda,” he stated.
He highlighted the importance of the topics discussed during the seminars, particularly those related to Chinese media and journalists from BRI countries.
“The training offered a valuable chance to exchange knowledge and promote mutual understanding through cross-cultural communication,” he added.
Rave concluded that China is an example of how leaders should prioritize their people to ensure growth for a better future.
Another participant, Simon Chottu, Director of the Copra Export Marketing Authority, also shared his experiences.
Simon Chottu speaking at the opening of the seminar
“This type of engagement helps us put efforts into committing to sustainable economic growth and improving our human resources,” he said.
Chottu attended a seminar on China Aid Projects in Latin America and the South Pacific, emphasizing the need to learn and find opportunities to improve economies and uplift lives.
John Kabolo, Deputy Policy Secretary for the Resource Sector at the Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit of the Prime Minister’s Office, emphasized the importance of hosting more seminars on “Energy Innovation for Developing Countries.”
Kabolo and his team, who attended a seminar on the topic, believe these sessions are vital for the Solomon Islands to effectively transition its energy landscape.
John Kabolo(far right) posing with his team
“As it is not fully developed to the required level, that can be transformed into a green, sustainable, energy-based economic development that can support our national strategies and is unique to our national characteristics.” He said.
The seminar series also included field trips, where participants visited famous landmarks and markets in Beijing and other cities and provinces in China, allowing them to experience the country’s rich culture and vibrant environment.
The 14-days trip was sponsored by the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Commerce.