2026.09.11
Under a theme that captured the spirit of the day “Sending off this year's scholars and bringing our alumni family together to reflect on another year of partnership”, the JICA PNG Office together with the JICA PNG Alumni Association hosted the 2026 JICA Scholars Pre-departure Briefing and Annual General Meeting at Lamana Hotel in the first week of September 2026. The event unites government officials, alumni, and dignitaries from Japan and PNG to celebrate over five decades of enduring friendship.
The morning opened with a pre-departure briefing for this year's scholarship recipients, before VIPs, guests, and members arrived for a full programme of remarks, presentations, and reflection on another year of Japan-PNG cooperation.
In his opening remarks, Mr. SHIROUZU Kenichi, Chief Representative of JICA PNG, congratulated the newly awarded scholars of the SDGs Global Leader Programme and the Kizuna Scholarship Program. He outlined JICA's five long-term training programmes, the SDGs Global Leader Programme, KIZUNA for the mining sector, RAMP for road asset management, Agri-Net for agriculture and food security, and JDS for policymakers noting that more than 5,000 Papua New Guineans have benefited from JICA-supported training since the programmes began. In 2026 alone, JICA supported over 70 public servants through training in Japan, including the nine scholars who will join 10 Papua New Guinean scholars already pursuing their studies in Japan, bringing the total number of long-term scholars under the program to 19 for this year. He also welcomed the strong gender balance among this year's awardees, a point of quiet pride for the programme.
Mr. SHIROUZU Kenichi, Chief Representative of JICA Papua New Guinea, delivers his opening remarks to guests and alumni at the 2026 AGM
"While discussions often focus on infrastructure development and other national challenges," Mr. Shirouzu said, "We must never forget that people are the driving force behind progress."
The morning's keynote address was delivered by Mr. Felix Bauri, Chief Operating Officer of PNG Ports, who brought a national leadership perspective to the gathering. His remarks underscored the significance of partnerships like JICA's in developing the skilled public servants and technical leaders that PNG will need for the years ahead.
Delivering the Embassy of Japan's address, Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. TAMAMITSU Shinichi reflected on more than 50 years of friendship between Japan and Papua New Guinea, dating back to the start of Japan's economic cooperation with PNG in 1974. He described the scholarship recipients as "a bridge between Papua New Guinea and Japan," encouraging them to embrace the unfamiliar, learn beyond the classroom, and carry PNG's culture and stories to the people they meet in Japan.
"Every friendship you make, every professional relationship you establish, and every experience you share can contribute to a deeper mutual understanding between our two countries," Mr. Tamamitsu told the scholars, while also recognizing the JICA PNG Alumni Association as a vital platform keeping former scholars connected and engaged in mentoring the next generation.
The morning's most personal moments came from alumni themselves. Dr. Moira Lunge, a Kizuna Programme scholar who completed her PhD in Geology at Akita University, attached to the Mineral Resources Authority, and Dr. Walter Aukleya, a fellow Batch 2022 scholar from the National Capital District Commission who studied at Toyo University, each shared candid reflections on life, study, and growth in Japan. Ms. Heni Henao, representing the 2026 intake and soon to begin studies at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University for the Department of Lands & Physical Planning, spoke on behalf of the scholars preparing to follow in their footsteps.
Dr. Moira Lunge, PhD, a JICA Scholar under the Kizuna Programme at Akita University, shares her experience of life and study in Japan with attendees.
Following a group photo and lunch, the Annual General Meeting moved into its business session, with President Ms. Losi-Yawingu Luanne presenting the President's Reports. Special presentations on the JDS Scholarship Program and the JICA SDGs Scholarship rounded out the afternoon, followed by an open forum before closing remarks, and a farewell reception sent the 2026 scholars off in style.
2026 SDG and Kizuna Scholarship Scholars
From pre-departure nerves to alumni reunions, the day was a reminder that behind every JICA programme is a growing family, one that keeps Papua New Guinea and Japan connected long after the scholars come home.
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