Young People, Your Curiosity Can Change Solomon Islands

James Kana, Managing Director of Ueniusi’’unu Agribusiness Group strongly encourages young people in the Solomon Islands to embrace curiosity, take bold action and shape the future of their communities.

“Curiosity is at the heart of everything,” he began. “It’s not just about science or textbooks, it’s about asking questions, exploring ideas, and seeing opportunities where others see challenges.”

For Mr. James, curiosity has guided every step of his journey. 

From public service to banking, and later into entrepreneurship, his path has taken him across the islands, into rural villages, and into the very communities that sustain the Solomon Islands.

“I’ve worked with farmers and local communities who are doing incredible work,” he said. “But I’ve also seen the gaps, opportunities waiting for someone to step in, to innovate, and to make things happen.”

That someone could very well be SINU students. Mr. James painted a vivid picture of what this could look like: students visiting villages, learning from farmers, using technology and data to improve production, and connecting local goods to markets in Honiara and beyond.

He spoke of digital tools, supply chains, and practical problem-solving, not as abstract concepts, but as real skills that can change lives.

Imagine cocoa harvested in Malaita, transformed into chocolate or even products for pharmaceuticals, reaching both local and international markets.

Imagine students leading this change, turning research into products, ideas into businesses, and communities into thriving networks of innovation.

“Your campuses can be living labs,” he told the students. “This is where you test ideas, solve problems, and bring learning to life. This is entrepreneurship in action.”

Partnerships matter too. Mr. James highlighted how universities, government, and the private sector can work together to support small businesses, co-invest in projects, and open doors that were once closed.

Compliance with international standards, access to resources, and market knowledge can all be shared, creating a win-win for communities and students alike.

The message was clear, and it resonated: SINU graduates are not just students, they are agents of change, innovators, and problem-solvers.

By embracing curiosity, practical skills, and a willingness to step into challenges, they can transform local resources into real economic opportunities.

“The future is yours to create,” Mr. James concluded. “Step into your curiosity. Take bold action. Use your skills to transform communities, connect markets, and build a thriving Solomon Islands.”

For the youth listening that day, it wasn’t just a speech, it was a call to action.

A reminder that opportunity exists in every village, every farm, and every classroom.

And with courage, curiosity, and commitment, they can shape a future that is innovative, inclusive, and full of possibility.