Innovation hubs in Bougainville opened to boost creativity

AN innovation hub designed to boost entrepreneurship and digital literacy was opened yesterday in Buka, in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
It is the first of three hubs which the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japanese Government will be launching in the three districts of Bougainville this year.
UNDP resident representative Nicholas Booth said sustaining the hard-won peace in Bougainville was not possible without the economic empowerment of its citizens.
“I am convinced that these innovation hubs will help unleash the creative and enterprising spirit of Bougainvilleans, and contribute to building a firm economic foundation,” he said.
Japanese Ambassador Nobuyuki Watanabe highlighted Japan’s long-standing commitment to the development of Bougainville.
“This project is a testament to the trust and confidence that Japan and UNDP place on Bougainville’s potential,” he said.
“It presents our shared vision for a prosperous, peaceful and sustainable future for this beautiful island,” he said.