LocationsAutonomous Region of Bougainville celebrates its first-ever World Creativity and Innovation Day
April 29, 2022
World Creativity & Innovation Day was a first ever celebration in Bougainville - and was part of over 50 countries that celebrated.
Recognizing that creativity and innovation will be key pillars to support the recovery and economic upliftment of Bougainville, communities in Buka celebrated World Creativity and Innovation Day on 21 April 2022.
The purpose of World Creativity & Innovation Day was to remind and encourage people to use their creativity to make the world a better place and to make their place in the world better too. It was a first ever celebration in Bougainville and was part of over 50 countries that celebrated the day. The global event brought together businesses, entrepreneurs, Government and UN agencies to create solutions focused on meeting the Sustainable Development Goals while delivering and working to support local entrepreneurs and business accelerate their creative and innovation initiatives.
“At UNDP Papua New Guinea, we are working tirelessly to support and implement innovation agenda for the Bougainville region with our Autonomous Bougainville Government partners and with our donors to help drive increased participation of entrepreneurs, women and youth in a digital and increasingly connected global marketplace” says Mr. Dirk Wagener, UNDP Resident Representative in Papua New Guinea.
Stalls were provided to local MSMEs to display their products
He further added: “We are excited to be working on empowering the Bougainville women, youth, entrepreneurs and others by implementing and delivering three innovation hubs across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville that will act as a resource, incubator, and learning centers enabling seamless acquisition of skills, knowledge, and resources needed to help catalyse business and employment growth in the region.”
Dr Ahmed Awil, Private Sector Development Specialist with UNDP Papua New Guinea said: “holding this event is aligned to the upcoming development and implementation of Bougainville innovation hubs being built in Buka, Arawa and Buin and will be a platform to showcase the education and training program to be rolled out in late May 2022.”
Background: Bougainville Innovation Hubs
Bougainville innovation hubs support early-stage entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and infrastructure to help accelerate the business idea and establish a viable business entity that then becomes Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The Planned innovation hubs will deliver services and activities related to the betterment and economic empowerment of the Bougainville community. The hubs are generously funded by the Government of Japan.
The Bougainville innovation hubs will be built in three towns in Bougainville: Buka, Arawa and Buin. The innovation hubs are focused on allowing women, youth, students and others to have access to vocational and skills related training focused on digital and technological curricula. The outcome envisaged under this program to develop and support a pool of entrepreneurs who will go on to start their own businesses and act as future wealth creators and employers for the Bougainville region.
While construction of the innovation hubs is on-going, there is an opportunity to deliver and provide education and training activities aligned to the needs of the Bougainville community. A detailed program structure including courses, curricula, and delivery options across Buka, Buin and Arawa will be shared soon. Selection of potential programme participants in each of the three regions will be made through an objective screening process that will be implemented in partnership with stakeholders. Other details like registrations, eligibility and course dates will be available once the discussions with the community partners have been completed.
“At UNDP Papua New Guinea, we are working tirelessly to support and implement innovation agenda for the Bougainville region with our Autonomous Bougainville Government partners and with our donors to help drive increased participation of entrepreneurs, women and youth in a digital and increasingly connected global marketplace”Mr. Dirk Wagener, UNDP Resident Representative Papua New Guinea.
