１１月２１日、静岡市で第３回太平洋島嶼国・日本地方自治体ネットワーク(PALM&G)実務者会議が開催されました。
PALM&Gのメンバーである太平洋島嶼国の大使館関係者と各県の代表者、さらにオブザーバーとして外務省・JICA・太平洋諸島センターが参加しました。このPALM&Gは、太平洋島嶼国と日本の地方自治体との絆をより強固なものにし、それぞれの地域の特色を活かして幅広い分野での国際交流を推進するため、２０１８年に発足しました。
保健医療・環境・スポーツ分野を中心とした人材交流や協力事業等を通した、日本地方自治体と太平洋島嶼国との関係強化に向けて、活発な協議が行われました。
Shizuoka, Japan – From November 21 – 22, 2023 Ambassador Fritz and five other Ambassadors and Representatives from Embassies of Pacific Island Countries. Attending Ambassadors and representatives from PICs include FSM, Marshall Islands, Palau, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. From the Japan side prefectures in attendance were Mie, Fukushima, Shizuoka, Hyogo, Yamaguchi, Kochi, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Okinawa. Also in attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, JICA and Pacific Island Centre.
The meeting was chaired by the Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture and supported by the PICs coordinator and chair FSM. The main purpose of this trip was to participate in the Third PALM & G Local Governors Network Meeting hosted by Shizuoka Prefecture. This meeting provides a chance for Pacific Island Countries to cooperate with Prefectural Governments and strengthen relationships through activities and exchange.
The Pacific Island Countries recognize Japan as a valuable and close developing partner and look forward to continuing frank exchange within the network to further our partnership and expand on new activities, while maintaining the principles of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The second day excursion included sight-seeing to learn the history and culture of Shizuoka Prefecture. Most notably, the group visited Yaizu Fisheries High School. There, the group was able to see first-hand, how students of high school age are being trained in the fisheries sector. These children are trained in a spectrum of fisheries including, but not limited to, marine sciences, marine cultivation, food sciences and marketing. The group was able to experience virtual simulation of ship driving, used as a practical, safe and effective way to train the students.