BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
James Dolarii, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Chief Executive Officer has urged Solomon Islands National University (SINU) graduates to take up leadership roles to address real-world challenges facing the country and the wider region.
Speaking at the SINU 2026 graduation ceremony on Thursday, April 30, Dolarii reminded graduates that they are stepping into a system that is far from perfect and requires their active contribution.
“You are not entering a perfect system. You are entering a system that needs your ideas, your skills and your leadership,” Mr Dolarii said.
He told graduates that leadership is not defined by titles, but by action and mindset.
“Whether or not you hold the title, you are already leaders. You are problem solvers, innovators and nation builders,” he said.
Dolarii said they have a responsibility to excel personally while contributing meaningfully to society.
“Our country needs more entrepreneurs who will create jobs. It needs professionals who will uphold standards and leaders who will help shape and strengthen our institutions,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of citizenship and collective responsibility in nation building.
“Above all, our country needs individuals who understand that nation building is a shared responsibility,” Dolarii said.
He encouraged graduates to continuously build their capacity and use their knowledge not only for personal success but to uplift others.
“Success is not just about where we reach, it is about how many we bring along with us on the journey,” he said.
Dolarii highlighted the vast opportunities available across sectors such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries offering strong potential for growth and livelihoods.
However, he advised that significant challenges remain.
He pointed to the high cost of doing business, ongoing infrastructure gaps affecting productivity, and limited access to finance, particularly for small and medium enterprises, as key issues confronting the country.
He also noted the increasing demand from the private sector for skills aligned with the needs of a modern economy.
“Your education and qualifications place you at the centre of solving these real issues,” he said.
Dolarii said graduates have a critical role to play in improving productivity, strengthening institutions and driving innovation across various sectors.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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