MEET the man who founded a local charitable orgnaisation- I Lukim Sustainability Solomon Islands (ISSI) – then steer the organisation to be a world recognised body.
Watson Puiahi, founder and director of ISSI is pleased to share this incredible story with Weekend Magazine.
Last year Mr Puiahi was selected to participate in the ‘2015 Indigenous Fellowhip Program’ which tool place at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Righs (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland, last week.
“I realised that I have been selected from many other candidates globally, 19 of us through out the world were short-listed and have been interviewed in October 2014,” he said.
He said the task to go about the application process is rigorious for his organisation.
“As founder and director of the local inititive, it’s challanging to have confidence and trust from international organisations and donor partners to recognise my responsibility towards my indigenous community and country,” Mr Puiahi said.
“Objective of this programme is to give the opportunity to stregthen my knowledge of UN human rights instruments and mechanisms; in particular dealing with indigenous issues – to better my local NGO (ISSI) in protecting and promoting the rights of indigenous people at the international level.
“Last week I signed the aggreement with the office of the High commissioner for Human Rights, UN head office in Geneva, Switzerland, and have been contacted about practical arrangements for the programme.”
Mr Puiahi is adamant that with this opportunity, he is committed to take part in all sessions of the program and to demonstrate interest, diligence, and ethics.
“Upon return to Solomon Islands, I will actively engage in disseminating and using the knowledge acquired during the attachment with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights for the benefit of my country and indigenous peoples at large and to inform OHCHR accordingly.”
“I am also committed to fill in and send back to OHCHR one year after the end of the programme a follow-up evaluation form. I finally confirmed that the entitlements provided by the OHCHR are acceptable to me.”
Mr Puiahi holds a Bachelor Degree in Management and Public Administration.
After graduating in 2004 he went and worked for Education Authority in Kiribati under the Catholic Church program for two years.
In 2008 he worked for Live and Learn for four years. Then 2012 saw him starting his own organisation.
“I was inspired seeing my potential as a local to venture using my skills and vast knowledge when working with various organisation.”
Mr Puiahi is expected to commenced attachment work at the UN head office in June this year.
By TEDDY KAFO
