The Inaugural Ceremony of the International Training Course for Youth in the Coconut Industry, “Empowering the Future of Coconut Sector: A Youth-Led Transformation Program through Sustainable Partnerships”, organized by ICC in collaboration with various research institutes and private sectors, was successfully held at J.S. Luwansa Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia 19th September 2024 in hybrid mode. Dignitaries such as government officers, partner organizations, private sectors, and sponsors attended the event. The program aims to empower the next generation to transform the industry through sustainable practices. The program will start with virtual training from September to November 2024, followed by face-to-face sessions in 2025, including an internship and market linkage program, with ICC funding select participants and projects.
In her welcome address, Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Executive Director, ICC, mentioned that the farming population is predominantly made up of older farmers with limited involvement of the younger generation. The training program is critical to ensuring the smooth transfer of knowledge, skills, and ownership of the industry to the next generation.
She also emphasized the importance of empowering youth to introduce innovative solutions for higher productivity, lower costs, and better market access. Young people are naturally curious and innovative, making them ideal candidates for transforming the coconut sector. Investing in youth now lays the groundwork for a strong and productive workforce in the future.
She encouraged participants to apply the lessons learned in real-world scenarios to become leaders, innovators, and change-makers in their communities. The program aims to cultivate an energetic, smart, and adaptable young generation passionate about transforming the coconut sector, with a focus on empowering youth to lead the industry's sustainable and resilient future.
Mrs. Sureka N. Attanayake, Director (Policy and Operations), Ministry of Agriculture & Plantation Industries, Sri Lanka, on behalf of Mr. Janaka Dharmakeerthi, Secretary Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Sri Lanka/Chairman of ICC, emphasized the program’s importance in transforming the coconut sector through sustainable partnerships. It highlights the role of youth in driving innovation, job creation, and sustainable development. Empowered youth can lead in adapting eco-friendly practices, fostering social inclusion, and promoting social change. The program aligns with the ICC's vision of a global, sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and profitable coconut sector. It encourages youth entrepreneurship, global engagement, and partnerships with research institutes, universities, private sector companies, and financial institutions to enhance the sector's competitiveness and long-term growth.
She mentioned that Youth are highlighted as driving forces and emphasized that the youth-led transformation of the coconut sector is a necessity, not just a possibility, and extends best wishes to all young participants in the new development program, encouraging continued investment in youth for prosperity and sustainability of the coconut industry.
Ms. Yenni Hernawati, Coordinator for International Commodity Organization, Directorate General of International Trade Negotiation, Ministry of Trade, on behalf of Mr. Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, S.E., MSIE, Director General of International Trade Negotiation, Ministry of Trade, Indonesia/NLO Indonesia, emphasized Indonesia's potential in the industry and the critical role of youth in driving innovation and modern technology adoption. She highlighted the importance of youth involvement in agriculture, which contributes significantly to global GDP, and encouraged them to see agriculture as a rewarding career. She expressed gratitude for the program, which equips young people with the tools to make an impact in the sector. She concluded by urging participants to embrace their pioneering role in shaping the industry's future.
H.E. Diar Nurbintoro, Director, NAM-CSSTC, underlined that the strong solidarity between NAMS-CSSTC and ICC has fostered ongoing collaboration, particularly in technical cooperation, over the past few years. The consistent contribution and participation of NAMS-CSTC and ICC in the development of the coconut sector through various training programs, webinars, and workshops reiterates the commitment to deeper collaboration between both organizations, emphasizing the foundation for full initiative support for the growth of the coconut sector.
Dr. Tristan Amstrong, Senior Program Manager, Australian High Commission, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, commended the ICC for their youth empowerment initiative focused on coconut cultivation in the Solomon Islands. He highlighted the importance of coconut as a fundamental crop and its role in soil stabilization and economic sustainability. Armstrong emphasized the need for youth engagement to revitalize the sector, noting the decline of old plantations and the loss of unique genetic varieties. He also praised the ICC's training and knowledge-sharing programs and expressed support for nominating youth leaders.
Mr. Gregory Bardies, Executive Director, SCP, shared slides on Sustainable Coconut Partnerships mission to catalyze sustainable coconut production through industry-wide best practices, described SCP's collaboration with ICC and other partners to support the program. Highlights the importance of collaboration and the potential to identify future leaders and change-makers in the industry. He expressed excitement for the upcoming months and the opportunity to lead the coconut industry towards a sustainable future.
Also delivering remarks, NLO attended virtually, represented by Mr. Alan Aku, Managing Director, KOKONAS Indastri Koporesen (KIK), NLO Papua New Guinea; Mr. Roel M. Rosales, Deputy Administrator, Field Services Branch, PCA, NLO Philippines; Dr. K.B. Hebbar, CPCRI, on behalf of Mr. Priya Ranjan IFoS, Joint Secretary, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, India/NLO India.
After a launching ceremony, marked with a countdown and playing video informing the program, Mr. Nuwan Chinthaka, Assistant Director, ICC, presented virtually the structure of the program. And, Mr. Alif Pirmansah, Market and Statistics Officer, ICC, delivered the vote of thanks.