Request for Applications: Indo-Pacific Futures Fellowship

Fellows will explore how leadership can strengthen systems that balance economic growth, resource availability, and long-term sustainability. From personal food security to societal energy transitions, they will investigate strategies for providing reliable access to essential resources. Through storytelling, exploring perspectives, and immersive experiences, the program will foster meaningful conversations that unite different viewpoints and help shape a future where food and energy systems are both reliable and sustainable.

Participants will come from a range of backgrounds—spanning government, advocacy, communities, media and technology, arts, business, entrepreneurship, including energy and food producers—bringing a variety of experiences and ideas. The enduring skills and connections they gain will help them drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

Benefits

• The Indo-Pacific Futures Fellowship provides fellows with round-trip airfare to/from the program locations, program fee and materials, accommodation, travel insurance, meals, and some applicable visa-related costs (if required).

Eligibility Criteria

• 5 to 10 years of professional leadership experience in any aspect of food and energy systems, including advocacy work in these sectors. Experience may comprise but is not limited to: elected officials, government agency representatives, advocacy group leaders, topic experts, community and industry leaders, artists, activists, and social and business entrepreneurs.
• Past experiences or current work with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region.
• There is no country restriction to apply/participate in the IPFF.
• Applicants will be expected to have a fluent level of English. Applicants are encouraged to provide an English language test score (such as IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC…) if available.
• A current passport with validity through the end of 2026.
• Able to fully commit to two weeks of travel in October and November 2025 and one week in May 2026, plus regular virtual connections in between and a capstone project to implement during and after the program.

Desirable Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of studies in a higher education institution sanctioned by a degree representing a full-time program of study is preferred but not required.
• Dedicated to supporting initiatives that address the needs of communities affected by global challenges.
• Proven ability to work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
• Willingness to learn and try new techniques and approaches, and to face unfamiliar experiences with curiosity and openness to the process, as well as to be challenged and willing to push beyond their professional comfort zone with a commitment to their personal growth.
• Willing to engage fully in a place-based, action-oriented, creatively demanding program.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to complete writing and public speaking assignments with high quality.

Application Requirements

• One letter of reference from a professional contact is required to complete your application but two are suggested.
• Instructions with a link to the Letter of Reference form will be sent to your referee(s) via email upon the submission of your application.
• Inform your referee(s) ahead of submitting your application that a request will be coming from submittable, their online application platform.
• Should your referee(s) require assistance, please have them contact their team.
• The program will not accept a Letter of Reference directly from applicants.

For more information, visit East-West Center.