Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan

In 2025, the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) at the East-West Center (EWC) and the Republic of China’s (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA) will host a seven-week program that includes three-weeks in Honolulu, Hawai’i and four-weeks in Taiwan.

This program will provide individuals the opportunity to enhance their leadership capacities and build a network with other leaders from across the Pacific and Taiwan. Participants will engage in experiential learning in a cohort of 24 early to mid-career professionals from all sectors. PILP attracts participants possessing high leadership potential and a commitment to serve their national and regional development goals.

The curriculum for these rising leaders will be centered around the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and thematically organized in the following areas identified in the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan: Political Leadership & Regionalism, Peace & Security; Oceans & Environment, Climate Change & Disasters; Resources & Economic Development, Technology & Connectivity; and People-Centered Development. The program strengthens participants’ knowledge and understanding of key regional economic, social, political, health, educational and environmental issues, and cultivates culturally sustaining leadership capacities.

Benefits

• Provisions from the East-West Center:
  • Most economical airfare between home country and Honolulu, Hawaii; between Honolulu, Hawaii and Taipei, Taiwan; and between Taipei, Taiwan and home country
  • Shared or single accommodations in Honolulu, Hawaii on campus, based upon availability and budgetary constraints
  • Ground transportation in Honolulu, includes airport transfers
  • Modest stipend in Honolulu, less any meals provided by the program
  • Travel health insurance, for emergencies
  • SEVIS fee (for the U.S. J-1 Visa process), if applicable
• Provisions from the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA):
  • Taiwan Visa fee, waived
  • Ground transportation in Taiwan, including airport transfers
  • Modest stipend, usually given in NTD
  • Shared, or single accommodations in Taiwan, based upon availability and budgetary constraints

Duration

• August 1 – September 19, 2025 (Dates are tentative and subject to change)

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizens of the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu
• Bachelor’s degree is required. Exceptions may be considered on the basis of other relevant experience and qualifications
• The program is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals
• A minimum of 3 years demonstrated impact in your professional career and/or local community
• Applicants will be expected to have a fluent level of English
• All qualified persons especially indigenous Pacific Islanders are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit East-West Center.