Equitable Futures Fellowship (Indo-Pacific Region)

Fellows will explore techniques to empower previously unheard voices and resolve inequity in its many forms, including gaps in income, health care, and education; impacts of the climate crisis; and challenges to societal pluralism.

Selected participants will include leaders and creative thinkers across government, communities, advocacy groups, media and technology, artists and entrepreneurs. This expanded view of who can create policies and positive change will ensure an array of unique experiences and ideas.

Through a combination of in-person sessions in Hawai‘i and Aotearoa (New Zealand), plus regular virtual meetings, fellows will hear from top experts and engage in activities designed to enhance their knowledge, leadership capacities, and networks. The enduring skills and bonds they gain are intended to serve their communities and our world in building more equitable

Financial Information/Provisions

• The Equitable 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). This program is subject to postponement/cancellation due to prevailing and unforeseen circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria

• 5 to 10 years of professional leadership experience in any aspect of policy, advocacy of influence. This includes but is not limited to: elected officials, government agency representatives, advocacy group leaders, topic experts, community leaders, artists, activists, and entrepreneurs.
• A citizen or resident of countries in the Indo-Pacific region, or citizens or residents outside this region but whose past experience or current work comes with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. There is no country restriction to apply/participate in the EFF.
• 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 2025.
• Able to fully commit to two weeks of travel in October and November 2024 and one week in May 2025, 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.
• Committed to championing causes that serve communities most impacted by the global challenges of the time.
• Proven ability to work in a manner that respects differences in ethnicity, culture, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, ability, and socio-economic circumstance.
• 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, policy-focused, creatively demanding program.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to complete writing and public speaking assignments with high quality.

For more information, visit East-West Center.