PACIFIC ISLANDS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (PILP)

Announcing the Pacific Islands Leadership Program:  Call for Applications

Imin Conference Center, East-West Center, Honolulu, (the lion was a gift to the EWC from Taiwan). Photo by Charles P. Nguyen.The East-West Center is pleased to invite applications for the Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP), a new initiative designed to provide opportunities to enhance the leadership capacities of individuals in the Pacific Islands region and build a network of young leaders who will contribute to lasting people-to-people relationships across the Pacific, Asia, and United States.

Application Documents (for more information, see our How to Apply page)

• Application Instructions and Checklist [PDF]
• Application Form [PDF] [form-fillable DOC]
• Letter of Reference Form [PDF] [form-fillable DOC]
• Where and how to submit your application [PDF] 

Application deadline

March 15, 2013 for full consideration.  Applications received thereafter will be considered on a space-available basis.

Program Goals

Taipei, Taiwan (view of Taipei 101, a landmark skyscraper in the city's government and financial district). Photo by Andy Enero.

This program seeks to attract candidates possessing outstanding intellectual promise, high leadership potential, and commitment to serve the development needs of their countries.  It is intended to strengthen participants’ knowledge and understanding of key economic, social, political, health, educational and environmental
issues affecting the region, and enable them to cultivate the leadership skills, approaches and networks to make meaningful contributions to the region throughout their careers.

Type of Study 

PILP is a three-month course of study with the first two based in Honolulu, Hawaii and the third month based in Taipei, Taiwan. It includes seminars and field visits.  Up to 25 candidates will be admitted in the first cohort of PILP participants and the program will seek to balance opportunities for women and men.

Program Dates 

August 26, 2013 – November 26, 2013

Eligibility

The program is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals from Pacific Island nations, spanning the ages of approximately 25 - 38. PILP seeks outstanding individuals from all walks of life (government, business, environment, NGOs, health, media, agriculture, education, and others) to apply. Citizens of the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu will be eligible for these competitive, merit-based awards.  Applicants will be expected to have a fluent level of English.  Applicants will normally have a Bachelor’s degree; exceptions may be considered on the basis of other relevant experience and qualifications. Applicants will be expected to have a minimum of 2 years of significant work experience, and be committed to a career in the region. 

PILP Fellowship Provisions 

Tuition, residence hall room costs, health insurance, course materials, living stipend, round-trip airfare to Honolulu, roundtrip airfare from Honolulu to Taipei, as well as visa application and SEVIS fees if required.

Location of Study

Two months in Honolulu, Hawaii, followed by one month in Taipei, Taiwa

Source: East-West Center