Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP)

Founded in 2013, the Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP) graduated its seventh cohort, "Generation Seven" in December 2019. Building on a vibrant alumni network of 157 participants from 15 countries spanning the Pacific region, PILP is developing a new generation of leaders and a community of action.

Hosted by the East-West Center, PILP is generously funded by a grant from the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Republic of China (Taiwan).

What is PILP?

PILP is a center of excellence for leadership development in the Pacific region. The program links regional analysis of emerging issues in Oceania with experiential leadership learning and a commitment to practical action. We call this interlocking process "Navigating Change" and believe the art of way-finding is a core leadership skill.

The goal of PILP is to build a network of collaborative leaders dedicated to shaping the future prosperity of the Pacific region by taking informed, effective action.

Who should Apply?

PILP is designed for early-to mid-career professionals, from all walks of life, aged approximately 25-38. Applicants have a demonstrated leadership track record (or high potential) in the workplace, community or elsewhere. The world is changing and you want to be an integral part of this change. PILP believes the heart of leadership is service, so a commitment to taking action and helping others is essential. PILP also recognizes that you lead out of who you are, therefore applicants must be willing to look inwards and strive towards self-development. International experience and aptitude are desirable as we approach the Pacific region holistically - one ocean, one people. In our view, diversity is a strength and contemporary challenges require collective solutions. Like all successful leaders, PILP applicants actively seek out new learning opportunities and experiences. You are curious and hard-working, embrace change, like to work collaboratively, enjoy travel, and relish a challenge.

Citizens of the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu are eligible to apply.

Further information: Eligibility criteria and requirements

Program Outcomes

PILP will help you:

Develop advanced regional knowledge and pan-Pacific perspectives by analyzing shared challenges and generating collaborative solutions
Enhance your individual leadership capacity and understanding of leadership
Clarify career and life goals and develop a personal action plan for the future
Deepen your emotional intelligence and ability to thrive in a volatile, uncertain world
Connect the Pacific to Asia by experiencing the best of Taiwan
Join a dynamic leadership network and community of action spanning the Pacific region

Program Dates for 2021, Generation Eight Taipei, Taiwan (view of Taipei 101, a landmark skyscraper in the city's government and financial district). Photo by Andy Enero.

Dates are subject to change:

Phase 1 - Honolulu: September 24 - October 21, 2021

Phase 2 - Taiwan: October 22 - November 25, 2021

Phase 3 - Leadership Retreat in Taiwan (TBD): November 26 - 30, 2021

Fellows depart from Taiwan: December 2, 2021

PILP Fellowship Provisions

The PILP Fellowship covers: tuition, residence hall room costs, health insurance, course materials, living stipend, airfare to Honolulu, airfare from Honolulu to Taipei, airfare from Taipei to home country, as well as visa SEVIS fees (if required).

Application Information

Applications for 2021 are open and must be submitted before February 1, 2021. Late applications are not accepted and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Instructions and forms are available on the How To Apply page.

Program Details

For detailed information on the 3 phases of PILP, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to view answers to the most frequently-asked questions about PILP.