Professional Development Professional Development
Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP) Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP)
2023 Program Dates
Start in Hawai'iSeptember 25, 2023
Hawai'i portionSeptember 25-October 19, 2023
Departure to Taipei for Taiwan portionOctober 20, 2023
Taiwan portionOctober 21-November 30, 2023
Leadership Retreat in YilanNovember 24-28, 2023
Closing CeremonyNovember 29, 2023
Departure to home countryNovember 30, 2023

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 alumni 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 the Pacific Islands Leadership Program (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. View our 2022 recruitment flyer for a brief overview of the program.

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, Republic of Fiji, French Polynesia, Republic of Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Independent State of Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu are eligible to apply.

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

2023 Program Dates
Start in Hawai'iSeptember 25, 2023
Hawai'i portionSeptember 25-October 19, 2023
Departure to Taipei for Taiwan portionOctober 20, 2023
Taiwan portionOctober 21-November 30, 2023
Leadership Retreat in YilanNovember 24-28, 2023
Closing CeremonyNovember 29, 2023
Departure to home countryNovember 30, 2023

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 alumni 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 the Pacific Islands Leadership Program (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. View our 2022 recruitment flyer for a brief overview of the program.

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, Republic of Fiji, French Polynesia, Republic of Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Independent State of Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu are eligible to apply.

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