2024 PIDP Year in Review
Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! Wishing our friends and family across the Pacific and beyond, a healthy and happy 2025!
Please join us as we say aloha to our Program Officer, Kili Ling. She began as a Program Assistant for the Leadership Program in 2020 and transferred to PIDP in 2022 as an Administrative Assistant. We are proud of your growth at the East-West Center and are excited to see all that you will accomplish as you embark on a new journey.
Mahalo for all that you have done for PIDP, Kili! A hui ho!
Draft for social media
Congratulations to Generation 9 (G9) of the Pacific Islands Leadership Program! The 21 fellows from 10 Pacific Island countries completed the seventh and final week of the program in Taiwan!
Highlights included:
A trip to the DIY Park for an art session on wood engraving and decoden (phone clip) designing;
Final presentations at the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA); and
A celebratory closing ceremony hosted by @mofa_taiwan
Mahalo nui loa to all of our PILP fellows for sharing your space, stories, and inspiration with us. Best wishes as you continue your career journeys across the Pacific and beyond. A hui hou, until we meet again!
Thank you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC（Taiwan) for the continued support!
#PILP #pacificislands #leadership #taiwan
Congratulations to Generation 9 (G9) of the Pacific Islands Leadership Program! The 21 fellows from 10 Pacific Island countries completed the seventh and final week of the program in Taiwan!
Highlights included:
A trip to the DIY Park for an art session on wood engraving and decoden (phone clip) designing;
Final presentations at the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA); and
A celebratory closing ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan)!
Mahalo nui loa to all of our PILP fellows for sharing your space, stories, and inspiration with us. Best wishes as you continue your career journeys across the Pacific and beyond. A hui hou, until we meet again!
Thank you to the 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC（Taiwan） for the continued support!
#PILP #pacificislands #leadership #taiwan
From indigenous culture to fisheries management to women empowerment, it was another exciting and informative week for the 2024 Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP) fellows in Taiwan!
Highlights included visits to:
Taitung Indigenous Cultural and Creative Industries Park;
TTstyle Arts & Crafts-Wavy Roof Crafts;
Fisheries Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture;
Juming Museum;
Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education;
Taipei International Industry Technology Exhibition; and Taiwan International AloT Exhibition;
Garden of Hope Foundation;
O’right, a leading hair care in Taiwan; and
Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station
And finally, the week ended with travel to Jiaoxi, Yilan County, a retreat for the fellows to prepare for their final Pecha Kucha presentation (with some time to explore the city and try new experiences!).
#PacificLeaders #PILP #LeadershipJourney #EastWestCenter East-West Center
From indigenous culture to fisheries management to women empowerment, it was another exciting and informative week for the 2024 Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP) fellows in Taiwan!
Highlights included visits to:
Taitung Indigenous Cultural and Creative Industries Park;
TTstyle Arts & Crafts-Wavy Roof Crafts;
Fisheries Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture;
Juming Museum;
Dharma Drum Mountain World Center for Buddhist Education;
Taipei International Industry Technology Exhibition; and Taiwan International AloT Exhibition;
Garden of Hope Foundation;
O'right, a leading hair care in Taiwan; and
Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station
And finally, the week ended with travel to Jiaoxi, Yilan County, a retreat for the fellows to prepare for their final Pecha Kucha presentation (with some time to explore the city and try new experiences!).
#PacificLeaders #PILP #LeadershipJourney #EastWestCenter East-West Center
#Leadership | Week 5 of the 2024 Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP) was was filled with enriching experiences!
From exploring Taiwan’s Indigenous culture at key institutions to engaging in sustainability initiatives, the fellows dove deep into environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.
The week’s highlights included visits to the Council of Indigenous People, NTU Museum of Anthropology, and hands-on activities like pineapple cake making and tea making. Cultural experiences at the Ocean Affairs Council and Wutai Indigenous community added a rich perspective.
Thank you to PILP Fellows Adrian, Atama, Jasmine, Kathleen, Leialoha, and MaryAnn for contributing their photos!
#PacificLeaders #PILP #LeadershipJourney #EastWestCenter @east.west.center
In Week 4 of our 2024 Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP), participants arrived in Taiwan for the first week of their Taiwan cultural experience!
Over the past week, PILP participants:
• Attended an opening ceremony and welcome event at the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA), marking the start of their Taiwan experience.
• Engaged in discussions on Taiwan’s foreign policy and its relations with Pacific Island countries, deepening their understanding of regional diplomacy.
• Explored Taiwan’s role in international cooperation within the Pacific Islands region and concluded the day with a visit to the iconic Taipei 101 Observatory.
• Delved into US-Taiwan-China relations and learned about Taiwan’s international health initiatives, followed by a tour of Changhua Christian Hospital.
• Visited the breathtaking Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area, enjoying a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
• Examined public health issues in the Pacific Islands and discussed gender equality and sustainable development during a series of thought-provoking sessions.
• Wrapped up the week with a walking tour of Dadaocheng, experiencing Taipei’s vibrant history and culture firsthand.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow their journey of leadership development and cultural exchange.
#PILP #PacificLeaders #Leadership #Sustainability @east.west.center
The third and final week in Hawai’i for the Pacific Islands Leadership Program fellows has concluded!
With the theme of Peace and Prosperity, topics of discussion included wellness, reflection practices, culturally sustainable evaluation methods, and leadership aspirations & commitments.
Highlights included:
Panel and break out session discussions with Carol Ann Carl, a daughter of Pohnpei, with a background in biochemistry and health; Fiorenzo Tonca, a daughter of the Solomon Islands, currently working on a Masters of Science in Nutritional Sciences at the University
of Hawaii at Manoa; Hetereki Huke Ainsa, a Rapa Nui architect and territorial planner; and Daniel Kauwila Mahi, an ʻŌiwi Hawaiʻi visual artist, researcher, video game designer, and composer from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi;
Wellness follow-up with LiSi Yang;
a visit to @bishopmuseum ;
leadership journey with artifacts;
Taiwan protocol lessons with Cheng-Cheng Li; and
a fond aloha from the @east.west.center
Mahalo, Generation 9 (G9), for the incredible three weeks! We look forward as you continue your journeys in Taiwan and Beyond!
A hui hou (until we meet again)!
Follow us as the PILP G9 continues in Taiwan!
Thank you to the 外交部
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC（Taiwan）for the support!
Photo credit: Ginate Mahuru
#pidp
#pidpg9
#pacificislands
#leadership
#taiwan
The third and final week in Hawai'i for the Pacific Islands Leadership Program fellows has concluded!
With the theme of Peace and Prosperity, topics of discussion included wellness, reflection practices, culturally sustainable evaluation methods, and leadership aspirations & commitments.
Highlights included:
Panel and break out session discussions with Carol Ann Carl, a daughter of Pohnpei, with a background in biochemistry and health; Fiorenzo Tonca, a daughter of the Solomon Islands, currently working on a Masters of Science in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Manoa; Hetereki Huke Ainsa, a Rapa Nui architect and territorial planner; and Daniel Kauwila Mahi, an ʻŌiwi Hawaiʻi visual artist, researcher, video game designer, and composer from Honolulu, Hawaiʻi;
Wellness follow-up with LiSi Yang;
a visit to Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum;
leadership journey with artifacts;
Taiwan protocol lessons with Cheng-Cheng Li; and
a fond aloha from the East-West Center.
Mahalo, Generation 9 (G9), for the incredible three weeks! We look forward as you continue your journeys in Taiwan and Beyond!
A hui hou (until we meet again)!
Follow us as the PILP G9 continues in Taiwan!
Thank you to the 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC（Taiwan）for the support!
Photo credit: Ginate Mahuru
#pidp #pidpg9 #pacificislands #leadership #taiwan
Week 2 of the 2024 Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP) has wrapped up!
Our G9 cohort dived into another exciting week, this time with a focus on climate and resilience. Here are some highlights:
Climate Science: We kicked off the week with a fascinating tour of Lyon Arboretum and a deep dive into Hawaii’s climate with Dr. Tom Giambelluca and Dr. Ryan Longman.
Finance & Migration: The group shifted into project prep mode while continuing to explore critical topics like climate loss and damage with Dr. Rufino Varea and climate migration with Dr. Tammy Tabe. We also learned about East-West Center scholarships and survival Mandarin!
Sustainability: We ended the week with an inspiring visit to Ho’oulu ʻĀina at Kokua Kalihi Valley, learning about the importance of land stewardship and community health. Big thanks to Roots Kalihi for the delicious lunch!
Stay tuned as we continue this journey of leadership, learning, and connection.
#PILP #PacificLeaders #ClimateResilience #CulturalStrength
Week 1 of the 2024 Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP) is in the books!
Our Generation 9 (G9) cohort—comprising over 20 emerging leaders from across the Pacific—has already started forming meaningful connections. Here are some highlights from their first week:
Building relationships: Fellows connected with each other and met with PIDP and East-West Center staff, creating a strong foundation for collaboration and mutual support.
Talanoa sessions: Thought-provoking discussions on Pacific regionalism, leadership, and regional architecture with PIDP Deputy Director Dr. James Viernes and former Pacific Islands Forum Director of Policy, Paki Ormsby.
Wellness: A rejuvenating wellness activity led by LiSi Yang encouraged balance and reflection.
Warm welcome: Fellows enjoyed a luncheon featuring inspiring remarks from East-West Center President Suzanne Vares-Lum and Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Director General Richard Lin, alongside a special performance by Kumu Vicky Holt-Takamine and Hālau Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima.
Exploring Pacific knowledge: Fellows visited the Pacific Collection at the University of Hawai‘i’s Hamilton Library, where they engaged with rich resources that deepen understanding of Pacific history and culture.
Cultural humility: Dr. Cedric K. Akau offered a valuable discussion on cultural humility and the spirit of aloha.
As Week 2 begins, we look forward to sharing more as the fellows explore the theme of ”Planet.”
Stay tuned!
#PILP2024 #PacificLeadership #ProudToBeEWC #PIDP
PIDP is a Pacific Islands Regional Inter-Governmental Organization located within the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai'i.
