In 2026, the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) at the East-West Center (EWC) and the Republic of China's (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA) will host a six-week hybrid program that includes one-week online, two-weeks in Honolulu, Hawai'i and three-weeks in Taiwan.

This program will provide individuals the opportunity to enhance their leadership capacities and build a network with other leaders from across the Pacific and Taiwan. Participants will engage in experiential learning in a cohort of 25 early to mid-career professionals from all sectors. PILP attracts participants possessing high leadership potential and a commitment to serve their national and regional development goals. The curriculum for these rising leaders centers on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, equipping participants to serve as leaders in implementing the values, commitments, and priorities of the Strategy. The goal of PILP is to build a network of collaborative leaders dedicated to shaping the future prosperity of the Pacific region and its partners by taking informed, effective action.

 Program Dates:  September 28 - November 5, 2026 (Dates are tentative and subject to change)

 Eligibility:

• For Applicants from the Pacific Islands Region: Citizen of the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
• For Applicants from the Republic of China (Taiwan): Member of an indigenous community in the ROC. 
• Bachelor’s degree. Exceptions may be considered on the basis of other relevant experience and qualifications.
• The program is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals.
• A minimum of 3 years demonstrated impact in your professional career and/or local community.   

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• 11:59 pm, March 27, 2026 (Hawaii Standard Time)

NOTE: Reference forms will be due no later than 11:59 pm, April 3, 2026 (Hawaii Standard Time)   

AI Transparency

We are looking for authentic and genuine submissions that reflect your individual experiences, perspectives, and unique writing style. We understand that AI (artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT) can be a helpful tool in crafting your application, and applicants are not forbidden from using it to help with responses. However, essays that are generated primarily or solely by such tools will be rejected. 

 IMPORTANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES 

• Read the instructions for each item carefully before entering your information.
• The application software does not log you out automatically when you exit your browser.  Therefore, it is important that you sign out from your application account especially when you are using a public computer.
• Since you will not be able to edit your application after submitting, make sure to review your application before submitting.  If your application is not ready, you can save it as a draft and submit it at a later time.  The saved drafts of your application can be found in your account under My Submissions (or Submissions).
• If, after submission, you need to change something in your application, contact the PILP team at PILP@eastwestcenter.org