Leadership program for Pacific Islanders wraps up

2016/10/28

The 2016 Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan concluded Oct. 26 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei City, highlighting Taiwan’s role in facilitating development across the region.

Twenty-five participants from 12 Pacific island nations took part in a variety of seminars, tours and workshops during their five-week stay in the country. Organized by the MOFA’s Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs, these activities enabled attendees to interact and share experiences with specialists in fields ranging from environmental protection to health care.

PILP with Taiwan is co-hosted by the Republic of China (Taiwan) government and the East-West Center, a Hawaii-based education and research institute dedicated to boosting relations among the peoples and nations of the U.S., Asia and the Pacific. Prior to their monthlong visit to Taiwan, participants spent six weeks in the U.S. state.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, MOFA Vice Minister Leo Chen-jan Lee expressed his hope that having completed the leadership program, the participants would help strengthen ties between Taiwan and their home countries.

“I am sure that you have gained a much better understanding of Taiwan, including its people, culture and political and economic development,” he said. “Through the network you have built and the leadership skills you have acquired during your time here, I am confident you will be able to overcome any challenges you face in your future careers.”

According to Salote Vaai from Samoa, the program proved to be an enlightening and inspiring experience for all participants. “Until I came to Taiwan as a PILP member, I didn’t know there are indigenous tribes here that are quite similar to those in the Pacific region,” she said.

The 29-year-old researcher in obstetrics and gynecology with her country’s National Health Services was particularly impressed by Taiwan’s health care administration and infrastructure. “I’ve learned how to manage a big hospital, which should be beneficial to my career.”

Proposed in November 2011 by Kurt Campbell, then U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and finalized after a visit to Taiwan the following month by Rajiv Shah, then administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, PILP with Taiwan has offered training to 96 officials and professionals from across the Pacific islands region since its launch in 2013. The program aims to cultivate 125 young leaders by 2017. Courses are designed to explore issues related to climate change, eco-development, gender equality, conservation, education, peace and security.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=249034&ctNode=2194&mp=9)