2015 PILP wraps up in Taipei

2015/11/03

The annual Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan concluded Oct. 30 in Taipei City, underscoring Taiwan’s role as a proponent of education and development in the region.

Drawn from 11 Pacific island nations, 25 attendees took part in a variety of activities such as seminars, tours and workshops during their four-week stay in country. They will travel to Honolulu for the remainder of the program.

“PILP highlights the importance of the close cooperation and relationship between Taiwan, Pacific island nations and the U.S. in establishing a community of young leaders across the entire region,” Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Vanessa Shih said at the closing ceremony.

“The Taiwan field study is an opportunity for all trainees to enhance their leadership skills by navigating in new waters, listening to Taiwan’s stories and experiences, and exchanging policy ideas with us.” Shih further expressed her hope that the participants will play a major role in shaping the future of the Pacific region.

According to the vice minister, the initiative allows Taiwan to share its experiences with its partners regarding food security, fisheries, health care and renewable energy, while broadening its knowledge and understanding of the region.

By offering aspiring young leaders the opportunity to meet their regional counterparts and build a stronger network and bonds for the future, Shih expects PILP to become one of the area’s most important capacity building programs.

Also attending the ceremony were ambassadors to the ROC from Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, as well as representatives from Australia, Fiji and the U.S.

Speaking on behalf of the attendees, Richardson Toka from Vanuatu expressed his gratitude to Taiwan for the foresight to co-arrange such an empowering program for the region’s emerging leaders.

“Pacific islands are the most directly affected when it comes to climate change. Through this program we have been given a stage to talk about related issues and discuss our opinions,” Toka said. He went on to thank Taiwan for the opportunity to work with local officials and professionals, and for access to the latest technology.

Co-organized alongside Honolulu-based education and research institution East-West Center, PILP is in its third year and aims to cultivate 125 young leaders across the region by 2017.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=238406&ctNode=2194&mp=9)