The East-West Center Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP) 2026

📝 About The Program

The East-West Center’s Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP) strengthens leadership capacity and regional networks for early- to mid-career professionals from Pacific Island countries and Taiwan.

The program combines:

• An online preparatory module
• In-person sessions in Hawai‘i and Taiwan
• A Capstone Leadership Retreat

Participants receive:

• Full financial support
• Experiential learning opportunities
• Mentorship to foster collaborative leadership for regional development

🎁 Benefits

Participants of the program will receive the following:

• International airfare between home country, Hawai‘i, and Taipei
• Tuition and course materials
• Accommodation in Hawai‘i and Taiwan
• Health insurance coverage
• Stipends:
  • US $1,125 for Hawai‘i portion
  • US $360 for Taiwan portion (adjusted when meals are provided)
• Ground transportation and visa-related provisions

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be citizens of specified Pacific Island countries or Taiwan (Taiwanese applicants must be members of an indigenous community)
• Education: Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
• Professional Experience: At least three years of demonstrated impact in professional or community work
• Career Stage: Early- to mid-career professionals
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English
• Commitment: Willingness to attend all sessions, site visits, and program activities

📅 Application Date and Process

Follow these steps to apply for the program:

1. Submit applications through the designated platform before the deadline.
2. Provide references as required shortly after submission.
3. Applications undergo a three-phase selection process:
   • Eligibility screening
   • Committee review
   • Interviews for shortlisted candidates
4. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

⏰ Application Deadline

27 March, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of The East-West Center Pacific Islands Leadership Program
• Apply directly via The East-West Center Submittable Portal

• International airfare between home country, Hawai‘i, and Taipei
• Tuition and course materials
• Accommodation in Hawai‘i and Taiwan
• Health insurance coverage
• Stipends: US $1,125 for Hawai‘i portion, US $360 for Taiwan portion (adjusted when meals are provided)
• Ground transportation and visa-related provisions covered