For early-career workers from the Pacific Islands, the Resilient Pacific Islands Leaders (RPIL) Fellowship is more than a training program—it’s a chance to build skills and connections that could help shape the future of the Pacific. Hosted by the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) at the East-West Center, this program helps new leaders gain experience, learn from experts, and connect with others working to improve their communities and countries. The program will take place from March 31st to May 10th, 2025, and combines two weeks of online study, three weeks in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and one week in Washington, D.C. During this time, participants will learn about important issues facing the Pacific, such as how to grow local economies, care for the environment, and improve health and education systems. A representative from the East-West Center on their website explained, “This program brings together new leaders from across the Pacific to build friendships and share ideas. The goal is for participants to return home ready to make a real difference.” One of the main parts of the training is to understand the Pacific’s big plan for the future, called the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. This includes steps to handle challenges like climate change, which affects many Pacific Islands. By seeing firsthand how other leaders work, participants get ideas to bring back home, with practical tools to make positive changes. Past participants have found that RPIL not only helps their careers but also boosts their self-confidence and leadership abilities. It’s also an important chance for indigenous Pacific Islanders to share their unique voices, values, and traditional knowledge, building pride in their heritage. The program is funded by the East-West Center and the U.S. Government, covering the cost so participants do not have to pay. Applications are due by November 22, 2024, with reference letters due by November 29th. For more details, visit PIDP via Facebook or their website.