A five-year memorandum of understanding on the Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan (PILP) was extended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Hawaii-based East-West Center Sept. 17 in Taipei City, highlighting the government’s ongoing commitment to cultivating next-generation leaders in the region.
The document was signed by François Chih-chung Wu, deputy foreign minister and chancellor of the ministry’s Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs, and EWC President Celeste Connors at the 10th PILP closing ceremony, the MOFA said. The event was attended by high-ranking officials including Marshallese Amb. Anjanette Kattil, Tuvaluan Amb. Lily Tangisia Faavae and acting Deputy Director Michael Pignatello of the American Institute in Taiwan.
Wu remarked that the continued promotion of PILP demonstrates the long-standing commitment of Taiwan and the U.S. to the Pacific while showcasing the determination of democracies to jointly tackle regional challenges. Taiwan is committed to working with Pacific countries and the U.S. in areas spanning climate change, digital security, medical care, sustainable fishery and women’s empowerment to advance resilient development, he added.
Echoing Wu’s remarks, Connors called the PILP a model of cross-border cooperation. She praised Taiwan’s contribution to the development of Pacific countries, adding that the MOU will help enhance regional peace and prosperity.
Kattil offered encouragement to PILP participants as they prepare to shoulder the responsibility of countering regional challenges, while Faavae said that they will play a key role in achieving the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which was proposed by the Pacific Islands Forum in 2022. Pignatello emphasized U.S. commitment to continued collaboration with Taiwan and Pacific partners to implement digital links, infrastructure and sustainable development projects.
Launched by the IDIA and EWC in 2013, the PILP program has attracted over 200 participants in the region to date. (YCH-E)
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