The Pacific Islands Leadership Program with Taiwan (PILP) wrapped up Oct. 24 in Taipei City, underscoring the government’s commitment to advancing sustainable regional development via collaborative efforts led by Taiwan and the U.S.
Organized by the Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with Hawaii-based East-West Center, this year’s edition of PILP involved young professionals from 12 countries: diplomatic allies Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, as well as Fiji, French Polynesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.
The 22 participants took part in field trips, seminars and workshops during the six-week, second leg of the initiative in Taiwan. Activities centered on key issues like agriculture, climate change, disaster management, economic development, education, environmental protection, gender mainstreaming, green energy, health care and indigenous culture.
MOFA Vice Minister Jose Maria Liu, who presided over the closing ceremony, said PILP has helped equip participants with the tools to make more meaningful contributions to the development of the region.
“Pacific island nations and Taiwan battle to be heard in the international arena,” he said. “Working together, our voices can ring out loud and clear, and give the people a real say in shaping the future.”
According to Liu, PILP is irrefutable evidence of Taiwan’s desire to play a bigger role in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region. It also highlights the close, collaborative relationship between Taiwan, the U.S. and the nations in the Pacific, he said.
Echoing Liu’s remarks, American Institute in Taiwan Director Brent Christensen said it is crucial for Taiwan to keep co-hosting PILP as such undertakings are even more important in an increasingly complex and interdependent world. “We see no better partner than Taiwan,” he said, adding that Taiwan is a “world leader” in a wide range of economic, social, health, education and environmental areas.
“The U.S. recognizes that Taiwan has not only addressed many challenges in these areas, but more importantly, has the willingness to share its experiences as its neighbors address these same challenges,” he said.
PILP operates under the auspices of a five-year agreement renewed by the MOFA and EWC in 2017. Since the original memorandum of understanding was concluded in 2012, 144 participants from 15 countries have taken part in the initiative. (KWS-E)
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