The need of the hour is for leadership that is community-centred, action-oriented, and well-versed in policies at both regional and global levels. Addressing and finding solutions to our shared challenges necessitates inclusivity and collaboration.
The Indo-Pacific Leadership Lab, a collaborative initiative by the East-West Center and the Japan Foundation, provides a platform for emerging leaders from various sectors such as academia, civil society, non-profit organizations, business, and government.
This program aims to enhance leadership skills and amplify their influence. The Lab is designed for individuals who are eager to actively listen, critically question, and draw lessons from real-world experiences and practical applications.
Program Details
Every year, the Lab focuses on addressing a specific intricate social issue with strong interconnections. Alongside fifteen other promising leaders from the Indo-Pacific region, participants engage in a year-long program that includes three one-week, in-person seminars held in Honolulu, Hawai‘i; Suva, Fiji; and Tokyo, Japan. Together, they critically analyze existing responses to the issue and explore community-based approaches while considering their relationship with local and regional policies. Identifying crucial gaps, participants then experiment with and examine responses within their own communities, receiving guidance from community leaders, subject matter experts, and mentors.
In the year 2025, the Lab cohort will concentrate on leadership strategies in tackling the challenges and risks posed by the climate crisis. The program will commence virtually in October 2024 and kick-off in-person in Honolulu, Hawai‘i later that year, followed by gatherings in Suva, Fiji, and concluding in Tokyo, Japan. Throughout the program, leaders thoroughly assess climate adaptation plans and study how local communities address vulnerabilities and combat challenges.
Upon completing the 2025 Lab, leaders will possess enhanced skills to assist communities in articulating their adaptation goals, conducting vulnerability analyses, and formulating impactful climate change initiatives. Leaders will document their experiences while testing community adaptation plans and build capacities and connections to foster inclusive and community-led climate change adaptation efforts.
Cost Coverage
- The winners in the first, second, and third place will be acknowledged, and honourable mentions will also be recognized.
- A cash prize of $250 will be awarded to the first-place winners in each submission category.
- The first, second, and third-place winners will receive a Certificate of Achievement, and ChallengeUS will publish their submissions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Experienced in a field related to climate change mitigation, adaptation planning, natural resources, or environmental governance (5-10 years of work or research experience)
- You must hold citizenship or residency in one of the following countries:
- Japan
- United States of America
- Pacific Islands: American Samoa, Australia, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Fiji. French Polynesia, Guam, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru. New Zealand, Niue, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Independent State of Samoa, Solomon Islands, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
- South Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan
- Southeast Asia: Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, VietnamProficient in spoken and written English
- Demonstrated writing experience including grants, Op-eds, newspaper or magazine articles, blogs, or academic writing
- Valid passport with an expiration date extending through March 2026
- Available for one week of travel in December 2024, April and September 2025, and monthly virtual connections in between (estimated at approximately 4 hours per month)
Desirable Qualifications
- Deep and continuous involvement in a specific organization, business, or educational institution. Or community initiative related to climate change mitigation, adaptation planning, natural resources, environmental governance, or a related field
- Track record of professional, public, and/or community leadership
- Willingness to fully engage in a program that focuses on place-based, policy-oriented, creative, and strategic approaches
- Interest in collectively generating community-centred policies and initiatives linked to climate change adaptation
- Desire to collaborate and learn alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, sectors, communities, and locations
- Demonstrated experience in collaborative work within small teams or large groups
Application Process
The deadline for submitting applications is May 31, 2024, at 11:59 PM Hawai‘i Standard Time. Applications should include a Letter of Reference, which will be accepted until June 9, 2024, at 11:59 PM Hawai‘i Standard Time.
To be a participant, Click here
Visit the official website of East-West Center Indo-Pacific Leadership Lab for more information.
Application Deadline
May 31, 2024.
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