Photo: HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne.
SUVA/12th October 2014: Ten Fijians have been selected to participate in the Emerging Pacific Leaders’ Dialogue (EPLD), under the auspices of the Commonwealth Study Conference (Australia) which kicks off this week in Noumea New Caledonia.
EPLD 2014 will be staged over a two-week period from 16-28 October 2014. It is an event of national and regional significance, which aims to strengthen the capacity of the Pacific region’s future leaders to manage challenges collaboratively, positively and creatively.
The group would join eight study tours to separate Pacific region locations in groups of approximately 12 participants.
The closing will be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu where patron, HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne will be chief guest. The participants would also be presenting their findings from their various country visits to HRH Princess Anne and Vanuatu heads of state at the closing.
Fijian Participants include: Shaneel Chandra, Lecturer – University of the South Pacific, Donna Hoerder, Communications Specialist, UNICEF Pacific, Gina Houng-Lee – Senior Human Rights Trainer, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Vanisha Mishra-Vakaoti – Independent Research Consultant, Making Connections Fiji, Marigold Moody – Counsel, Natural Waters of Viti (Fiji Water), Snehal Morris – Regional Media Specialist, US Embassy, Suva, Akisi Vakamaiverata Bolabola – Facilitator, United National Development Program, Paul Valemei – Business Advisor, Market Development Facility, Fane Vave – General Manager, Customer Services, Water Authority of Fiji and Liliana Warid, Head of Sales Management, ANZ Pacific
These successful applicants were identified through an intensive selection process involving a local selection panel. The selection panel chose mid-career men and women who were likely to be appointed to the most senior levels of leadership and influence in their respective organizations over the next 5 to 10 years.
Leaders in the Pacific region need to have clear vision and strong skills to address the complex challenges of globalization, interdependence and the environment as well as being mindful of the importance of preserving the values that bind people and communities.
EPLD 2014 is committed to inspire and uplift outstanding individuals with proven leadership experience or high leadership potential so that they may contribute to leadership and governance in the Pacific region, the long term development and stability of the region, promotion of regional understanding and co-operation through an improved network of key relationships across sectors and nations/territories.
The group will join other prospective leaders from American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, East Timor, Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Marianas, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna.
This intensive, exciting and intellectually demanding program will bring together about 120 individuals to examine, discuss and report on current strategic issues across the Pacific region.
EPLD 2014 will be the third Pacific leadership development initiative staged for mid-career high caliber men and women under the auspices of Commonwealth Study Conferences (Australia) Inc in partnership with Commonwealth Study Conferences (New Zealand). The planning and delivery of the program is the responsibility of the Pacific Leadership Foundation (PLF)Board established by CSC (Australia) in 2008 with wide senior-level representation from the Pacific region. EPLD’s have to date been successfully staged for a total of 245 participants in 2006 and 2010.
The PLF Eminent Persons Group include: HH Tui Atua, Head of State, Samoa and Patron of the PLF, Sir William Deane, Australia, Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi, Fiji and HRH Princess Pilolevu, Kingdom of Tonga.