I recently had the privilege of participating in the US Pacific Rising Leaders Fellowship at the Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). This fellowship, held in Washington, D.C. on 10-18 Oct, was an incredible platform to explore and discuss the United States’ renewed commitment to the Pacific, a region with dynamic potential and complex geopolitical landscapes.
The U.S. has recently rolled out a new U.S-Pacific Partnership Strategy, designed to elevate partnerships with Pacific Island nations, and this fellowship was one of the key initiatives in support. This strategy signifies a focused commitment to the region critical to global stability, economic prosperity, and climate resilience. During the fellowship, we engaged with key policymakers, scholars, and various U.S State Agencies and institutions that are part of the U.S policy and development delivery mechanism, gaining a front-row view of how this strategic approach aims to foster economic growth, uphold shared democratic values, and address pressing challenges like climate change and security threats.
The fellowship also provided a few surprises for me and included the acknowledgement that the U.S has limited understanding of the Pacific and is willing to listen, learn and better its engagements and support in the region. The open discussion of the obvious U.S geostrategic interest in the region which was discussed at length, including China, changing power dynamics and potential threats to regional peace. Although confronting for the us as Fellows, the discussions provided a better appreciation of the need to protect the vast Pacific ocean, the opportunities of working with the U.S and its partners and how to leverage the capabilities through the various regional and bilateral partnerships within the region. Key areas of common interest and priority include;
The U.S. aims to support the security and sovereignty of Pacific Island nations, taking a collaborative approach to address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
Recognizing the Pacific’s vulnerability to climate change, the strategy emphasizes environmental resilience, with a focus on collaborative climate adaptation and disaster preparedness efforts. As climate change affects the small island nations, the discussions captured investment in sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy as a catalyst for long-term benefits for local communities and aligning with climate goals.
The U.S. is dedicated to respecting Pacific Island traditions and enhancing people-to-people ties, which are crucial for trust and cultural preservation.
The U.S is committed to be more present in the region with the establishment and opening of new embassies in the region, signing of ship rider agreements to combat illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing (IUU) and Defence Cooperation Agreements (DCA)such as that with PNG.
Participating in the fellowship was a transformative experience, highlighting not only the U.S. commitment to the Pacific but also building capability and knowledge within the region in key topics that emerging Pacific Leaders can bring to global dialogues. With the new Pacific Partnership Strategy, there is immense potential to support a secure, prosperous, and resilient Pacific region. I'm grateful for the chance to learn, engage, and contribute alongside inspiring leaders from the Pacific as we build lasting partnerships across the region.
I would like to acknowledge the Johns Hopkins, SAIS-IRL team for the great insights, knowledge sharing and simplifying the complexities of the US Government system for better appreciation.
Finally, I want to acknowledge DT Global (APAC) & PNG Country office for the endorsement and support to attend this fellowship!
