The Asian Network Inc Programme Manager Vishal Rishi will be the sole representative of Asian origin at The Emerging Pacific Leaders’ Dialogue (EPLD) scheduled to be held next fortnight.
The Dialogue will commence in Noumea, New Caledonia on October 15 with the Closing Plenary scheduled to be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu on October 29, 2014.
Mr Rishi said that the 13-day programme aims to strengthen the capacity of the Pacific region’s future leaders to manage challenges collaboratively, positively and creatively.
“EPLD 2014 will be the third Pacific leadership development initiative staged for mid-career high calibre men and women under the auspices of Commonwealth Study Conferences (Australia) Inc, while the Programme is being held in partnership with Commonwealth Study Conferences (New Zealand),” he said.
According to Mr Rishi, the planning and delivery of the Programme is the responsibility of the Pacific Leadership Foundation 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, he said.
Clear vision
“The Organisers believe that leaders in the Pacific region should have a clear vision and strong skills to address the complex challenges of globalisation, interdependence and the environment as well as be mindful of the importance of preserving the values that bind people and communities,” Mr Rishi said.
Programme organisers said that 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.
Regional development
“EPLD also aims at the long term development and stability of the region and promote regional understanding and cooperation through an improved network of key relationships across sectors and nations and territories.”
Mr Rishi described the Programme as ‘intensive, exciting and intellectually demanding,’ and said that it would bring together up to 120 individuals to examine, discuss and report on current strategic issues across the Pacific region.
Multinational delegates
“The event will be represented by prospective leaders from American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, East Timor, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, 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 Fortuna. The idea is to promote a culture of leadership across the Pacific region aligned with democratic values and good governance,” he said.
Boosting skills
Among the other objectives of EPLD 2014 are to develop participants’ leadership skills and broaden their horizons; enhance communication, collaborative problem solving and decision-making amongst future regional leaders; expose participants to diverse cultures and increase their awareness of challenges facing the Pacific region; and build enduring relationships across communities, sectors, countries and territories by creating an active and influential Alumni network.
