The inaugural dialogue in June-July 2006 brought together 120 prospective leaders from the member and observer nations/territories of the Pacific Islands Forum.
The average age of selected participants was 34 years.
This year’s dialogue is an important regional leadership development initiative that is funded and sponsored by government agencies and the private sector across Pacific, particularly the Australian government.
It will bring together 120 high caliber mid-career participants selected through an open application and selection process from more than 20 Pacific region countries/territories.
Male and female applicants will be drawn from business, government, trade unions and the community service sector including educational institutions and NGO’s.
The opening plenary sessions will take place in Samoa and the closing plenary sessions will be held in Tonga.
The middle week of the dialogue will be devoted to 10 thought-provoking and intellectually challenging study tour programs for widely representative groups comprising 12 to 13 participants.
Each study tour group will visit separate Pacific region locations including Australia and New Zealand focusing on leadership and community development initiatives.
The theme of this year’s dialogue is again “Navigating our Future Together” and all aspects of the conference will focus on the significance of leadership in the context of relevant sub-themes including economic growth; regional cooperation and infrastructure; good governance; security, stability and strengthening communities: and environment, industry, education and health.
More information is available on the Web site at www.epld2.com.
