Two Cook Islanders who participated in the second US–Pacific Institute for Rising Leaders Fellowship described the annual programme as an eye opener.

Geoffrey Halston from Airport Authority Cook Islands and Mata Rakanui from the Office of the Prime Minister were selected to participate in the programme organised by the US State Department and John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

They joined 30 other fellows from all over the Pacific representing foreign affairs, public health, maritime, regional offices, military, state owned enterprises, non-governmental organisations and other entities. They were based in Washington DC for three weeks and returned home over the weekend.

Halston said the programme was designed to enhance leadership, decision-making, and communication skills, with a focus on contemporary international issues such as climate change, development, public health, and maritime topics.

“It provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of U.S. approaches to these issues and U.S. perspectives on Oceania and the Indo-Pacific region. Interactions with esteemed faculty, thought leaders from both the public and private sectors, and experts on U.S. engagement in the region are key components of the curriculum,” Halston said.

“We engaged in classroom and extracurricular activities aimed at developing leadership capabilities, drawing on the expertise of SAIS faculty and other divisions of the university, as well as policy community experts. We also engaged with high-level officials and experts from various U.S. government agencies, think tanks, and academic institutions, including the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Council at The White House, and the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.”

Halston said the programme had “definitely inspired me to do bigger things now for our nation”.

“The programme has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact in my community. The insights gained and connections made with my Pacific peers will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours.”

Rakanui said the fellowship was unbelievably rewarding and amazing.

“We spent three weeks in high-profile workshops hosted by the US State Department and John Hopkins School of International Studies. Classes revolved around data management, climate adaptation, international relations, maritime issues, health, communications strategies and many more. Presented by experienced individuals with years of government and private experience at the highest levels,” he said.

“In addition, we learned how the United States operates at the highest levels and what will be required to effectively engage with them.

“The issues raised by our brothers and sisters across the region were very eye-opening and the networks created will be for life and help advance the Cook Islands into the future. This is a fantastic opportunity for self-development and I encourage all future Cook Islands leaders to engage in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

The inaugural year of the fellowship last year brought 29 mid-career leaders from Pacific Island countries and territories – up to two from each country/territory – to Johns Hopkins SAIS for a leadership development programme.