Are you passionate about tackling challenges in resource access, environmental stability, and effective governance? The Indo-Pacific Futures Fellowship, presented by the East-West Center and Doris Duke Foundation, is accepting applications for its second year. This fellowship empowers emerging leaders to explore critical connections between food security, energy systems, and resilient leadership.

The fellowship invites professionals to examine how leadership can drive sustainable growth while ensuring equitable access to essential resources. Through immersive storytelling, cross-sector collaboration, and expert-led sessions, fellows will develop strategies to strengthen systems balancing economic progress and environmental sustainability.

Participants from diverse fields—including government, advocacy, media, arts, business, and entrepreneurship—will engage in in-person residencies in Hawai‘i and Aotearoa (New Zealand), plus virtual sessions. The program equips fellows with lasting leadership skills, broad networks, and the tools to create meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: April 18, 2025 (11:00 PM Hawai‘i Standard Time)
• Reference Letter Deadline: April 27, 2025
• Program Dates: October 13, 2025 – May 31, 2026
• Virtual Sessions: October 13-26, 2025 and November 8, 2025-May 24, 2026
• Honolulu Residency: October 27-November 7, 2025
• Wellington, New Zealand Residency: May 25-31, 2026
• Funding Type: Fully-funded
• Organizers: East-West Center and Doris Duke Foundation
• Eligible Countries: All countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Mid-career professionals and leaders
• Focus Areas: Food security, energy systems, leadership, governance, sustainability
• Degree Required: Minimum 3 years of higher education preferred, but not mandatory
• Program Language: English
• Host Countries: United States (Hawai‘i) and New Zealand

Benefits

The fellowship provides the following benefits for the fellows:

• Full round-trip airfare to and from all program locations (Hawai‘i and New Zealand)
• Accommodation during in-person program sessions
• Coverage of program fees and all program materials
• Meals provided throughout the program duration
• Travel insurance included
• Assistance with applicable visa-related costs (if required)
• Access to expert-led workshops, leadership training, and networking opportunities
• Immersive, place-based learning experiences across the Indo-Pacific region

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• 5 to 10 years of professional leadership experience in food and energy systems or related advocacy
• Demonstrated engagement in the Indo-Pacific region
• Fluent in English (English test scores encouraged but not mandatory)
• Valid passport through the end of 2026
• Full commitment to travel and virtual sessions
• Openness to diverse perspectives and willingness to engage outside professional comfort zones
• Desirable: Minimum of 3 years of higher education, strong communication skills, and dedication to community-focused initiatives

Additional Criteria:

• Minimum 3 years of higher education (preferred, not mandatory)
• Committed to addressing community needs amid global challenges
• Proven ability to collaborate across diverse backgrounds
• Open to learning, innovation, and stepping outside comfort zones
• Fully engaged in action-oriented, creative programs
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for writing and public speaking tasks

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Application form
• One letter of reference (mandatory) from a professional contact (two letters recommended)

Notes:

• Reference letters must be submitted directly by referees via the Submittable platform
• Applicants should inform referees in advance about the reference request email.
• Letters will be accepted until April 27, 2025 (11:59 PM Hawaiʻi Standard Time)
• Letters submitted directly by applicants will not be accepted.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates should submit their applications online through the East-West Center’s Submittable platform.

The application must include all required documents and at least one reference letter.

Apply Now

For complete details, visit the official Indo-Pacific Futures Fellowship Page.

Check More Fellowships:

Awareness 360 Fellowship Programme 2025

Call for Applications: Jefferson Fellowships 2025

Biozentrum PhD Fellowships Summer Call 2025 on Life Sciences in Switzerland