Through funding from the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. State Department, American Councils administered two weeks of programming for the Pacific Advancement for Diplomatic Leadership (PADL) Program, made up of a cohort of four diplomats from the Freely Associated States (Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau). This in-person component complements virtual synchronous training on cross-cultural communication and leadership skills held in 2021.
Ms. Lisa Choate, President and CEO of American Councils, and Ms. Melissa Sweeney, Deputy Director of the Office of Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Island Affairs within the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs (EAP/ANP) at the U.S. Department of State welcomed the participants, emphasizing the value of diplomatic leadership and expressing gratitude for undertaking long travel days to reach the United States.
The cohort visited the Department of State, where they toured the National Museum of Diplomacy and were hosted at the State Department by representatives of EAP/ANP, who shared information about regional policy and programs. The first day ended with a home hospitality event hosted by Dr. Sherry Mueller, co-president of the Public Diplomacy Council of America (PDCA).
The following three days of the PADL program were organized in partnership with PDCA. Participants learned essential practices for effectively advancing foreign policy priorities from career diplomats. The group enhanced their knowledge of negotiating, utilizing digital diplomacy, countering misinformation, grant funding, and capacity-building.
Trainers dedicated significant time to effective communication, introducing participants to new approaches and techniques for notetaking, public communication strategies, and preparing for TV and Zoom appearances. Participants put what they learned to the test when they edited a draft press release for clarity and conciseness. Later that day, the visiting diplomats focused on strategic planning and worked together to create a strategy outline for a mock joint initiative on climate change. The exercise focused on identifying a problem statement, challenges, allies, venues, and opportunities in securing new policies and resources.
The final day of PDCA workshops focused on leadership. The cohort was asked to define leadership, name their strengths, and discuss skills they wish to develop. This session provided reading suggestions and thought-provoking questions the trainer invited participants to revisit throughout their careers.
Throughout the workshops, the cohort diplomats raised thoughtful discussions about how the content could be applied to challenges in the Pacific region. The participants spoke about the effects of climate change including migration, land scarcity, and public health threats such as heat stroke. They echoed one another’s concerns about China, including disinformation campaigns and the overuse of fisheries.
The following days were dedicated to site visits at think tanks and government offices around Washington, DC to foster professional contacts with experts on these issues. The participants met with representatives of the Migration Policy Institute, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and the Department of Homeland Security. Another site visit included the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs, where the group heard from Keone Nakoa, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs about the United States’ commitment to the Compacts of Free Association.
On the final day of the Washington, DC program, participants traveled to USAID to meet with Sara Borodin, Deputy Assistant Administrator for East Asia and the Pacific, then visited the U.S. Capitol to meet with members of the House Pacific Islands Caucus, Congressman Ed Case and Congressman Steve Womack. Participants received certificates from the U.S. Department of State honoring completion of the program. Reflecting on what they had learned, participants expressed a newfound appreciation for the role of diplomacy and its importance. The cohort plans to share their new knowledge with colleagues in their offices by organizing trainings.
To split up the long journey home, the cohort stopped in Honolulu, Hawaii for a day of programming organized by Graduate School USA. There, they increased their knowledge of the U.S. Department of Defense’s support of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which develops ties among national security establishments throughout the region. To conclude the program, participants enjoyed a working lunch with Consulate Generals of the Freely Associated States as well as a guided tour of the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
The Pacific Advancement for Diplomatic Leadership (PADL) Program is funded by the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the U.S. State Department. American Councils for International Education administered the program in partnership with the Public Diplomacy Council of America and Graduate School USA in Honolulu, Hawaii. American Councils will continue engagement with the cohort through the development of additional virtual programming to supplement the in-person component.