The 2nd cohort of the US Pacific Institute Rising Leaders Fellowship program recently ended last week. The program invited 33 mid-career leaders from the Pacific Islands to Washington, DC, for a 3-week program to develop leadership skills and deepen of knowledge and understanding of contemporary international issues. The program started from the 30th of September to the 18th of October 2024, hosted by John Hopkins University School of Advanced International School (SAIS) in Washington, DC. Through this fellowship, fellows learned about the various skills related to leadership skills and strategic planning, including effective public speaking, communications, data-driven decisions, and discussions around the contemporary issues facing Pacific countries. It is also an opportunity to exchange knowledge and build networking among fellows from the US departments, SAIS, and future leaders through this program's PICs. The fellows from Kiribati also participated in the program, with an officer of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development and a rep from Digital Kiribati, an NGO, represented at the fellowship. 'It is a privilege to participate in this fellowship, with skills learned could be useful in my work, moreover the build of contacts for future development initiatives,' Ms. Eria, Director of PDD, MFMRD commended on the program for future fellows interested in applying. Words of gratitude to the US Government through the US Department of State and the Johns Hopkins University (SAIS) for this opportunity.