U.S. Department of State Grant: TechCamp for Pacific Climate Resilience Leaders

The U.S. Embassy New Zealand Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce an open competition for organizations interested in submitting proposals to organize a comprehensive TechCamp program designed to provide emerging Pacific science leaders with the skills they need to become innovative changemakers and leaders in the region, particularly focused on combatting the threat of climate change in the region. As a Pacific nation, the United States has long been committed to working with partners in the region to ensure continued regional security, as well as climate resilience development. This program for young science leaders will create ties across the Pacific to ensure that we are better prepared to address challenges together in the future. 

TechCamps are a public diplomacy program hosted by the State Department. TechCamps cover a variety of topics around the world that create connections, spark innovation, and empower civil society to solve the world’s most pressing challenges through technology. TechCamps are hands-on, participant-driven workshops that connect private sector technology experts with key populations to explore and apply innovative tech solutions to global issues. TechCamps are focused on results, with participants identifying real-world challenges and working in partnership with trainers to apply technology solutions to these challenges.

This year, the TechCamp for Young Pacific Leaders should bring together a group of emerging science leaders, with the goal of providing them with practical skills, increase their organizational capacities, and develop tech solutions that will help them develop climate resilience to natural disasters. The TechCamp should also help participants grow their networks and enable them to work with their peers on issues that affect the region. 

The TechCamp should emphasize experiential learning and capacity building in order to equip participants with the tools they need for success. We encourage pre- and post-conference programming that will reinforce the learnings from the TechCamp. The location of the conference should be in Auckland,New Zealand.