LeadNext: Ambassadors for a Global Future 2026

📖 About The Asia Foundation LeadNext: Ambassadors for a Global Future

LeadNext is The Asia Foundation’s flagship youth leadership program focused on advancing global citizenship for the 21st century. Through a bold, people-centered approach, the program equips emerging leaders with the skills, networks, and perspectives to work across disciplines, navigate complexity, and lead effectively in diverse cultural contexts.

🎁 Benefits

The program includes:

• Fully funded participation, including all travel, accommodation, and meals.
• Virtual leadership training and expert-led masterclasses.
• One-on-one mentorship.
• Culminating in-person Global Leaders Summit.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Age: 18–25 years old at program start.
• Language: Fully conversant in English.
• Availability:
  • Able to commit to all 13 virtual sessions and the week-long in-person summit.
  • Flexible and understanding of working across multiple time zones.
  • Virtual sessions will take place in the mornings in Asia and evenings in the United States for approximately 2 hours per session.
• U.S. Applicants: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
• Asia-Pacific Applicants:
  • Open to candidates from countries where The Asia Foundation has had a presence.
  • Candidates must be able to secure a visa to travel to the U.S. (Candidates from Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Laos must currently be based in the U.S.).
• Qualities: Strong candidates are excellent listeners who demonstrate humility and the ability to collaborate sensitively across cultures.

📅 Application Date and Process

• Application Deadline: 05 May, 2026
• To apply, visit the application website.

For more details, visit The Asia Foundation LeadNext: Ambassadors for a Global Future.

• Fully funded participation, including all travel, accommodation, and meals
• Virtual leadership training and expert-lead masterclasses
• One-on-one mentorship
• Culminating in-person Global Leaders Summit