The ASEF Young Leaders Training 2026 (ASEFYLS) is a fully funded international leadership development program designed for young changemakers from Asia and Europe. Organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation, this program focuses on building future-ready leadership skills through virtual training, local action projects, and an in-person summit in Norway.
The final phase of the program will take place in Tromsø, Norway, from 23 to 29 August 2026, bringing together selected youth leaders for immersive global learning and collaboration.
Program Overview
- Program Name: ASEF Young Leaders Training 2026 (ASEFYLS)
- Organizer: Asia-Europe Foundation
- Location: Virtual + Tromsø, Norway
- Summit Dates: 23–29 August 2026
- Training Period: June – November 2026
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 12 May 2026
Program Theme: Anticipatory Leadership
The 2026 edition is centered on “Anticipatory Leadership for a Human-Centred Future”, focusing on:
- Understanding future global trends
- Developing systems thinking skills
- Making informed long-term decisions
- Building adaptive leadership strategies
Participants will learn how to lead in uncertain and rapidly changing global environments.
Degree Level
The program is open to:
- Undergraduate students
- Graduate students
- Young professionals
- Youth leaders and activists
- Members of youth organizations
No strict academic requirements are imposed, making it widely accessible.
Program Structure
The ASEF Young Leaders Training 2026 is divided into three phases:
Phase 1: Online Training (Virtual)
- Dates: 9 June – 30 July 2026
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Focus: Leadership, systems thinking, global trends
- Delivered by international experts
Phase 2: Action Phase (Local Impact)
- Dates: August – November 2026
- Participants implement local community projects
- Focus on real-world leadership experience
Phase 3: Young Leaders Summit (Norway)
- Dates: 23–29 August 2026
- Location: Tromsø, Norway
- 40 selected participants attend in-person summit
- Focus on Asia-Europe collaboration and leadership in Arctic contexts
Financial Benefits
The ASEF Young Leaders Training 2026 is fully funded and includes:
- No application or participation fees
- Full coverage of accommodation and meals (for summit phase)
- Travel subsidies for selected participants
- Access to virtual training sessions and expert mentoring
- Official certification upon completion
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of eligible Asian or European countries
- Be aged typically between youth and early-career stage
- Show interest in leadership, innovation, or social impact
- Be involved in community work, student groups, or youth organizations
- Demonstrate motivation to create local and global impact
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for:
- Youth leaders and activists
- University students and graduates
- Emerging professionals
- Members of NGOs or youth organizations
- Individuals interested in global cooperation and policy
Selection Criteria
Participants are selected based on:
- Leadership experience and potential
- Engagement during online training phase
- Commitment to community impact projects
- Motivation and clarity of goals
- Collaboration and teamwork skills
Only 40 participants are selected for the final in-person summit in Norway.
Application Process
To apply for ASEF Young Leaders Training 2026:
- Visit the official ASEF application portal
- Complete the online application form
- Submit required personal and motivational details
- Participate in online training phase
- Qualify for final selection to Norway summit
Why Apply for ASEF Young Leaders Training 2026?
This program offers a rare opportunity to:
- Gain international leadership training
- Build cross-cultural connections between Asia and Europe
- Work on real community impact projects
- Attend a fully funded summit in Norway
- Develop future-ready leadership skills
Official Call: https://asef.org/news/open-call-for-participants-for-the-asefyls-capacity-training-asefyls2026/
