The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) has opened the ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS), a youth leadership opportunity designed to connect young professionals and students from Asia and Europe through leadership training, dialogue, networking, and community engagement.
Since launching in 2015, ASEFYLS has become a platform where young people can develop leadership skills, exchange ideas, contribute to policy discussions, and build international networks.
About the ASEF Young Leaders Summit
The ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS) is a youth leadership programme that brings together emerging leaders from Asia and Europe.
The programme focuses on a 360-degree leadership development approach covering:
- Self-leadership – Personal growth and understanding your role as a leader
- Team leadership – Collaboration and working with diverse groups
- Societal leadership – Creating positive change in communities and society
The summit provides young leaders with opportunities to:
- Receive training from global experts and institutions
- Develop leadership and professional skills
- Share youth perspectives in international discussions
- Connect with a regional network of Asian and European youth leaders
- Collaborate on solutions to global challenges
ASEFYLS 2026 Capacity Training Programme
The current edition of ASEFYLS focuses on:
“Anticipatory Leadership for a Human-Centered Future”
The programme includes an 8-week collaborative online training programme designed to help participants strengthen leadership skills and explore future-focused approaches to solving societal challenges.
Selected participants from the online training will also have the opportunity to participate in:
Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic
The ASEFYLS 2026 programme runs from:
June to July 2026
It consists of two main components:
1. Online Training
Participants will take part in virtual learning sessions focused on:
- Leadership development
- Policy-making
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Future challenges and opportunities
2. Multiplier Activities in Local Communities
Participants will apply their learning by creating activities and initiatives within their communities.
Programme Highlights
Knowledge Building Phase
Participants complete online courses covering:
- Policy-making
- Leadership skills
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Key thematic areas related to the summit
Leadership in Action Activities
Participants collaborate to develop solutions addressing global societal challenges.
On-Site Programme
The programme includes:
- Expert lectures
- Human libraries
- Skills training sessions
- Collaborative workshops
- Dialogue sessions with leaders from politics, business, and academia
Networking With Asian and European Leaders
Participants receive opportunities to connect directly with:
- Decision-makers
- Senior leaders
- Professionals
- Other young changemakers
Who Can Apply?
The ASEF Young Leaders Summit is designed for:
- Young professionals
- University students
- Emerging leaders
- Youth changemakers from Asia and Europe
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Interest in leadership development
- Commitment to creating positive change
- Willingness to collaborate internationally
- Interest in cross-cultural learning
Benefits of Joining ASEFYLS
Selected participants can gain:
- Leadership training from international experts
- Access to an Asian and European youth network
- Opportunities for collaboration and partnerships
- Exposure to international perspectives
- Skills for addressing global challenges
- Connections with future leaders and decision-makers
Opportunity Summary
Organisation: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
Programme: ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS)
Theme: Anticipatory Leadership for a Human-Centered Future
Location: Online programme with selected activities
Duration: June–July 2026
Eligible Applicants: Young professionals and students from Asia and Europe
Opportunity Type: Leadership training, networking, youth development programme
SEO Keywords: ASEF Young Leaders Summit 2026, funded youth leadership programmes, international youth opportunities 2026, Asia Europe youth summit, leadership training for young leaders, fully funded youth summit opportunities, global youth programmes, student leadership opportunities, youth networking opportunities, ASEF opportunities for young professionals.
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