Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme (CLYLP) 2026 in New Zealand | Fully Funded Leadership Program

Applications are now open for the Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme (CLYLP) 2026, a fully funded leadership and sustainable development programme organized by UnionAID in collaboration with regional partners and academic institutions. The programme is designed for emerging young community leaders from Cambodia and Laos who are committed to sustainable development, social justice, and community empowerment.

The programme combines online learning, in-person workshops, leadership training, community project development, and a fully funded study component in Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants will strengthen their knowledge, leadership skills, English proficiency, and practical community development experience while building regional networks with other young changemakers.

Programme Overview

• Host Country: New Zealand
• Programme Name: Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme (CLYLP)
• Organizer: UnionAID
• Programme Type: Fully Funded Leadership Programme
• Eligible Countries: Cambodia and Laos
• Focus Areas: Sustainable development, leadership, community development, human rights, project management
• Programme Format: Online + In-person in Cambodia/Laos + New Zealand residency

About the Programme

The Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme is a capacity-building initiative managed by UnionAID in partnership with Khmer Farmer Products (KFP), the Participatory Development Knowledge Agency (PAKA), and Auckland University of Technology (AUT). The programme aims to equip young civil society leaders with practical leadership and sustainable development skills that can directly benefit their communities.

Participants explore new approaches to sustainable development both in their home countries and in New Zealand. Each participant identifies a specific development challenge affecting their community and develops a participatory action project to address it.

Key Learning Areas

Participants will learn about:

• Sustainable development practices
• Systems thinking and problem-solving
• Human rights and social inclusion
• Environmental sustainability
• Project management and proposal writing
• Monitoring, evaluation, research, learning, and adaptation (MERLA)
• Leadership and advocacy skills
• Māori approaches to development and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The New Zealand component also includes visits to community organizations, government institutions, Parliament, and civil society groups.

English for Development Course

Participants will also complete an English for Development Course designed to improve professional and academic English communication skills. Topics include:

• Sustainable development terminology
• Formal professional English
• Oral and written communication
• Proposal and report writing
• Study skills

The English course runs alongside the Sustainable Development Course.

Action Project Implementation

After returning to Cambodia or Laos, participants implement a community-based action project related to their selected development challenge. The projects receive mentorship and possible funding support depending on programme criteria.

Participants continue receiving guidance and coaching from programme partners throughout implementation.

Alumni Network

Graduates of the programme become part of the wider UnionAID Young Leaders Network, connecting with participants from:

• Myanmar
• Indonesia
• Mindanao (Philippines)
• Cambodia
• Laos

Annual alumni conferences are also organized to strengthen long-term regional collaboration.

Financial Support

The programme is fully funded with support from New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Selected participants receive support covering programme-related costs, including:

• Training and course expenses
• Accommodation during programme activities
• Educational materials
• Workshops and field visits
• Support related to programme participation

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be aged between 20 and 34 years at the time of application
• Be living and working in Cambodia or Laos
• Work with a community-based organization, NGO, labor union, women’s organization, or social enterprise
• Demonstrate commitment to community development
• Intend to continue working with their organization after the programme
• Have organizational support to participate
• Possess intermediate English proficiency equivalent to CEFR B1, IELTS 4.5+, or TOEFL equivalent

Applicants are not required to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores, as English ability may be assessed during interviews.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must also:

• Be available for residential learning activities
• Not be enrolled in other full-time study programmes during participation
• Be willing to complete online and in-person learning components

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the official UnionAID website. Candidates are advised to submit applications in English and provide clear, personal responses during the application process.

Shortlisted candidates may later be asked to provide:

• Updated CV
• Organizational support letters
• Additional supporting documents

Why You Should Apply

The Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging community leaders to gain international exposure, leadership training, sustainable development knowledge, and practical project management experience.

Participants benefit from:

• International learning experience in New Zealand
• Professional networking
• Leadership development
• Community project implementation experience
• Regional collaboration opportunities

The programme is especially valuable for young leaders working in grassroots development, civil society, human rights, sustainability, labor rights, and social inclusion sectors.