Salzburg Global Seminar in partnership with the Nippon Foundation is organizing fully funded Asia Peace Innovators Forum. Hence, the application is open for mid-career professionals who have the aspiration and potential to be the next generation of senior leaders in mediating peace and promoting reconciliation.

Peace is key to ensuring Asia’s sustained development and prosperity as the world’s most populous region grows in global geopolitical and economic importance. But despite the region’s rich experience (positive and negative) in mediating peace and promoting reconciliation, the learning exchange between regional, local, and community-driven initiatives has so far been low.

Launching its first workshop on March 5-9, 2020, the Asia Peace Innovators Forum aims to shape long-term peace, stability, as well as regional cooperation in Asia by building a network of mid-career professionals working in different sectors and countries to exchange knowledge, community-driven approaches, and best practices.

The Forum will encourage networking between Fellows participating in its first three workshops via an online platform and other collaboration opportunities. While the most promising and most actively engaged Fellows will be selected to take part in follow-up programs to be held in Asia in 2021 and 2022.

Fully Funded Asia Peace Innovators Forum

The Nippon Foundation will cover all the costs of participants selected for the fully funded Asia peace Innovators Forum. The costs include: program fees, materials, accommodation during the program, meals, as well as (economy-class) travel to and from the program. Further, accommodation and meals will be provided on-site at Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron.

Eligibility for the Asia Peace Innovators Forum

Applicants should be active in promoting peace mediation and reconciliation in one of the following sectors to be eligible for the Asia Peace Innovators Forum:

• Civil society, including from religious institutions and philanthropic organizations;
• Local public as well as private sector institutions, including from municipal offices, local government, small businesses, and entrepreneurs;
• Media, including journalists, social media influencers, thought-leaders, and public intellectuals;
• Likewise, education, including teachers, school principals, technical and vocational skills providers, sports trainers, academics, and museum directors; and
• Also, arts and culture, including artists and cultural innovators, who serve as creative practitioners and designers across disciplines to harness the transformative power of the arts for inclusive societal change.

One-fifth of the Fellows will be selected from each of the following geographies:

• Myanmar;
• South Thailand;
• Sri Lanka;
• Other countries in South and East Asia; and
• The rest of the world.

Also, applicants must note that country/regional grouping will include a cross-sectoral, gender-balanced mix of Fellows.

How to apply for the Asia Peace Innovators Forum?

All applicants must submit their application for the fully funded Asia Peace Innovators Forum for the participation. The application is available online. Along with the application, the applicants must also submit:

• A 500-word personal statement explaining:
• • Your motivation for applying to the Asia Peace Innovators Forum;
  • Likewise, a description of the biggest challenge currently facing you in your work;
  • What experience and skills you will contribute to the Asia Peace Innovators Forum network;
  • How your participation will impact your own contribution to the promotion of peace;
• A brief bio;
• A headshot photo;
• A full CV/résumé.

Deadline

Candidates must submit the application for the fully funded Asia Peace Innovators Forum until the deadline on October 31, 2019.