Asia Foundation LeadNext: Ambassadors for a Global Future 2025 (Fully-funded)

Applications are open for the Asia Foundation LeadNext: Ambassadors for a Global Future 2025. LeadNext builds a vibrant network of future leaders aged 18-25 from across Asia and the United States and supports their growth, impact, and capacity to address today’s greatest challenges.

With the profound structural changes that will transform geopolitics, global governance, the global economic order, and social landscape over the next decade, a new generation of globally minded leaders is imperative. The LeadNext program equips emerging leaders across cultures and disciplines with strong international networks, exposure to wide-ranging experiences, and leadership tools to thoughtfully steer the future. This fellowship is fully funded.

Harnessing the innovation and energy of young leaders is essential. Positive and lasting change will depend on leaders who can move ideas and action forward to address rising inequality, find solutions to climate crises, mitigate conflict, and empower communities most vulnerable and insecure.

Program Components of Global Future 2025

• Leadership Training Intensive: Fellows meet 1-3 times a week over several weeks to build competencies in social change leadership. Fellows explore how unique experiences are the foundation of their leadership strengths and gain tools for self-awareness, public speaking, and elevating impact. The Intensive emphasizes collaboration and exchange. Fellows work together to expand their understanding of globalization and global citizenship and share perspectives from their unique backgrounds and experiences.
• Monthly Virtual Masterclass: Global experts provide exposure to the real-world experiences of leaders in the United States and Asia addressing a range of 21st century issues. Fellows develop lasting skills, tools, and frameworks to better understand the policies and ecosystems that drive impact. They study complex issues, processes, and challenges related to social change in the United States and Asia and bring their collective experiences to bear on these discussions.
• Global Leaders Summit: The 2025 capstone convening will be held in the San Francisco Bay Area. Fellows will deepen and expand their learning through rigorous exchange, continued leadership development, and tools to tackle 21st century challenges. They will also gain exposure to cutting-edge approaches and best practices in innovative leadership.
• Mentorship: Fellows are paired with a professional mentor based on their specific interests. These mentors are drawn from the Foundation’s broad network to connect emerging leaders with recognized leaders, influencers, and shapers.

Check : Stigler Center Journalists in Residence Program 2025 ($14,000 stipend)

Cost of Global Future 2025

• All program expenses including travel, housing, and food are provided at no cost to fellows.

Also Check : University of Michigan African Presidential Scholars (UMAPS) Program 2025/2026 (Fully-funded)

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program candidates must be:

• Aged between 18-25 during the entire program year.
• Fully conversant in English.
• Able to commit to attending all sessions with an understanding that they are working across many time zones. Virtual sessions will take place in the mornings in Asia and evenings in the United States for approximately 2 hours per session. The Summit is a full-time commitment.

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