Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin-in Youtube X-twitter
Governors' Intranet
Back

How can YOUth Anticipate and Shape the Future? Open Call for Participants for the ASEFYLS Capacity Training (ASEFYLS2026)

Project Updates

Share:

Published:
10 Apr 2026

How can YOUth Anticipate and Shape the Future? Open Call for Participants for the ASEFYLS Capacity Training (ASEFYLS2026)

Published:
10 Apr 2026

Share:

APPLY HERE!

WHAT IS #ASEFYLS?

The ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS) is a Youth platform that builds a community of young people from Asia and Europe. It invites participants to join a learning journey to reflect on and develop their 1) self-leadership (you), 2) team leadership (we) and 3) societal leadership (all). ASEFYLS is designed to instil a spirit of curiosity, innovation, and intercultural understanding among young people, who can take over leadership roles and drive society forward through community engagement.

‘Anticipatory Leadership’ is the capacity and habit of using the future to inform the present by analysing trends, exploring a range of future scenarios, and using those insights to question assumptions, adjust leadership style, and take collaborative, adaptive action, that move systems toward more equitable and sustainable futures.

The ASEFYLS Capacity Training 2026 will focus on ‘Anticipatory Leadership for a Human-Centred Future’, where participants will strengthen their capacity and habit of using the future to inform the present by analysing trends and ‘weak signals’.

Apply to participate and you will have the chance to:

Learn!

Explore the topic of 'Anticipatory Leadership for a human-centred future', and learn from leading institutions and thematic experts and high-level speakers

Network!

Meet like-minded youth from all across Asia & Europe and build up your network for future partnerships & collaborations

Contribute to Grassroot Actions!

Bring back your learnings to your local community and help create a larger impact of the programme and spread the knowledge of ‘Anticipatory Leadership for a Human-Centred Future’.

WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE IN #ASEFYLS2026?

The ASEFYLS Capacity Trainings 2026 is a youth leadership programme focusing on ‘Anticipatory Leadership for a Human-centred Future’, with collaborative programme elements taking place from throughout June to November 2026.

The ASEFYLS2026 programme consists of 2 programme elements, with an additional programme element for a selected number of participants:

Training Phase | 9 June – 30 July 2026 | Online

  • An exploration into ‘Anticipatory Leadership for a Human-Centred Future’ with trainings from thematic experts. Explore anticipatory leadership styles, systems thinking in different contexts, and how various sectors can apply an anticipatory framework in their organisations.
  • Participants will be trained to build their understanding of strategic foresight, horizon scanning and the way new technologies like AI is influencing ethical, inclusive and sustainable principles – all in support of human-centred leadership. They will practice how to analyse trends, weak signals and systems across different context and see how they can adapt it to their own local communities.

Action Phase | August – November 2026 | In Local Communities

  • Translating theory into action, participants will have to organise multiplier events in their local communities.
    See examples of what previous participants organised as part of the Action Phase here.

NOTE: Based on engagement and commitment during the Training Phase, 40 participants will be selected to join:

Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic | 23 – 29 August 2026 | Tromsø, Norway

  • 40 participants will be invited to join the ‘Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic’ in Tromsø, Norway. This in-person training will continue to explore the topic of anticipatory leadership by examining the Arctic as a case study. It will also provide further opportunities for people-to-people exchanges, dialogues with experts, networking, and learning in a local context.

    The Training is organised in partnership with the Arctic University of Tromsø (UiT) and under the European Youth Capital 2026: “True North – Tromsø 2026.”

ARE YOU THE ONE WE ARE LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for motivated youth who are actively engaged in youth and student life and wish to develop their personal and professional skills to better lead in an uncertain future and who can contribute to the development of their local communities.

We are looking for applicants who meets the following requirements:

  • A citizen of one of the eligible Asian and European Countries
  • Students and young professionals between 18-30 years
  • Playing a leading role in a Youth Organisation/ Student Association (not exclusive to board members, executive committees)
  • Excellent command of English (verbal and written)

Selection criteria such as motivation to participate and demonstration of experience in community and societal leadership will be taken into consideration for the selection. In addition, the ability to create impact and multiplier effect in your local community may also be taken into consideration.

There are neither registration nor participation fees for this programme. Accommodation, meals, and travel subsidies will be provided for the selected participants.

WHAT COMMITMENT IS NEEDED?

From June to November 2026, participants are expected to attend and engage in:

  • 2 online Training Phase sessions as week (16 in total) between 9 June – 30 July 2026 (on average 4 hours per week),  along with individual tasks (self-paced)
  • Participants are expected to organise Multiplier events during the Action phase in their local communities – turning theory into action to share their learnings with a larger audience. These events are to be organised following the Training Phase (for selected participants, after the on-site ‘Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic’).
    The activities can be organised in-person or online. See examples from ASEFYLS Capacity Trainings 2024 here.
  • [For selected participants] Active on-site participation in the ‘Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic’ in Tromsø, Norway (23-29 August 2026).
READ MORE HERE:

Open Call Overview and FAQ

Access the ASEFYLS2026 Open Call Overview and FAQ which includes further information on participation in the 'Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic'.

Programme Overview

Access the ASEFYLS2026 overview, including the 'Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic'

CLICK HERE TO APPLY!

Deadline Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Watch the FAQ Webinar that took place on Tuesday, 21 April, here for more information and details on the programme and application process!

Have further questions? For further enquiries, send us an email at asefyls@asef.org

Want to know what #ASEFYLS is all about? Take a look at the highlights from previous editions below!

Learn more about #ASEFYLS directly from previous participants!

The ASEF Young Leaders Summit stands as a prestigious program that unites talents from both Asia and Europe, featuring influential speakers across diverse dialogues. It is a genuinely empowering initiative for young leaders, fostering a sense of encouragement and empowerment to effect positive change and give back to society. I've forged meaningful connections with young leaders from Asia and Europe, and this experience has empowered me to be a catalyst for change.
ElaineMalaysia
My overall experience of the Summit was excellent. The event was organised with painstaking care, while maintaining a degree of flexibility all along. It was the first time I took part in an event like this and I am truly grateful for this unparalleled opportunity to delve first-hand into fields that intrigue me so much within the broader framework of Asia-Europe relations, which has been my main academic and professional focus so far.
RenéItaly
My journey at ASEFYLS5 in Salamanca was nothing short of transformative. The conference itself was a melting pot of diverse ideas and perspectives, bringing together young leaders from all corners of the world. The sessions and workshops were both insightful and engaging, covering a wide range of topics, from sustainability and innovation to global diplomacy and leadership skills. ASEFYLS5 in Salamanca was more than just a conference; it was a life-changing experience that broadened my horizons, expanded my global perspective, and equipped me with the tools to become a more effective and compassionate leader.
PhouphetLao PDR
It was a truly enriching experience for me, both on a personal and professional level. Being at one of Europe's oldest universities, engaging with a diverse array of experts, and connecting with numerous young leaders from Europe and Asia significantly broadened my horizons. Each day, I witnessed the tremendous effort put forth by the organizers to ensure the success of the event, and I feel profoundly grateful to have been one of the participants who benefitted from this opportunity.
RoxanaRomania
My overall experience was undeniably unique. Engaging with individuals from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds proved intriguing and enlightening. The sessions covering a range of topics, such as the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in shaping our future, the expectations associated with the futuristic concept of Society 5.0, and the imperative of maintaining balance while considering the concerns and perspectives of various nations across Europe and Asia, brought forth a multitude of distinct viewpoints and contemplative moments.
SibtainPakistan
The Summit experience was very constructive as an ASEFEdu project. As one of the Navigators, I feel that I learned a lot from the ASEF organizers and the participants, who were eager to contribute and share their backgrounds and insights. The lasting impression of the Summit is definitely positive and enjoyable, getting to know about Leadership in Society 5.0, youth contribution for positive change and the local Spanish culture.
DimitriosGreece
My experience at the ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS5) was truly enriching and transformative. During this summit, I had the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of young leaders from both Asia and Europe, which provided a unique cross-cultural learning experience. Through various sessions and discussions, I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements. Overall, my participation in ASEFYLS5 has broadened my perspective on leadership, technology, and global challenges. I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I gained to make a positive impact in my community and beyond.
ShamsunBangladesh
  • Follow Us:

© Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) 2024

Join our mailing list

Stay up to date

You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at info@asef.org. We will treat your information with respect. For more information about our privacy practices please visit our website. By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices here.