Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic

How can YOUth Anticipate and Shape the Future?

WHAT WAS THE #’ASIA-EUROPE LEADERSHIP TRAINING: ANTICIPATORY LEADERSHIP IN THE ARCTIC’?

The ‘Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic’ took place from 23-29 August 2026 in Tromsø, Norway.

It was organised as part of the ASEFYLS Capacity Training 2026 which consists of a Training Phase and Action Phase. As an additional component, the ‘Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic’ physically brought together 39 participants from the ASEFYLS Capacity Training 2026, to engage in people-to-people dialogue exchanges, networking, and learning in a local context. Beyond the online Training, it was an opportunity for further exploration of the topic, and a deep dive into the Arctic as a case study for Anticipatory Leadership.

The ‘Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic’ included the following elements:

Thematic workshops and panel discussions on Anticipatory Leadership for a Human-Centered Future
Simulation Game on the Future of the Arctic
Study Visits, to provide inspiration and case studies to practice what they have learnt
Cultural exchange, both within the local context, and between participants

The Training was organised in partnership with and hosted by UiT The Arctic University of Tromsø and under the European Youth Capital 2026, “True North – Tromsø 2026”.

Learn more about the programme and catch up on the highlights here.

WHAT IS #ASEFYLS?

The ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS) is a Youth platform that connects young people across Asia & Europe, applying a 360 degree approach on leadership development and community engagement: 1) self-leadership (you), 2) team leadership (we) and 3) societal leadership (all).

The ‘Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic’ takes place alongside the ASEFYLS Capacity Training 2026, and is a youth leadership programme focusing on ‘Anticipatory Leadership for a Human-Centered Future’.

‘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.

It aims to give #Youth the opportunity to:

Receive Training from Experts

With a focus on Anticipatory Leadership from world-leading institutions and experts

Contribute to Grassroot Actions

Bring your enthusiasm, knowledge and skills to propose solutions to real-life challenges facing society - bringing it to your local community

Contribute to Decision-Making

Bring the youth voice into the multilateral policy arena. Be Part of the ASEF Youth Report.

Access an Asian and European Youth Network

Making life-long friends and opening doors for cross-regional collaboration and exchange

WHO JOINED THE #’ASIA-EUROPE LEADERSHIP TRAINING: ANTICIPATORY LEADERSHIP IN THE ARCTIC’?

The ‘Asia-Europe Youth Leadership Training: Anticipatory Leadership in the Arctic’ invited 39 participants from the online training of the ASEFYLS Capacity Training 2026 for the in-person Training in Norway. The participants were all representatives of youth and student organisations from across Asia & Europe from diverse backgrounds.

ASEF truly opened my eyes from the perspective of intercultural learning- I interacted with people and got to know cultures that I previously did not have access to and this not only put my community into a different perspective but also made me want to explore and truly understand Asian cultures more.

The ASEFYLS allowed me, both to explore my own individual identity as well as explore how our collective societal identities affect our lived experiences and vision of the future. Through an incredibly diverse learning experience, ranging from workshops on digital/AI competences, to simulation games, to study visits to cultural sights across China, and discussions with my incredible fellow participants, I witnessed a shift in the way I see myself and my ability to create social impact, not only through my actions but also through my identity. Thank you to ASEF for a truly life-changing experience.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.