YBB - The Asia Foundation Leadership Program 2026, also known as LeadNext: Ambassadors for a Global Future, is now open for applications. This fully funded youth leadership program brings together emerging leaders from Asia and the United States to strengthen their leadership capabilities, expand cross-cultural understanding, and address global challenges through collaborative action.
Moreover, the program combines virtual leadership training with an in-person Global Leaders Summit in the United States, offering participants an exceptional opportunity to build global networks and practical leadership skills.
Organized by The Asia Foundation, LeadNext is designed to support the next generation of changemakers who are passionate about social impact, public leadership, and international collaboration.
From June to September 2026, fellows will participate in a structured leadership journey that includes virtual sessions, expert-led masterclasses, mentorship, and a culminating summit in the United States, specifically the San Francisco Bay Area.
In addition, the program emphasizes leadership development in communication, teamwork, self-awareness, and public speaking.
Organization: The Asia Foundation
Program Type: Youth Leadership Program
Duration: June – September 2026
Mode: Virtual + In-Person Summit
Funding: Fully Funded
During the Leadership Training Intensive, fellows will join 13 virtual sessions, usually held twice a week over several weeks.
These sessions focus on:
Furthermore, participants will attend expert-led masterclasses where global leaders from Asia and the U.S. share practical insights on real-world challenges.
As a result, fellows will gain frameworks and tools that can support long-term leadership growth.
A major highlight of the program is the in-person Global Leaders Summit in the United States, taking place in the San Francisco Bay Area.
During this summit, fellows will:
Therefore, this summit offers valuable international exposure and networking opportunities.
Selected participants will receive full financial support.
Benefits include:
Consequently, fellows can focus fully on learning and collaboration.
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
Countries include:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific Islands, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United States, and Vietnam.
Applicants should prepare:
Follow these steps:
Official information:
https://asiafoundation.org/call-for-applications-2026-leadnext-ambassadors-for-a-global-future/
Apply here:
https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/leadnext2026-apply
The deadline to apply is 5 May 2026.
Therefore, applicants should begin preparing essays and video submissions early.
The Asia Foundation Leadership Program 2026 (LeadNext) is an excellent fully funded opportunity for young leaders who want to strengthen their leadership capacity and build global connections. With virtual masterclasses, expert mentorship, and an in-person summit in the United States, the program offers outstanding professional and personal development for emerging changemakers across Asia and the U.S.