The Asia Foundation is pleased to announce the call for applications for its flagship LeadNext Program 2026: Ambassadors for a Global Future. This immersive leadership program aims to equip young leaders from across Asia, the Pacific, and the United States with skills, knowledge, and networks to tackle today’s most urgent global challenges. The LeadNext program is open to young leaders aged 18-25 from any academic or professional background. There is no minimum degree requirement for participation.
The program lasts four months and includes 10 virtual sessions and masterclasses, followed by an in-person summit in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, scheduled from September 19-27, 2026. Selected participants will receive comprehensive support that covers international travel, lodging, and meals for the in-person Summit in the United States. Read more details below.
Asia Foundation LeadNext Program 2026 Overview
- Country: United States
- Host Organization: Asia Foundation
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Duration: 4 Months
- Dates: September 19-27, 2026
- Mode: Virtual + Inperson
- Application Deadline: May 5, 2026
Program Structure
It’s a 4-month intensive program delivered in the following 3 phases
Phase 1: The first phase includes 10 interactive sessions conducted on Zoom from June to July 2026. The session focuses on global citizenship, leadership, and cross-cultural communication.
Phase 2: The second phase consists of Global leaders masterclasses focusing on 21st-century challenges
Phase 3: In the last phase, participants will attend a week-long in-person global leadership summit in person in San Fransice Bay Area, California, from September 19-27, 2026
Eligible Regions
Nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply:
South Asia: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan
Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Timor-Leste
East Asia: Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, China
Pacific Islands: Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, Palau, Tonga
Note: Applicants from Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Laos must be currently in the United States
Eligiblity Criteria
- Open for US and Asia Pacific applicants
- Applicants’ age must be between 18 and 25 years old
- The program is aimed at students, young professionals, community leaders, and entrepreneurs with an interest in leadership, policy, and global challenges
- Profiency in the English language
- Must commit to full-time participation in all program sessions
- Must secure a US visa to attend the program
- Demonstrate leadership potential and passion to address the global challenges.
Program Coverage
The participants will recieve following coverage:
- Round-trip airfare coverage
- Accommodation for the week-long in-person summit
- Meals during the summit
- No registration or application fee
- Full access to training sessions
- Visa assistance
Benefits
- World-class mentorship from professional mentors
- Networking opportunities with emerging leaders
- Become a part of the LeadNext Alumni Network
- Attend a fully funded summit in the USA
Required Documents:
- Degree Transcript
- Diploma
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
How to Apply?
The application process is online via the LeadNext portal. Visit the offical link below, click on “Apply Now” to start with your application. Complete the application form and submit it.
Application Deadline: May 5th, 2026
APPLY FOR LEADNEXT PROGRAM 2026
