Explore the Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program 2026, a fully funded one-year initiative for emerging leaders across Asia. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply before the deadline.

Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program 2026: A Fully Funded Opportunity for Emerging Leaders in Asia

Applications are now open for the Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program 2026, a prestigious initiative led by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada). Supported by the Government of Canada, this program aims to strengthen regional engagement by offering rising professionals in Asia the opportunity to better understand Canada’s role in the Indo-Pacific. Designed for emerging leaders aged 39 and younger, the program provides a unique year-long experience combining virtual learning, high-level policy discussion, and a fully funded visit to Canada.

The Indo-Pacific region is increasingly central to global cooperation, economic development, and strategic dialogue. Through this initiative, APF Canada seeks to build deeper relationships with individuals who have the potential to shape future collaboration in diplomacy, public policy, development, research, sustainability, security, and related fields. The goal is to create a community of leaders who can actively contribute to shared priorities between Canada and the Indo-Pacific.

About the Program

The Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program 2026 runs from January to December 2026 and offers a non-residential structure, allowing participants to maintain their work or studies in their home countries while engaging with Canadian experts and institutions throughout the year. APF Canada’s mission is to develop what it calls “Canada competence”—a deeper understanding of Canadian approaches to foreign policy, innovation, governance, and economic partnerships.

The official program details and application guidelines are available on APF Canada’s website:
https://www.asiapacific.ca/programs/indo-pacific-young-leaders

Program Benefits

Selected participants join a structured curriculum that blends policy exposure, networking, and educational enrichment. The program offers several core components:

1. A fully funded familiarization visit to Canada

Participants travel to Canada for a one-week immersion that provides firsthand access to government officials, policy institutions, industry representatives, academics, and civil society actors. This visit allows emerging leaders to observe Canadian perspectives on Indo-Pacific engagement and learn how these ideas translate into practical action.

2. Participation in APF Canada events across the region

Throughout the year, participants may be invited to attend APF Canada’s events in various Indo-Pacific locations. These gatherings create valuable opportunities for meeting specialists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and researchers working on issues that affect the region’s future.

3. Monthly virtual briefings

The program includes regular online sessions focusing on themes central to Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. These virtual activities support ongoing learning, encourage dialogue, and allow participants to interact with Canadian leaders from different sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants to the Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program 2026 should meet the following requirements:

• Be 39 years old or younger

• Reside in an Asian country

• Demonstrate strong interest in Canada’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific

• Have professional experience related to policy, development, research, economics, environment, innovation, or relevant sectors

• Show commitment to participating in the full year-long program

The program welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute new perspectives and strengthen future collaboration between Canada and the region.

Program Timeline

The program runs from January to December 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews by January 12, 2026.

Deadline and How to Apply

Application Deadline:

December 9, 2025 – 11:59 PM (Pacific Time)

Apply Here:

https://www.asiapacific.ca/programs/indo-pacific-young-leaders

Applicants are encouraged to submit early to ensure their materials are reviewed on time.

Why This Program Matters for Emerging Leaders

The Indo-Pacific Young professionals Program 2026 is more than a training opportunity; it serves as a bridge between Canada and the next generation of leaders across Asia. Participants gain access to expert knowledge, policy insights, international networks, and practical learning experiences that can influence their professional growth. The combination of virtual engagement, in-person meetings, and cross-cultural exchange creates a platform that supports long-term collaboration and leadership development in a rapidly evolving region.

Whether participants work in diplomacy, technology, development, civil society, education, environment, or business, the program equips them with new tools to address regional challenges and contribute to meaningful partnerships between Canada and the Indo-Pacific.

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