Asia‑Europe Foundation Announces 2026 Science and Technology Diplomacy Training and Youth Summit – Strong Emphasis on Global South Leadership
Shaping a new cohort of science diplomacy practitioners
The Asia‑Europe Foundation (ASEF) has opened applications for its 2026 Science and Technology Diplomacy Training and Youth Summit, a flagship programme designed to equip the next generation of leaders operating at the nexus of science, technology and international policy. Bringing together early‑career researchers, policy specialists, technologists and civic changemakers from across Asia and Europe, the Summit seeks to accelerate cross‑regional collaboration that responds to pressing transnational challenges – from climate resilience and digital governance to public health and equitable development. For 2026, ASEF is deliberately prioritising participants from the Global South to foster stronger, more balanced co‑creation of policy and practice.
Why prioritise the Global South this year
ASEF’s 2026 cohort intentionally amplifies voices from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and small island developing states. These regions frequently encounter disproportionate exposure to climate shocks, biodiversity loss, digital exclusion and gaps in access to health technologies, yet they are often underrepresented in global science diplomacy arenas. By centring Global South participants, ASEF aims to move beyond symbolic inclusion toward meaningful partnership: cohort members will help set the Summit’s thematic agenda, co‑author policy recommendations and prototype locally rooted solutions that can be scaled through Asia-Europe collaborations.
Who the Summit is for: profile and capabilities sought
The programme targets motivated early‑to‑mid career professionals who blend technical expertise with a track record or aspiration for societal impact. Typical applicants meet most of the following criteria:
– Early‑to‑mid career (approximately 21-40 years old) with at least two years’ relevant experience in academia, government, civil society, startups, research institutes or science communication.
– A demonstrable commitment to applying science, technology and innovation for public good – for example, projects in climate adaptation, digital inclusion, health security, sustainable food systems or inclusive innovation.
– Evidence of, or credible plans for, cross‑border collaboration between Asia and Europe (existing partnerships, ongoing joint work, or clear proposals for binational or regional initiatives).
– Strong English communication skills for workshop engagement and policy drafting. Institutional recommendation letters are helpful but not required; applicants should describe how they will convert Summit learnings into policy, educational programming or community action.
Selection process and practical measures to lower barriers
ASEF uses a multilayered selection process to broaden access and ensure diversity:
– Geographic quotas: reserved places for underrepresented Global South countries and small island states to secure balanced regional representation.
– Financial support: a range of travel, accommodation and participation subsidies will be available; the extent of support depends on demonstrated need, regional allocation and funding availability.
– Mentorship and skills coaching: accepted fellows will have access to science diplomacy mentors from Asia and Europe, receiving hands‑on coaching on engaging multilateral institutions, drafting policy briefs and communicating technical evidence to policymakers.
– Institutional diversity: applicants from public universities, independent research centres, social enterprises, youth networks and mission‑driven startups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Regional focus areas and expected outcomes
Participants will work in cross‑regional teams to tackle concrete, regionally relevant problem statements and produce actionable outputs. Anticipated focal pairings and deliverables include:
– Africa – Climate adaptation & energy transition: teams may produce policy briefs on climate‑resilient infrastructure financing or pilot roadmaps for off‑grid renewable systems tailored to rural communities.
– South & Southeast Asia – Health technologies & data governance: outcomes could include guidance for ethical cross‑border health data sharing in pandemic preparedness or blueprints for interoperable digital health platforms.
– Latin America & Caribbean – Bioeconomy & biodiversity protection: teams might develop community‑led conservation plans or science‑backed strategies for sustainable coastal economies.
Practical support allocation (indicative)
ASEF plans to apportion seats and financial aid to reflect strategic priorities and regional needs. Indicative emphasis:
– South & Southeast Asia: the largest share of placements and a mix of full and partial scholarships.
– Africa & Middle East: significant representation with targeted travel bursaries and fee waivers.
– Latin America & Caribbean: dedicated slots with co‑funding options for applicants who can secure partial institutional support.
– Emerging Europe & Central Asia: proportionate representation with partial scholarships.
Concrete examples of potential impact
To illustrate how the Summit’s network and capacity‑building can translate into real projects, envision these plausible outcomes:
– A public‑health researcher based in Jakarta collaborates with a data privacy specialist from Warsaw to draft an ethical framework for regional health data exchange; a regional health network pilots the framework during a cross‑border surveillance exercise.
– A community leader from a small island state teams with renewable energy engineers and policy analysts to design a phased microgrid project; the proposal attracts donor seed funding and local government interest for a pilot installation.
– An environmental NGO in Brazil and a European university co‑design a low‑cost biodiversity monitoring protocol that municipal authorities adopt to inform urban conservation zoning.
Context: why this matters now
Global dilemmas increasingly demand interdisciplinary, internationally coordinated responses. Recent trends underscore the urgency: internet connectivity grew rapidly over the last decade, yet digital divides persist across income groups and between urban and rural areas; scientific and technological capacity remains concentrated in higher‑income economies, complicating rapid, locally appropriate responses to crises. Strengthening science diplomacy skills among emerging leaders – particularly from the Global South – helps ensure that policy responses are evidence‑informed, equity‑centred and regionally relevant.
How to apply and next steps
Interested candidates should consult ASEF’s official website for full eligibility requirements, application deadlines and submission instructions. Applications typically require: a CV, a statement of intent outlining the applicant’s project or policy focus, documentation of past work or partnerships, and (if applicable) an institutional endorsement or co‑funding confirmation. Shortlisted applicants may be asked for additional materials or to participate in interviews.
Final note
As science, technology and diplomacy become ever more intertwined in addressing global challenges, the ASEF 2026 Science and Technology Diplomacy Training and Youth Summit offers a timely platform for emerging leaders – especially those from the Global South – to shape policy, build networks and launch collaborative initiatives. Prospective applicants are advised to review ASEF’s official materials for updates on deadlines, scholarships and programme formats.