The ASEF Gender Equality Training 2026 is a three-day, in-person capacity-building programme in Kunming, China. Organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation, the programme focuses on gender equality, women’s participation, inclusive governance, and sustainable development. It will take place from 7 to 9 September 2026, and applications must be submitted by 3 July 2026 at 23:59 Singapore time.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Capacity-Building for Inclusive and Sustainable Development: Gender Equality and Women’s Participation
Category: Capacity-Building Training
Organizer: Asia-Europe Foundation
Host: Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province
Country: China
Location: Kunming
Programme Dates: 7–9 September 2026
Application Deadline: 3 July 2026, 23:59 Singapore time
Eligible Applicants: Citizens of eligible ASEM Partner countries with working proficiency in English
About the ASEF Gender Equality Training 2026
The ASEF Gender Equality Training 2026 is designed for approximately 20 participants from ASEM partner countries. It aims to strengthen women’s participation in inclusive governance and sustainable development.
The programme places gender equality at the centre of wider policy and development discussions. It also connects women’s participation with broader agendas, including climate change, peace and security, and social inclusion.
The training is hosted by the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
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Programme Objectives
The training aims to help participants understand the barriers that continue to restrict women’s participation and leadership. These barriers may be structural, institutional, social, or cultural.
Participants will also develop practical competencies relevant to policy, programme design, advocacy, research, and institutional work.
The programme objectives include:
• Building understanding of barriers to women’s participation and leadership
• Developing practical skills in gender analysis
• Using gender-sensitive and gender-disaggregated data
• Applying gender-responsive budgeting approaches
• Strengthening monitoring approaches related to women’s participation
• Learning how to mainstream gender equality in organisations, policies, and programmes
• Identifying strategies to promote women’s leadership and participation
• Developing feasible follow-up actions within professional contexts
The training will also support cross-regional exchange between participants from Asia and Europe.
Training Format
The programme will be delivered as an in-person training in Kunming, China. The format includes comprehensive training sessions focused on gender equality and women’s participation.
The sessions will address policymaking, programming, advocacy, and community-level initiatives. The official page states that the training will use participatory, interactive, and practice-based approaches.
Participants are expected to engage actively in the learning process and connect the training content to their professional contexts.
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Travel and Accommodation Support
The co-organisers will provide travel and accommodation support for selected participants.
Covered support includes:
✓ Airfare on point-to-point economy class to and from Kunming, China, through reimbursement up to a maximum ceiling
✓ Four nights of accommodation at the training venue
✓ Accommodation check-in on 6 September 2026
✓ Accommodation check-out on 10 September 2026
The official page does not describe the programme as fully funded. Therefore, applicants should review the official information carefully before applying.
Who Can Apply?
The training is designed for stakeholders committed to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment across the ASEM region.
Primary participants may include:
• Representatives from relevant government agencies and bodies
• Ministries, commissions, or councils on women
• Departments of social welfare, family affairs, and development
• Gender focal points within ministries
• Members of relevant inter-ministerial groups
• Civil society organisations actively engaged in promoting gender equality
Secondary participants may include:
• Representatives from academic institutions
• Relevant private-sector organisations
• Agencies contributing to women’s participation and empowerment
Priority will be given to participants who can influence policy, programme design, institutional practice, advocacy, research, or public dialogue.
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Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements stated on the official page.
• Applicants must be citizens of eligible ASEM Partner countries.
• Applicants must have working proficiency in English.
• Applicants should be connected to work on gender equality or women’s participation.
• Consultants are not eligible to apply.
• Students without relevant work experience are not eligible to apply.
The programme also encourages gender-balanced participation.
Required Document
Applicants must upload a letter of organisational endorsement or nomination as part of the application.
The letter must:
• Be written in English
• Be on official letterhead or sent from an official email address
• Explain how participation in the programme aligns with the organisation’s priorities and activities
Applicants should prepare this document before completing the online application form.
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Key Dates
• Project Period: May–September 2026
• Accommodation Check-in: 6 September 2026
• Training Dates: 7–9 September 2026
• Accommodation Check-out: 10 September 2026
• Application Deadline: 3 July 2026, 23:59 Singapore time
How to Submit an Application
Interested applicants must complete the online application form by the official deadline.
Applicants should:
• Complete the online application form
• Upload the organisational endorsement or nomination letter
• Ensure the letter meets the official requirements
• Submit the application by 3 July 2026 at 23:59 Singapore time
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application link below.
