Country: Cambodia
Organization: Harpswell
Program Name: Harpswell ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit
Category: Leadership Summit
Deadline: 19 April 2026
Harpswell has opened applications for the 2026 ASEAN Women’s Leadership Summit. The programme was founded in 2017 and is described as an annual initiative that brings together a cohort of 36+ young women for five months of leadership development and professional networking, followed by a week-long in-person gathering.
About the Summit
The official page says the Summit brings together participants from the countries of ASEAN as well as Nepal. For the 2026 cohort, Harpswell is expanding the programme to also welcome participants from Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.
Programme Goal
Harpswell explains that the Summit aims to support positive change in Southeast Asia by creating a network of women leaders who understand the ASEAN region and build meaningful lifelong relationships across borders. The source says the programme includes lectures, workshops, site visits, and group activities.
Timeline
The Summit is presented as a five-month programme. On the 2026 page, the virtual portion is scheduled for July to October 2026, while the in-person segment is scheduled for 30 October to 8 November 2026.
Virtual Learning
Harpswell states that the virtual phase includes twice-monthly two-hour sessions. These are intended to strengthen participants’ relationships with themselves, one another, and the region, and the page specifies that all virtual activities take place outside regular business hours.
In-Person Week
The in-person gathering takes place in Phnom Penh. According to the official page, this week focuses on collaboration, exploration, and networking, and includes the participation of many trainers and facilitators from the virtual programme.
IKAT 2026
The source also states that after five days as a Summit cohort exploring the Inner Development Goals, participants will have the opportunity to join IKAT 2026, Harpswell’s inaugural gathering for women leaders working in and for Southeast Asia.
Coverage
Harpswell covers all travel, meals, and accommodation for participants. The page further notes that women leaders who complete the Summit are eligible to apply for Social Impact Grants.
Who Should Apply
Applications are invited from women between the ages of 25 and 35 from ASEAN countries, Nepal, and Papua New Guinea. The page says applicants should show interest in social change and women’s leadership, leadership potential through academic or professional accomplishment, openness to growth in self-identity, cultural diversity, and worldview, curiosity about the experiences of others in the region, and strong English language skills.
Inclusion
Harpswell states that it seeks a diverse and inclusive cohort and welcomes applicants from any race, ethnicity, social background, religion, disability, and sexual orientation.
Deadline
The deadline to apply is 19 April 2026.
Info Session
A virtual information session is scheduled for Tuesday, 24 March 2026 at 7:30 PM ICT. The official description says the session will cover the programme experience, eligibility, and application process, and will allow participants to ask questions and connect with the team.
Questions
The contact listed for questions is Summit Senior Administrator Dr. Leila Mohajer at leila@harpswell.org.
