Programme: Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit 2026
Hosted by: Asia-Europe Foundation
Format: Online training and on-site Youth Summit
Summit Venue: Jakarta, Indonesia
Online Training: 22 July–8 October 2026
Deadline: Sunday, 21 June 2026
The Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit 2026 is designed for early-career professionals working where science, technology, innovation, and international relations meet. The programme starts with online training and then invites selected participants to an in-person Youth Summit in Jakarta.
About Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit 2026
ASEF is organising this programme as the second edition of the Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy. It is part of the Asia-Europe Science and Technology Diplomacy Initiative for Young Professionals.
The programme supports learning on Science and Technology Diplomacy in Asia-Europe relations. It also builds communication skills, strengthens peer exchange, and supports future collaboration between participants from the two regions.
Programme Components
The opportunity includes an online training phase and a summit phase.
• Online Training: 22 July–8 October 2026
• Youth Summit: 19–24 October 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia
Around 120 young professionals will join the online training. Then, selected participants from the training will be invited to the Youth Summit. ASEF states that around 40 participants will be invited to Jakarta.
Learning Benefits
Participants will engage with expert-led sessions, workshops, and peer learning.
✓ Learn how science and diplomacy intersect in policy and innovation
✓ Explore trends, challenges, and opportunities in Science and Technology Diplomacy
✓ Improve intercultural communication across cultures and disciplines
✓ Join webinars and hands-on interactive workshops
✓ Build cross-regional connections
✓ Expand networks with peers, experts, and leaders from Asia and Europe
Jakarta Youth Summit
The Youth Summit will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia. It is organised in partnership with and hosted by the National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia.
At the Youth Summit, delegates will develop and present a Declaration on Youth Perspectives on Asia-Europe Cooperation in Science Diplomacy. They will share it with senior stakeholders during high-level events.
Programme Support
ASEF states that the programme has no registration or participation fees. Participation is free of charge.
For selected participants attending the Youth Summit, ASEF provides support for the on-site phase.
✓ Accommodation
✓ Meals
✓ Travel subsidies
✓ Visa support letter, when required
✓ Eligible travel expense subsidy between the country of residence and Jakarta
✓ Possible support for international return travel, local airport transfers in Jakarta, visa fees, and travel insurance, if applicable
Participants must first cover their travel costs. After the event, reimbursement may take up to three months after submission of the required documents.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must fit the official eligibility requirements.
• Citizens of eligible Asian and European countries may apply
• Applicants should be up to 35 years old
• Applicants need excellent English, both spoken and written
• Applicants must currently work as Research or Science Managers in civil society
• Or they must work as Diplomats or Government Officials in government
• Applicants must work in one of the eligible Asian or European countries
• The programme does not accept undergraduate students or doctoral students and candidates
ASEF states that the programme is mainly for young professionals aged 18–35. Still, applicants up to 40 may be selected in exceptional circumstances.
Target Professional Groups
The programme is aimed at two applicant profiles.
• Civil society professionals working as Research and Science Managers in tertiary education institutions, research organisations, or professional organisations
• Government professionals working as diplomats or government officials in international collaboration and Science and Technology Diplomacy
These applicants should work on science, technology, innovation, international collaboration, or related diplomacy topics.
Participation Requirements
Participants must take part fully in the online phase. This includes the welcome session on 22 July 2026 and the networking session on 20 August 2026.
The training includes 12 live sessions across six weeks. Tuesday sessions run from 8:00am to 9:30am UTC. Thursday sessions run from 8:00am to 10:00am UTC. Overall, the commitment is about 3.5 hours each week.
Review Criteria
ASEF will consider the applicant’s motivation to participate. It will also review demonstrated experience in Science and Technology Diplomacy.
In addition, the selection review considers relevant perspectives and the applicant’s ability to apply and share new learning. The process aims to ensure fair access, gender balance, and even geographic representation.
Important Dates
• FAQ webinar: 2 June 2026
• Application deadline: Sunday, 21 June 2026
• Welcome session: 22 July 2026
• Networking session: 20 August 2026
• Training period: 22 July–8 October 2026
• Youth Summit in Jakarta: 19–24 October 2026
ASEF lists scitech@asef.org for further questions about the programme.
