The ASEF Young Leaders Summit 2025 (ASEFYLS6) is an exceptional opportunity for young visionaries across Asia and Europe to participate in a transformative experience centered on leadership, ethics, and global cooperation. Organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), this highly competitive Youth Forum provides a unique platform for intercultural dialogue and collaborative innovation to address some of the most pressing issues in a fast-evolving world.

ASEFYLS6 brings together youth aged 18–30 from the 51 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) partner countries for a blended learning journey comprising online engagement and a fully funded summit in Osaka, Japan. With the theme “Leadership & Society 5.0”, this year’s edition invites participants to explore sustainable and ethical leadership in the digital age, empowering young people to become catalysts of inclusive transformation within their communities.

If you are passionate about leadership, digital innovation, and international cooperation, the ASEF Young Leaders Summit 2025 offers a rare and prestigious chance to sharpen your skills, grow your network, and shape a better future.

Program Details

Host Country:
Japan

Host Organization:
Asia-Europe Foundation

Youth Summit Location:
Osaka, Japan

Mode of Program:
Online & In-person

Program Timeline:
July – October 2025

Program Phases

Phase 1: Knowledge Building (29 July – 26 August 2025)
Participants will attend weekly virtual sessions led by global experts. The focus will be on leadership ethics, digital transformation, innovation, and the societal role of young leaders in shaping a Society 5.0.

Phase 2: Leadership in Action (27 August – 28 September 2025)
Selected participants will work in cross-cultural teams on real-world challenges presented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These challenges reflect current global needs and demand innovation, teamwork, and cultural understanding.

Phase 3: Youth Summit (29 September – 5 October 2025)
The final stage is a fully funded in-person summit in Osaka. Participants will engage in workshops, expert panels, and presentations of their project outcomes. This immersive gathering fosters strong leadership skills, networking, and a sense of shared responsibility.

Benefits

• Fully Funded Youth Forum – all travel, accommodation, meals, and program expenses are covered

• No registration or participation fee

• Round-trip airfare covered for all in-person participants

• Accommodation in Osaka provided for the entire summit period

• Daily meals and refreshments included during the summit

• High-impact training sessions led by global experts in leadership and innovation

• Participation certificates awarded to all selected candidates

• Cultural exchange opportunities with youth from diverse backgrounds and regions

• Opportunity to collaborate on UNDP-framed societal challenges

• Access to an international network of changemakers and thought leaders

Eligibility Criteria

• Aged between 18 and 30 years at the time of application

• Citizens or legal residents of countries that are part of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)

• Strong command of English (spoken and written)

• Demonstrated interest in Society 5.0, ethical leadership, or innovation

• Experience in community engagement, volunteerism, activism, or social initiatives

• Proven ability to collaborate in team-based international settings

• Inclusive of applicants from diverse academic, socio-economic, and professional backgrounds

How to Apply

Follow the steps below to submit a complete and successful application:

1. Visit the Official ASEFYLS6 Website
   Go to the ASEF Young Leaders Summit 2025 application page.

2. Complete the Online Form
   Fill in all required personal, academic, and motivational details. The form allows you to save and continue later if needed.

3. Upload Required Documents

   • Updated CV (with current academic, professional, and extracurricular information)

   • Valid passport (must be valid for international travel)

   • Academic transcripts

   • Optional: Additional supporting documents relevant to your experience, such as certificates or travel documents

4. Motivation and Contribution
   Respond thoughtfully to the short-answer questions about your motivation, interest in leadership, and how you hope to contribute during the program.

5. Submit the Application
   Ensure all sections are completed before the deadline. Only fully completed applications will be considered.

Application Deadline

To Be Announced
The application deadline is not yet published. Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the official ASEF website regularly for updates and to begin preparing their documents in advance.

Why ASEFYLS6 Matters

In an increasingly interconnected and technologically driven world, the role of ethical, inclusive, and visionary leadership has never been more vital. The ASEF Young Leaders Summit 2025 addresses this need by creating a vibrant learning environment where youth are not only participants but co-creators of solutions for global challenges.

With the Society 5.0 theme, the summit goes beyond traditional education to explore the integration of technology into every sphere of life—while maintaining a human-centered, ethical framework. From artificial intelligence to climate action and social entrepreneurship, participants will gain a holistic perspective on the responsibilities of future leaders.

Participants will also join the prestigious network of ASEFYLS alumni, a community of global change agents committed to cooperation across cultural and geographic boundaries. This network offers lifelong learning, partnerships, and visibility for personal and professional projects.