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Applications are now open for the Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026. This opportunity is organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation, ASEF, as part of its Science and Technology Diplomacy Initiative for Young Professionals.

The programme is designed for early-career professionals from Asia and Europe who are working in areas related to science, technology, innovation, international cooperation, diplomacy, research management, and public policy.

Selected participants will take part in an online training programme and some participants will also be invited to attend the in-person Youth Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.

About the Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit 2026

The Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026 is a professional development programme that brings together young professionals from Asian and European countries to learn about the relationship between science, technology, innovation, and international diplomacy.

The programme aims to strengthen cooperation between Asia and Europe by helping young professionals understand how science and technology can contribute to international relations, policy development, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

This is the second edition of the programme. It will include an online training phase and an in-person Youth Summit for selected participants in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Programme Summary

Category Details Programme Name Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026 Organizer Asia-Europe Foundation, ASEF Programme Type Online Training + In-Person Youth Summit Online Training 1 September – 21 October 2026 Pre-Training Activities July and August 2026 Youth Summit 19 – 23 October 2026 Youth Summit Location Jakarta, Indonesia Number of Online Participants About 100–120 participants Number of Youth Summit Participants About 40 selected participants Funding Type Fully Funded / Funded Support for Selected Summit Participants Application Deadline Sunday, 21 June 2026 Eligible Applicants Early-career professionals up to 35 years old from eligible Asian and European countries

Programme Benefits

The Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026 offers participants the opportunity to:

• Join a 6-week online training programme.
• Learn from experts in science, technology, innovation, and diplomacy.
• Build practical knowledge in science and technology diplomacy.
• Connect with young professionals from Asia and Europe.
• Develop intercultural communication and professional networking skills.
• Understand how science and technology influence international relations.
• Participate in webinars and hands-on interactive workshops.
• Gain exposure to Asia-Europe cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
• Stand a chance to be selected for the in-person Youth Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Contribute to discussions on the future of Asia-Europe cooperation in science and technology diplomacy.

For selected participants attending the Youth Summit in Jakarta, support may include accommodation, meals, and travel subsidy according to the programme arrangements.

What is Science and Technology Diplomacy?

Science and Technology Diplomacy refers to the use of science, research, innovation, and technology to support international cooperation and solve global challenges.

In today’s world, many international issues require scientific and technological understanding. These include climate change, public health, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, food security, energy, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

Through this programme, participants will learn how science and technology can support better cooperation between countries, institutions, researchers, policymakers, and international organizations.

Programme Structure

The programme is divided into two main parts:

1. Online Training

The online training will take place from 1 September to 21 October 2026.

This 6-week training will bring together about 100 to 120 young professionals from ASEF member countries. Participants will attend webinars, interactive sessions, and practical workshops led by experts in the field.

The training will help participants develop knowledge of science and technology diplomacy and understand how it applies to Asia-Europe relations.

There will also be pre-training activities in July and August 2026, including a welcome session and networking activities before the main online training begins.

2. In-Person Youth Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia

After the online training, about 40 participants will be selected to attend the in-person Asia-Europe Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The Youth Summit will take place from 19 to 23 October 2026.

During the summit, selected participants will meet in person, discuss key issues from the online training, exchange ideas, and contribute to a youth communiqué on the future of Asia-Europe cooperation in science and technology diplomacy.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to early-career professionals up to 35 years old from eligible Asian and European countries.

Applicants should belong to one of the following categories:

1. Civil Society Applicants

This includes research managers, science managers, or professionals working in tertiary institutions, research organizations, science-related institutions, professional organizations, or civil society groups.

Applicants in this category should have a supervisory, coordination, or management role related to research, science, technology, innovation, or international cooperation.

2. Government Applicants

This includes diplomats and government officials working in areas connected to science, technology, innovation, international collaboration, or foreign affairs.

Applicants may be working in ministries, government agencies, foreign affairs departments, science and technology institutions, or related public sector organizations.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants are generally expected to:

• Be up to 35 years old.
• Be a citizen of an eligible Asian or European country.
• Be currently working as a research manager, science manager, diplomat, government official, or professional in a relevant field.
• Have experience or interest in science, technology, innovation, diplomacy, or international cooperation.
• Have a strong command of English.
• Be willing to participate actively in the online training.
• Be available for the programme activities.
• Show motivation and commitment to Asia-Europe cooperation.

Applicants should carefully check the official ASEF page to confirm the full eligibility requirements before applying.

Eligible Countries

The programme is open to citizens of eligible Asian and European countries under the Asia-Europe Foundation framework.

Eligible countries may include countries from Asia and Europe that are part of the ASEF network. Applicants should visit the official application page to confirm whether their country is eligible before submitting an application.

Selection Criteria

Selection is expected to be based on the applicant’s professional background, motivation, experience, and relevance to science and technology diplomacy.

Applicants should be able to show:

• Clear motivation for joining the programme.
• Relevant professional experience.
• Interest in science, technology, innovation, diplomacy, or international cooperation.
• Ability to contribute to discussions and group activities.
• Potential to use the knowledge gained in their work or professional community.
• Commitment to Asia-Europe cooperation.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the necessary information and documents before applying. These may include:

• Personal details.
• Professional background.
• Employment or organizational information.
• Educational background.
• Motivation statement.
• Relevant experience in science, technology, innovation, diplomacy, research, or international cooperation.
• Responses to application questions.
• Any additional document requested in the official application form.

Applicants should ensure that all information provided is accurate and consistent.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply through the official Asia-Europe Foundation application process.

To apply:

1. Visit the official ASEF opportunity page.
2. Read the full programme details carefully.
3. Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
4. Prepare your application information and supporting details.
5. Complete the online application form.
6. Review your application before submission.
7. Submit your application before the deadline.

Official programme page:
https://asef.org/projects/asia-europe-training-and-youth-summit-on-science-and-technology-diplomacy-2026/

Application Deadline

The application deadline is Sunday, 21 June 2026.

Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last day before applying. Early application gives you enough time to review your responses, correct mistakes, and submit a stronger application.

AK Travels Application Tips

Before applying for the Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026, applicants should understand that this is not just a general youth conference. It is a professional programme for early-career individuals working around science, technology, innovation, diplomacy, research, and international cooperation.

Your application should clearly show how your current work or professional interest connects with the programme. If you work in government, research, policy, science management, technology, innovation, international relations, or development, explain your role clearly and show how the programme will improve your contribution.

When writing your motivation, avoid general statements such as “I want to travel” or “I want to meet people.” Instead, focus on your professional goals, your interest in science and technology diplomacy, and how Asia-Europe cooperation can help solve shared challenges.

You should also give practical examples from your work or experience. Mention projects, responsibilities, research activities, policy work, coordination roles, or international cooperation activities you have been involved in. This will make your application stronger and more convincing.

Applicants should also show that they are ready to participate actively in the online training. Since only some participants will be selected for the in-person Youth Summit in Jakarta, your commitment during the training phase may be very important.

Finally, proofread your application before submitting. Make sure your answers are clear, professional, and specific. A strong application should connect your background, your motivation, and the goals of the programme.

Final Note

The Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026 is a valuable opportunity for early-career professionals who want to build knowledge in science and technology diplomacy and connect with professionals from Asia and Europe.

The programme offers online training, expert-led sessions, professional networking, and a possible fully funded in-person Youth Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia for selected participants.

Interested applicants should apply through the official ASEF website before the deadline.

Disclaimer

AK Travels LTD is not the official organizer of this programme. This post is published for informational and educational purposes only. Applicants are advised to visit the official Asia-Europe Foundation website for the most accurate and updated information before applying.