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Applications are now open for the ASEF Capacity-Building on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation 2026, a fully funded international training programme organized by the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF). The programme will bring together professionals, policymakers, civil society representatives, researchers, and advocates from Asia and Europe for an intensive capacity-building experience in Kunming, China.

The three-day programme aims to strengthen participants’ understanding of gender equality and women’s participation in governance, policymaking, sustainable development, advocacy, and institutional leadership. It will provide practical tools and cross-regional learning opportunities to support more inclusive and sustainable societies.

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, the programme is expected to host approximately 20 participants from eligible Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) partner countries.

Summary

• Programme Name: ASEF Capacity-Building on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation 2026
• Host Country: China
• Programme Venue: Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
• Organized By: Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF)
• Programme Dates: 7–9 September 2026
• Programme Type: International Capacity Building Training
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Eligible Participants: Professionals from ASEM Partner Countries
• Target Fields: Gender Equality, Governance, Sustainable Development, Public Policy, Civil Society, Advocacy
• Number of Participants: Approximately 20
• Application Mode:

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About the ASEF Capacity Building Program

The ASEF Capacity-Building Programme on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation is designed to strengthen awareness, knowledge, and practical skills related to gender-responsive governance and sustainable development.

The programme recognizes that gender equality is not only a standalone Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5) but also a cross-cutting issue that affects progress in areas such as:

• Climate Action
• Peace and Security
• Inclusive Governance
• Economic Development
• Social Inclusion
• Human Rights
• Public Policy

Participants will engage in practical discussions, case studies, peer learning activities, and interactive workshops designed to help them promote women’s participation and leadership within their institutions and communities.

Programme Objectives

The training seeks to help participants:

• Understand structural and institutional barriers affecting women’s participation
• Strengthen gender analysis skills
• Learn gender-responsive budgeting approaches
• Improve the use of gender-sensitive and gender-disaggregated data
• Promote women’s leadership and decision-making
• Mainstream gender equality into policies and programmes
• Develop practical follow-up actions within their organizations
• Foster Asia-Europe cooperation and knowledge exchange

Participants will also explore intersectional approaches to gender equality and learn how to apply inclusive strategies within different sectors.

Funding Benefits

The ASEF Capacity Building Program 2026 is fully funded.

Selected participants will receive:

• Round-trip economy-class airfare reimbursement (up to a specified ceiling)
• Four nights of accommodation in Kunming
• Access to all training sessions
• Training materials
• Networking opportunities
• Expert-led workshops
• International exposure
• Cross-regional learning opportunities
• Certificate of participation

Accommodation will be provided from 6 September to 10 September 2026.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is primarily intended for:

• Government officials
• Policymakers
• Gender focal persons
• Civil society representatives
• Women’s rights advocates
• NGO professionals
• Researchers
• Academics
• Development practitioners
• Representatives of relevant private-sector organizations

Priority will be given to individuals who can influence:

• Policy development
• Programme implementation
• Institutional practices
• Advocacy initiatives
• Public dialogue
• Research activities

Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.

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Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be citizens of eligible ASEM Partner Countries
• Possess working proficiency in English
• Be actively engaged in gender equality, governance, development, or related sectors
• Be in a position to influence policy, programming, advocacy, research, or institutional practice
• Obtain organizational endorsement or nomination

Please note that students without relevant professional experience are generally not eligible to apply.

Training Topics

The programme will focus on:

Gender Equality and Governance

Participants will examine barriers to women’s participation and explore inclusive governance models.

Gender-Sensitive Data and Analysis

The training will introduce participants to gender-disaggregated data collection and analysis methods.

Gender-Responsive Budgeting

Participants will learn practical approaches to incorporating gender considerations into budgeting and planning processes.

Women’s Leadership and Participation

The programme will explore strategies to increase women’s representation and leadership across sectors.

Sustainable Development and Inclusion

Participants will discuss the role of gender equality in achieving broader sustainable development goals.

Required Documents

Applicants are expected to submit:

• Completed Online Application Form
• Organizational Endorsement Letter or Nomination Letter
• Professional Information
• Relevant Supporting Documents (if requested)

The endorsement letter must be written in English and explain how participation aligns with the organization’s priorities and activities.

How to Apply

Step 1: Visit the Official Application Page

Review the programme details and eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Obtain Organizational Endorsement

Secure an endorsement or nomination letter from your institution.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form

Provide accurate personal and professional information.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Attach your endorsement letter and any requested supporting materials.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Ensure your application is submitted before the official closing date.

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Why You Should Apply

Successful applicants will gain:

• International training experience in China
• Practical tools for advancing gender equality
• Access to experts and policymakers
• International networking opportunities
• Exposure to Asia-Europe cooperation initiatives
• Skills relevant to governance and sustainable development
• Opportunities for future collaboration

The programme is particularly valuable for professionals working on public policy, development, social inclusion, governance, and women’s empowerment initiatives.

Application Deadline

3 July 2026 (23:59 Singapore Time)

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early and prepare their endorsement letters well in advance.

Official Application Link

Official Programme Page:

Related Opportunities

• Nigeria Green Academy 2026
• Youth Assembly of Nations 2026 in Greece (YAN Athens)
• Commonwealth Students Association Call for Campus Ambassadors across the Commonwealth
• COP31 Climate Change Fellowship 2026 in Turkiye (Fully Funded)
• Africa Clean Air Network/Health Effects Institute Future Leaders Fellowship 2026

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The ASEF Capacity-Building on Gender Equality and Women’s Participation 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise in governance, policy, advocacy, and sustainable development through an international learning experience in China.

At AK Travels LTD (www.aktravelsltd.com), we encourage eligible applicants to submit strong applications that clearly demonstrate their leadership experience, commitment to gender equality, and potential to apply the knowledge gained within their organizations and communities.

Because participation is limited and competition is expected to be high across Asia and Europe, applicants should begin preparing their endorsement letters and application materials as early as possible.