The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is a dynamic and multifaceted learning program designed for highly talented Asian individuals under age 40 to enhance their leadership skills, Asian development knowledge, professional networks, and international exposure. The program reflects the Foundation’s nearly seven-decade tradition of investing in the region’s most promising future leaders.
In recognition of the growing urgency of the global climate crisis, the 2025 Asia Foundation Development Fellows Program will focus on Climate Action. Eligibility will require candidates to demonstrate a career background or vocation focused on addressing climate change and a proven commitment to working toward achieving a resilient, sustainable future. The program will remain designed to develop leadership skills and include a multidisciplinary cohort. Fellows may come from various professional backgrounds, including but not limited to environmental sciences, sustainability, climate and conservation, community engagement and activism, and environmental policy and law. They may also be journalists, conflict and fragility specialists, women’s rights activists, or any field whose work intersects climate issues. No professional background is ineligible if a candidate can demonstrate the intersection of their work with climate action.
The Asia Foundation Development Fellows program is comprised of the following components:
Spring 2025: Leadership Training Program and Study Tour
Nepal, February 17 to 28, 2025
The Leadership Dialogue and Exchange program in Asia and the Pacific presents a series of highly interactive leadership training modules with executive coaches; site visits with leading development practitioners and thinkers recognized policy leaders, and local innovators; short assignments; and sessions focused on building self-awareness and wellness for leaders. Training modules focus on strategic thinking and decision-making, working with participants on developing critical perspectives, problem-solving skills, managing change, and introducing innovative approaches in leadership and management. Site visits will allow fellows to explore approaches that deliver a positive impact and advance development knowledge. The internal leadership curriculum will address pain points specific to leaders fighting for climate change, and external meetings both in Asia and the US will focus more intently on trends in climate action and meeting with individuals and organizations doing innovative work in the climate space. The program takes place in countries across Asia and the Pacific where local needs and challenges serve as a contextual backdrop for exploring theories of change and practice in international development.
Fall 2025: Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Program
United States, October 6 to 17, 2025
The Leadership Dialogue and Exchange Program will continue the work from the spring session, providing important opportunities for Fellows to extend personal bonds with their cohort and build new international perspectives and networks of support, particularly in the climate action space. Over this two-week period, the Fellows will participate in a comprehensive series of programs, policy discussions, and unique learning and leadership development opportunities organized in the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, DC.
Location:
Nepal, United StatesBenefits
Professional Development Award
An award of up to US$5,000 will be made available to each selected Fellow. This cash award will allow Fellows the opportunity to design individualized plans to further their leadership skills and relevant professional experience in areas of particular importance to their career growth. Each Fellow will be asked to develop a personalized yearlong work plan involving enrollment in specialized training programs or short courses, language study, travel to attend key regional forums or workshops, or engagement in other enrichment activities.
Executive Coaching & Mentoring
The Asia Foundation lends valuable perspectives to the field of leadership development, with a proven program history and record of commitment throughout Asia and the Pacific. Building on the Foundation’s regional network and local capacity, the program offers mentorship-matching support tailored to the background and professional interests of each of the Fellows. Additionally, Fellows are offered a fixed number of one-on-one executive coaching sessions throughout their fellowship year.
Eligibilities
Asia Foundation Development Fellows must:
- Have a demonstrable record of experience and accomplishment related to climate action and a proven commitment to working toward achieving a resilient, sustainable future. No professional background is ineligible if a candidate can demonstrate the intersection of their work with climate action.
- Be thoughtful, committed, respected, and inspirational leaders in their professional fields and community.
- Be under 40 years of age by January 1, 2025.
- Be conversant in English (TOEFL exam results are not required).
- Be available and able to participate in all program components on the program dates specified.
- Be able to secure a visa for travel to the United States.
Application Process
STEP 1) CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Please carefully read the Eligibility and Selection criteria above, noting the updated eligibility criteria, and read the Application Instructions.
STEP 2) PREPARE FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Review the Application Instructions and Guidelines and complete each component of the application:
- Personal information
- Written submission
- CV
- Short video submission
- Letters of recommendation (handled online)
STEP 3) START YOUR APPLICATION
The application deadline is Monday, August 12, 2024, at 11:59 PM UTC-4
Application Deadline: August 12, 2024
Application ClosedOfficial link
