Asia-Europe Foundation has announced an open call for applications for the Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026, a programme designed to strengthen collaboration between Asia and Europe in science, innovation, and international policy development. The initiative targets early-career professionals working at the intersection of science, technology, and diplomacy, offering a structured training programme followed by a high-level youth summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. Programme Aims to Strengthen Science Diplomacy Across Regions The 2026 edition of the Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy is part of the broader Asia-Europe Science and Technology Diplomacy Initiative for Young Professionals. Asia-Europe Foundation stated that the programme is designed to: Strengthen international cooperation in science and technology Build leadership capacity among young professionals Enhance cross-cultural communication skills Promote evidence-based global policy development Foster innovation through international collaboration Participants will engage in expert-led sessions exploring how science and diplomacy intersect to shape global innovation systems and international policy frameworks. Two-Phase Programme Structure Announced The initiative will be implemented in two major phases: an online training programme followed by an in-person youth summit. Online Training Programme Dates: 22 July – 8 October 2026 Format: Virtual learning sessions and interactive workshops Participants: Approximately 120 early-career professionals Focus: Science diplomacy skills, global policy understanding, and collaboration The training will include webinars, group discussions, and expert-led workshops aimed at building practical skills in international science and technology engagement. Youth Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia Dates: 19–24 October 2026 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia Host Partner: National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia Participants: Around 40 selected delegates from the training programme Selected participants will attend the youth summit, where they will present a youth-led declaration on Asia-Europe cooperation in science diplomacy to senior stakeholders. Skills Development and Professional Networking Opportunities The programme is designed to provide participants with advanced professional development opportunities in international science policy. Key learning outcomes include: Understanding science and technology diplomacy frameworks Developing intercultural communication skills Enhancing negotiation and collaboration abilities Building professional networks across Asia and Europe Engaging in policy dialogue with international experts Asia-Europe Foundation emphasised that participants will gain both technical knowledge and practical diplomatic skills relevant to global science governance. Eligibility Criteria for Applicants The programme is open to early-career professionals from eligible Asian and European countries working in science, research, and government sectors. Applicants must meet the following requirements: Be 35 years old or younger Hold citizenship in eligible Asian or European countries Demonstrate strong English language proficiency Be currently employed as a research/science manager or government official/diplomat Work in fields related to science, technology, innovation, or international relations The programme is not open to undergraduate or doctoral students, focusing instead on professionals already engaged in policy or research environments. Eligible Professional Backgrounds The call targets two main categories of participants: Civil Society and Research Sector: Science and research managers University or institutional researchers Innovation and policy professionals Science communication experts Government Sector: Diplomats Government officials working in science, technology, and innovation policy International cooperation officers Organisers stated that applicants should demonstrate relevant professional experience and a strong motivation to contribute to science diplomacy initiatives. Fully Funded Participation with No Costs The Asia-Europe Foundation confirmed that participation in the programme is fully funded. Key financial details include: No application or registration fees Full coverage of participation costs for selected delegates Accommodation and meals provided during the youth summit Travel subsidies for participants attending the in-person summit in Indonesia The organisation emphasised that financial barriers should not prevent qualified candidates from applying. Participation Requirements and Commitment Expectations Participants selected for the programme are required to commit to the full duration of the training and summit activities. Commitments include: Attendance at a welcome session in July 2026 Participation in networking sessions in August 2026 Engagement in 12 live online training sessions Weekly participation averaging 3.5 hours Active involvement in group discussions and peer learning activities Full participation in the Jakarta Youth Summit (for selected delegates) Organisers stressed the importance of consistent engagement to ensure successful learning outcomes. Application Deadline and Selection Process Applications for the 2026 programme are currently open. Key deadlines include: Application deadline: 21 June 2026 Training period: July to October 2026 Youth Summit: October 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia The selection process will be competitive, with approximately 100–120 participants chosen for the online training and around 40 selected for the final summit. Selection criteria include: Demonstrated experience in science diplomacy or related fields Motivation to participate in international collaboration Professional background relevance Communication and leadership potential Strengthening Global Cooperation in Science and Technology The Asia-Europe Training and Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy reflects growing global interest in strengthening international collaboration in science, technology, and innovation governance. Asia-Europe Foundation continues to position the programme as a platform for emerging leaders to contribute to global policy discussions and strengthen Asia-Europe relations. The initiative is expected to enhance youth participation in science diplomacy while fostering stronger networks between researchers, policymakers, and international institutions across both regions. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.