Call for Indo-Pacific Young Leaders Program is open now!!!
The Indo-Pacific Young Leaders (IPYL) Program stands as a flagship initiative of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada). It is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization focused on Canada’s relations with Asia. Their mission is to be Canada’s catalyst for engagement with Asia and Asia’s bridge to Canada. Through policy research, public outreach, and convening activities, they aim to deepen Canada’s understanding of the Indo-Pacific region and strengthen our ties across government, business and civil society.
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The program targets approximately 12 to 15 exceptional young professionals who are actively shaping the future across government, business, academia, and civil society within the region. Its central mission is to help these participants transcend superficial knowledge, enabling them to gain a nuanced and sophisticated understanding of Canada’s foreign policy, economic interests, societal values, and strategic engagement within the Indo-Pacific. By focusing on areas crucial to contemporary geopolitics—ranging from diplomacy, trade and economic cooperation to security, international law and environmental stewardship. The program ensures its leaders are equipped to address complex, cross-border challenges.
Running from January to December 2026, the IPYL structure blends ongoing virtual engagement with an intensive, in-person component. Participants commit to monthly virtual briefings, where they engage directly with Canadian government officials, senior diplomats, distinguished scholars, industry experts, and civil society leaders. These sessions provide timely, focused discussions on the core tenets and strategic priorities outlined in Canada’s official Indo-Pacific Strategy, ensuring participants remain current with Canadian perspectives and policy evolution throughout the year.
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The apex of the program is the one-week Learning Tour of Canada, scheduled for May or June 2026. This fully immersive experience moves the dialogue from the virtual space into Canadian institutions and communities. Participants are given unparalleled access to the centers of Canadian political, economic, and technological innovation. The tour is meticulously planned to showcase Canada’s multifaceted identity and its commitment to the region, offering firsthand exposure to key governmental bodies in Ottawa, economic hubs like Toronto and Montreal and the Asia-Pacific focused gateway city of Vancouver.
Crucially, the IPYL Program emphasizes network development. It serves as a vital bridge, connecting high-potential Asian leaders not just with Canadian experts, but with each other. This creates a powerful, diverse cohort of future peers who share a common understanding of Canada’s role, fostering a resilient, informal network that will underpin Canada-Indo-Pacific relations for decades to come. Upon successful completion, participants join an exclusive alumni network, ensuring sustained engagement and continuing to contribute to the strategic dialogue between Asia and Canada. The program thus acts as a pivotal instrument for strengthening diplomacy, fostering economic cooperation, and enhancing mutual security understanding across the Pacific.
Benefits
- Participation in a one-week learning tour of Canada in May-June 2026 (exact dates TBC). Funding by APF Canada is limited to airfare, hotel, per diem and other incidental expenses for the duration of the trip. Canadian visa application (if applicable), travel insurance fees and other travel related expenses will be the responsibility of the participant. APF Canada may provide a letter to support visa application, if needed.
- Access to APF Canada’s network of policy leaders, diplomats, scholars, and industry experts
- Leadership and policy-skills development opportunities
- Exposure to Canadian institutions, innovation ecosystems, and policy environments
- Ad-hoc opportunities to contribute to APF Canada events, publications, or forums
Eligibilities
- Applicants must have strong understanding, experience and interest in Indo-Pacific affairs in areas such as politics, economics, society, diplomacy, international relations, security, history, and environmental issues.
- Must hold citizenship or permanent residency in an Indo-Pacific country/jurisdiction.
- Must hold an Undergraduate degree (minimum) in a field such as Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Law, Economics, Sociology, History, Geography, Asian Studies, etc. Current graduate students are also eligible.
- Must have At least 5 years of relevant experience in government, international or regional organizations, think-tanks, media outlets, business or academia.
- Must be able to facilitate the required travel documents to participate in the learning tour of Canada.
Application Process
- Applicants should upload the following documents in ONE MERGED PDF file through the Apply Now link.
- Resume detailing your academic background, skills, and professional experiences.
- Cover Letter detailing why you are interested in joining the program (max. 2 pages)
- Short questionnaire (max 2 pages for all four questions):
- In your opinion, what is a major challenge Canada is currently facing in its relationship with the Indo-Pacific?
- What aspect of Canada-Indo-Pacific relations are you most eager to learn about?
- How might having a better understanding of Canada help you in your current or future career?
- On what international issue would you most like to show leadership in the future? Please explain.
Application Deadline: December 10, 2025 (9 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
