LeadNext: Ambassadors for a Global Future

Our dynamic new program focused on global citizenship for the 21st century

LeadNext builds a vibrant network of future leaders aged 18-25 from across Asia and the United States and supports their growth, impact, and capacity to address today’s greatest challenges.

In this section

Exchange between the U.S. and Asia is more important than ever

With the profound structural changes that will transform geopolitics, global governance, the global economic order, and social landscape over the next decade, a new generation of globally minded leaders is imperative. The LeadNext program equips emerging leaders across cultures and disciplines with strong international networks, exposure to wide-ranging experiences, and leadership tools to thoughtfully steer the future. This fellowship is fully funded.

Harnessing the innovation and energy of young leaders is essential. Positive and lasting change will depend on leaders who can move ideas and action forward to address rising inequality, find solutions to climate crises, mitigate conflict, and empower communities most vulnerable and insecure.

An investment in

Transformative Leadership

Emerging leaders aged

18-25

Number of Fellows per year

Past Fellows

Learn about the LeadNext program and past Fellows.

LeadNext

Program Components

February and March 2025

Fellows meet 1-3 times a week over several weeks to build competencies in social change leadership. Fellows explore how unique experiences are the foundation of their leadership strengths and gain tools for self-awareness, public speaking, and elevating impact. The Intensive emphasizes collaboration and exchange. Fellows work together to expand their understanding of globalization and global citizenship and share perspectives from their unique backgrounds and experiences.

March to June 2025

Global experts provide exposure to the real-world experiences of leaders in the United States and Asia addressing a range of 21st century issues. Fellows develop lasting skills, tools, and frameworks to better understand the policies and ecosystems that drive impact. They study complex issues, processes, and challenges related to social change in the United States and Asia and bring their collective experiences to bear on these discussions.

Week of July 14, 2025

The 2025 capstone convening will be held in the San Francisco Bay Area. Fellows will deepen and expand their learning through rigorous exchange, continued leadership development, and tools to tackle 21st century challenges. They will also gain exposure to cutting-edge approaches and best practices in innovative leadership.

Fellows are paired with a professional mentor based on their specific interests. These mentors are drawn from the Foundation’s broad network to connect emerging leaders with recognized leaders, influencers, and shapers.

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Eligibility

LeadNext Fellows are dynamic emerging leaders from any sector with a commitment to creative approaches to addressing issues such as climate change, inequality, injustice, poverty, or other pressing issues. Fellows demonstrate outstanding character, integrity, and are respected leaders within their communities with an interest in cross-cultural exchange.

To be eligible for the program candidates must be:

Aged between 18-25 during the entire program year.
Fully conversant in English.
Able to commit to attending all sessions with an understanding that we are working across many time zones. Virtual sessions will take place in the mornings in Asia and evenings in the United States for approximately 2 hours per session. The Summit is a full-time commitment.