Deadline: 21-Jul-25
The U.S. Embassy Seoul Public Diplomacy Section and U.S. Embassy Tokyo Public Diplomacy Section announce an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out the 2026 Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) network’s third annual summit, to be held in the Summer of 2026 in the United States in a location of significance to all three countries, for instance Hawaii or other U.S. location with well-developed and cost-effective transportation linkages with both the ROK and Japan.
Goals and Objectives
- The Summit will focus on developing the leadership skills and global outlook of a cohort of approximately 50 youth leaders from the three countries. Participants should have demonstrated leadership abilities, a track record of engagement in their communities, and the capacity to collaborate with peers from other nations. They will also leverage the expertise of youth leaders from other Department of State regional youth leadership programs like the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), the Young Pacific Leaders (YPL) Program, and the Young South Asian Leaders Initiative (YSALI) to share best practices as well as build institutional linkages between the Department’s suite of Indo-Pacific youth leadership programs.
- This Youth Summit is a key pillar of Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL), a regional youth initiative that creates space for young leaders to make meaningful contributions to trilateral policy discussions that bolster U.S. security alliances with both countries, contributing to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Indo-Pacific region. YTL fosters a tight-knit network of emerging leaders who understand the issues facing trilateral partnership while working together to identify innovative solutions to future global challenges. Participants who complete the program can continue contributing to the network as YTL alumni.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Program Funding: $ 200,000
- Award Ceiling: $200,000
- Award Floor: $100,000
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible Applicants:
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
- Additional Information on Eligibility:
- The following organizations are eligible to apply (U.S. Based Organizations Only):
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience
- Public and private educational institutions
- The following organizations are eligible to apply (U.S. Based Organizations Only):
- The program will support a cohort of approximately 50 youth leaders from the United States, Republic of Korea, and Japan.
- Eligibility criteria:
- Ages 18 to 35
- Fluent in English
- Demonstrated record of leadership and community engagement
- Proven ability to collaborate in multinational settings
- Deep interest in and understanding of the U.S.–ROK–Japan trilateral partnership, shown through academic, professional, or volunteer experience
For more information, visit Grants.gov.