The Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme 2026 is now open for applications, offering an incredible opportunity for emerging young leaders from Cambodia and Laos to strengthen their leadership, research, and community development skills through an international learning experience. The programme is designed to empower young civil society leaders who are passionate about sustainable development and social impact within their communities.
Managed by UnionAID in partnership with Khmer Farmer Products (KFP), the Participatory Development Knowledge Agency (PAKA), and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), the programme combines online learning, residential workshops, and international exposure in Aotearoa New Zealand. The initiative aims to develop a new generation of leaders capable of addressing pressing development challenges in Southeast Asia.
For young professionals working in NGOs, social enterprises, labour unions, and community organizations, this fully funded programme offers a life-changing opportunity to gain international experience while contributing to meaningful change at home.
About the Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme 2026
The Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme (CLYLP) is a capacity-building initiative focused on supporting young civil society leaders from Cambodia and Laos. The programme encourages participants to explore innovative approaches to sustainable development and community transformation.
Participants engage in collaborative learning activities where they examine real-world development issues affecting their communities. Through mentorship, research training, and practical project development, participants learn how to design impactful community-based solutions.
One of the unique features of the programme is its emphasis on participatory action projects. Each participant identifies a local challenge and develops a proposal aimed at creating sustainable and inclusive solutions.
The programme also promotes cross-cultural collaboration, diversity, and inclusive leadership by bringing together young leaders from different ethnic, social, and professional backgrounds.
Host Institutions and Partners
The Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme is coordinated through a collaboration between several respected organizations, including:
- UnionAID
- Auckland University of Technology
- Khmer Farmer Products
- Participatory Development Knowledge Agency
The programme is supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Programme Structure
The programme is delivered in multiple stages combining online and in-person learning experiences.
Online Learning Phase
Participants complete approximately 150 hours of online learning while remaining in their home countries. The online component focuses on sustainable development, leadership, systems thinking, and community engagement.
Residential Workshops
Selected participants attend intensive residential workshops held in Cambodia and Laos. These workshops provide opportunities for peer collaboration, mentorship, and applied learning experiences.
International Learning Experience in New Zealand
One of the highlights of the programme is the in-person learning phase in Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants spend several weeks engaging in academic study, leadership development activities, and practical learning experiences focused on sustainable development and community transformation.
Benefits of the Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme 2026
The programme offers numerous benefits for selected participants, including:
- Fully funded learning and training opportunities
- International exposure in New Zealand
- Leadership and project management training
- Research and design thinking skills development
- Networking opportunities with emerging leaders
- Mentorship from experts and development practitioners
- Experience in participatory community development
- Cross-cultural collaboration and learning
Participants also gain practical experience in proposal writing, project management, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainable development planning.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme 2026, applicants are generally expected to meet the following criteria:
- Be between 20 and 34 years old
- Be living and working in Cambodia or Laos
- Be involved in community development work
- Work for a civil society organization, NGO, labour union, or social enterprise
- Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to social impact
- Possess intermediate English language proficiency
- Be willing to participate in both online and in-person learning activities
Applicants are also encouraged to demonstrate openness to diversity, teamwork, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Areas of Focus
The programme focuses on several important development themes, including:
- Sustainable development
- Community leadership
- Human rights
- Gender equality and inclusion
- Environmental sustainability
- Participatory development
- Research and innovation
- Social impact project design
Participants are encouraged to identify a development issue affecting their local community and create actionable strategies to address it.
Why You Should Apply
The Cambodia Laos Young Leaders Programme 2026 is more than just a scholarship or fellowship. It is a transformative leadership journey designed to help young changemakers build the confidence, skills, and global perspective needed to create lasting impact.
Participants gain exposure to international best practices in development while remaining grounded in local community realities. The programme also helps young leaders build long-term professional networks across Southeast Asia and beyond.
For aspiring social innovators, NGO professionals, youth advocates, and grassroots organizers, this programme can significantly strengthen leadership capacity and career opportunities.
Application Process
Interested candidates are required to complete an online application form and submit essays outlining:
- Their community development experience
- Interest in the programme
- A specific development challenge affecting their community
- Their proposed ideas for social impact and change
Applications are typically reviewed based on leadership potential, commitment to development work, and the relevance of the proposed community challenge.
Applicants are advised to prepare thoughtful and personalized responses that clearly demonstrate their passion for community development and leadership.
Application Deadline
The deadline for application is 31 May 2026.
Early application is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute technical issues and to allow enough time to prepare a strong application, including essays and supporting documents.
Apply here
Link: https://unionaid.org.nz/young-leaders-programmes/clylp/clylp-criteria/
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