2026 Young Trilateral Leaders Summit
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The U.S. Embassies in Seoul and Tokyo are pleased to announce the 2026 Young Trilateral Leaders (YTL) Summit will be held in the United States. The YTL Summit is the flagship annual Young Trilateral Leaders gathering that brings together the next generation of leaders from the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan to shape the future of trilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The 2026 summit will be held August 19-21, 2026 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The summit’s theme will focus on AI and Emerging Technology, exploring how innovation can strengthen cooperation across economic prosperity, energy security, maritime safety, and regional stability.
Participants will develop actionable project proposals that harness emerging technologies to address shared challenges. The summit offers a unique platform to engage with senior policymakers, exchange cutting-edge ideas, and build enduring cross-border networks.
Working in cross-national teams, participants will gain hands-on experience in multilateral diplomacy, technology policy, and strategic innovation while contributing fresh perspectives to the U.S.-Japan-ROK partnership. This pivotal gathering will demonstrate how the next generation can leverage AI and emerging technologies to advance our shared vision for a free, open, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Travel expenses for participation in the summit (airfare, lodging/meals during the program period, program-related travel within Hawaii) will be borne by the U.S. Department of State.
Qualifications:
- English language fluency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Between the ages of 18-35 years old by the time of the summit.
- Citizens of the United States, Republic of Korea, or Japan – with priority given to those who are currently living in their home country.*
- A history of excellence in local and regional youth leadership activities.
*U.S. Federal Government Employees and Contractors (including U.S. military) are not eligible to apply.
Application Notes
This program does not give preference to any academic major or minor. Individuals from all disciplines and academic backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply. Applicants do not have to be a current student to apply.
Selected participants must be able to attend three 90-minute virtual engagement sessions leading up to the summit (to be held Friday mornings JST/KST) and the entirety of the 2026 YTL Summit in August 19-21, 2026 in Honolulu, Hawaii, including travel times to arrive in Honolulu on August 18 and depart on August 22.
Selected participants must also be willing to take part in follow-up alumni activities after the summit.
Application Deadline
The application will close on March 31, 2026 at 11:59pm JST/KST. Please complete all parts of the application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Contact Us
- For application-related questions (e.g., eligibility, required materials, selection process), please contact Embassy Seoul at YTL@state.gov.
- For technical questions (e.g., system errors, file upload issues), please contact EWC at YTL@eastwestcenter.org.