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.

 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.

In 2026, the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) at the East-West Center (EWC) and the Republic of China's (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA) will host a six-week hybrid program that includes one-week online, two-weeks in Honolulu, Hawai'i and three-weeks in Taiwan.

This program will provide individuals the opportunity to enhance their leadership capacities and build a network with other leaders from across the Pacific and Taiwan. Participants will engage in experiential learning in a cohort of 25 early to mid-career professionals from all sectors. PILP attracts participants possessing high leadership potential and a commitment to serve their national and regional development goals. The curriculum for these rising leaders centers on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, equipping participants to serve as leaders in implementing the values, commitments, and priorities of the Strategy. The goal of PILP is to build a network of collaborative leaders dedicated to shaping the future prosperity of the Pacific region and its partners by taking informed, effective action.

 Program Dates:  September 28 - November 5, 2026 (Dates are tentative and subject to change)

 Eligibility:

• For Applicants from the Pacific Islands Region: Citizen of the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
• For Applicants from the Republic of China (Taiwan): Member of an indigenous community in the ROC. 
• Bachelor’s degree. Exceptions may be considered on the basis of other relevant experience and qualifications.
• The program is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals.
• A minimum of 3 years demonstrated impact in your professional career and/or local community.   

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• 11:59 pm, March 27, 2026 (Hawaii Standard Time)

NOTE: Reference forms will be due no later than 11:59 pm, April 3, 2026 (Hawaii Standard Time)   

AI Transparency

We are looking for authentic and genuine submissions that reflect your individual experiences, perspectives, and unique writing style. We understand that AI (artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT) can be a helpful tool in crafting your application, and applicants are not forbidden from using it to help with responses. However, essays that are generated primarily or solely by such tools will be rejected. 

 IMPORTANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES 

• Read the instructions for each item carefully before entering your information.
• The application software does not log you out automatically when you exit your browser.  Therefore, it is important that you sign out from your application account especially when you are using a public computer.
• Since you will not be able to edit your application after submitting, make sure to review your application before submitting.  If your application is not ready, you can save it as a draft and submit it at a later time.  The saved drafts of your application can be found in your account under My Submissions (or Submissions).
• If, after submission, you need to change something in your application, contact the PILP team at PILP@eastwestcenter.org