Scholarships

Unique Young Leaders Program

Region: Australia - National

18th New Generation Seminar

"The Politics of Globalization"
September 21-October 5, 2008
Honolulu, Hawaii  Youngstown, Ohio  Washington, DC

Background Information

Each year, the East-West Center (EWC) identifies participants from the younger, rising generation of leaders from the United States and Asia Pacific for this two-week intensive educational and dialogue program developed around a thematic focus. The purpose is to help create a better-informed younger generation of leaders who have a greater understanding of regional issues and challenges. The New Generation Seminar (NGS) also provides these younger leaders with a network of counterparts throughout Asia Pacific and the United States upon which to draw as they rise in their leadership positions. Since its launch in 1988, a total of 262 participants from 24 Asia Pacific countries and the United States have participated in 17 NGS programs.

The Freeman Foundation has funded the New Generation Seminar program for the past twelve years, since 1996. Through this funding, the East-West Center covers participant air and ground travel expenses, meals, lodging and other per diem expenses related to the two-week period of the program.

The East-West Center seeks nominations for participants from a variety of organizations and individuals: U.S. Embassy public affairs or cultural affairs offices in Asia Pacific; the Japan Center for International Exchange in Tokyo; the American Council for Young Political Leaders, and the New Generation Seminar alumni. We also accept direct applications from individuals. Self-applicants access the program through our website: www.eastwestcenter.org/NGS.

Nominations/applications are accepted from February to April, with selections made by mid-May. The New Generation Seminar is a competitive process; a selection committee at the East-West Center makes the final selection of participants.

Participant Criteria

The New Generation Seminar involves 16 participants aged mid-20's to late 30's, approximately 12 from Asia and 4 from the United States. The program seeks to engage "communicators" and "leaders," those individuals who are in a position to shape and influence the views of others. An important selection consideration is demonstrated leadership in current and/or past positions, and the potential for future leadership. Most often these individuals are leading through active engagement in the political processes of their countries. Past participants have included members of national, state or provincial government assemblies or ministries, young mayors or governors, city council members, up and coming members of political parties, leaders of political party youth wings, political advisors and other elected officials. The NGS also has included leading representatives from media, business, law, non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The NGS is not geared toward academics, researchers or individuals who are specialists in the program theme; rather it seeks to engage leaders with broad-based policy knowledge, responsibility and influence who can benefit from learning about a range of Asia Pacific issues in addition to the program theme.

We try to balance gender representation and also strive for diversity of ethnic, religious, regional representation and political party entities from each country. Preference is given to Asians who have had little travel to the U.S. or other parts of Asia Pacific; likewise we generally select Americans with little or no Asia Pacific experience. Thus individuals from foreign ministries or international relations "think-tanks" are not strong candidates. Fluency in English is required.

Program Agenda

The New Generation Seminar program provides an avenue for dialogue and interaction among the participants through formal meetings as well as informal after-hour social activities. The first week of the New Generation Seminar is held at the East-West Center in Honolulu and consists of briefings by EWC research staff on key issues in the region such as economics, security, international relations, energy resources, population, health and environment, as well as sessions directly related to the seminar theme. The Honolulu program also includes visits to the U.S. Pacific Command and Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, a half island tour and an opportunity for each of the participants to share with the group a topic of interest/importance to him or her. Each participant is asked to give a short presentation on a topic from his or her country as a means for participants to learn from one another about the region and to stimulate discussion.

The second week of the program involves one week of field travel to either the Asia Pacific region or the United States mainland to enhance participants' knowledge of a specific theme. Past themes have included: the Asian financial crisis, environmental issues, responses to 9/11, challenges of religious diversity, security and leadership, health issues, disaster risk reduction and education challenges for the 21st century. The thematic focus for the 2008 program is "The Politics of Globalization."

18th NGS Program Theme: "The Politics of Globalization"

Policy and decision makers in the 18th New Generation Seminar will explore the perceptions, politics and realities of the impact of globalization in the United States and how election-year politics affect popular opinion, shape globalization debates and influence national policies. Participants will examine these issues first hand in a visit to Youngstown, Ohio, a "rust-belt" manufacturing town that is emblematic of the economic, political, social and cultural challenges posed by the global economy. They will then proceed to Washington, DC, to explore the issues in the broader context of the U.S. presidential election and national level policymaking, especially as related to U.S. engagement with other nations throughout the Asia Pacific region.

To submit nominations for this program, please send the following to Ann Hartman at the East-West Center via e-mail (NGS@eastwestcenter.org), fax (1-808-944-7600), or post (New Generation Seminar, East-West Seminars, East-West Center, 1601 East-West Road, Honolulu, HI 96848-1601):

• Completed attached Nominee Information Cover Sheet (or the equivalent in your own format);

• The nominee's resume or CV OR a summary of his/her professional and educational background;

• A statement as to why you are nominating this candidate, highlighting his or her current leadership role and potential, and briefly explaining how you think he or she would benefit from and contribute to this program;

• A brief statement of interest from the nominee indicating what she/he hopes to get from participating in the program. (We can waive this requirement if circumstances require.)

We will confirm receipt of your nomination within five working days. If you do not hear from us, please follow up.

Alternately, you may direct qualified candidates to our website where they may apply through our self-application process. A statement of support from you may substitute for the two letters of reference.

We will be closing the nominations for candidates on Wednesday, April 2, 2008. The Selection process will occur in late April. Candidates will be notified of the results by June 15, 2008.

For more information about the NGS program and participant criteria, please see the enclosed 18th New Generation Seminar Background Summary or visit our website: www.EastWestCenter.org/NGS.

Download more info:
Nomination Form (doc)

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This page: www.isx.org.au/opportunities/scholarships/1204111219_9600.html
Last Modified:Wednesday, 27-Feb-2008 22:26:36 EST

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