Deadline: September 18, 2025
Applications are open for the DAV International South China Sea Conference Young Leaders Programme 2025. The International South China Sea Conference of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam is a leading regional maritime security forum held annually, which gathers a large number of prominent scholars, practitioners and policy-makers on geopolitics and maritime issues. The conference series is paneled by leading experts and attracts broad attendance by local and international participants.
The Young Leaders Programme is an activity under the Conference that provides a platform for the next generation of leaders to engage with the complex and multifaceted issues of the South China Sea, while equipping them with the skills and knowledge to not only navigate challenges but also harness opportunities in pursuit of a peaceful and cooperative future for the region. They believe that young people possess the power, capability, intellect, and resilience to come together and make meaningful contributions toward this vision. Through this programme, they aim to create a vibrant space where youth can share bold ideas, build lasting connections, and gain insights from leading experts to shape a more peaceful and cooperative South China Sea.
Programme Details
This year’s Young Leaders Programme will feature a wide range of activities designed to empower participants and amplify their voices. Young Leaders will take part in special sessions such as a livestream youth commentary, podcast recordings, and a Youth Academic Discussion Night with DAV Captains – outstanding students from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam – and local youth from leading universities across Vietnam.
The highlight of the Programme is the dedicated session “Youth Power: Overcoming Ambiguity, Strengthening Unity”, where selected participants will present their own research and perspectives on the South China Sea, under the guidance of senior researchers from the organising committee. Just as importantly, Young Leaders will also learn from and exchange ideas with senior figures through two unique opportunities: a working lunch with leading experts and an intergenerational dialogue with policymakers and scholars, fostering deeper connections across generations. By taking part in these activities, Young Leaders will not only gain first-hand exposure to the debates at one of the world’s most prestigious conferences on the South China Sea, but also demonstrate that youth have the power, intellect, capability, and resilience to shape a more peaceful and cooperative future for the region.
Benefits
- Full participation in the 17th South China Sea International Conference.
- Be a part of a network of worldwide scholars from prestigious think-tanks, universities.
- Certificates of Attendance at the Conference for participants.
- Being part of the South China Sea Conference Young Leaders Programme Alumni Network.
- The organisers will sponsor round-trip economy class airfare, 3-night accommodation (from 2 to 4 November 2025), local transportation, and meals for the participants.
Eligibility
- People aged between 20 and 35 (at the start of the programme);
- Candidates must be able to use English fluently;
- Background knowledge in political science, international relations, international law, and other social sciences.
Application
A total of eight Young Leaders will be chosen from the candidates to attend the Conference. The deadline is 18 September 2025 at 23.59 (GMT+7). Application forms sent after this time will not be accepted.
For more information, visit DAVYLP.
