The Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia (EUD) is inviting students aged 18 to 25 across Malaysia to be part of the EU-ASEAN Youth Diplomats Programme (EAYDP), a gathering of Malaysia’s future leaders in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of EU-ASEAN relations.

The programme will consist of 45 selected youth participants from universities across Malaysia, who demonstrate a passion for, and potential in, change-making through foreign and regional affairs.

In this fully sponsored programme by the EU, three online training courses conducted by EU and ASEAN experts will be provided to participants, with tips and tricks on research, policy drafting and public speaking. Participants will then take part in an EU-ASEAN Youth Summit from 17 to 19 February 2023 in Kuala Lumpur — a mock session of 27 EU countries and 10 ASEAN countries, where they will each represent an EU or ASEAN Member State as they discuss key issues of shared regional interest, such as on the environment and climate change, human rights and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Hotel accommodation, meals and all expenses for the three-day summit will be covered by the EU, including land or air travel to the venue for participants residing outside Klang Valley.

Select applicants — irrespective of their acceptance to the programme — will further be considered for a range of continued learning and internship opportunities to work on behalf of the EU’s public diplomacy in ASEAN.

The summit, to be conducted in a similar format to the Model UN, serves as a simulation to showcase the differences and collaborative efforts between the EU and ASEAN as strategic partners in tackling pressing global challenges.

‘The EAYDP is a platform for youth voices on issues concerning both regional blocs,’ said H.E. Michalis Rokas, Ambassador and Head of EUD. ‘We cannot wait to welcome the youth delegations onboard the EAYDP and to hear your aspirations for a better future built upon strong EU-ASEAN partnerships.’

Why join this programme? Youth will be given the opportunities to meet and network with national and regional representatives along with the movers and shakers of EU-ASEAN relations, gain first-hand experience and a deeper understanding of diplomacy areas and diplomatic processes between the EU and ASEAN, and develop practical skills in leadership, teamwork, negotiation, critical thinking, and research under real-world pressure.

How to be part of the programme? Applicants have to submit a short, one- to two-page essay (not exceeding 1 000 words) in English on one of two topics — ‘The World We Want’ or ‘EU-Malaysia Relations’ — by 8 January 2023, along with their curriculum vitae.

The EAYDP is conducted in partnership with the Malaysian Youth Association for Diplomacy and Policy (MYADP), the Centre for ASEAN Regionalism Universiti Malaya (CARUM) and the National Centre for Research on Europe (NCRE), supported by the EU Policy and Outreach Partnership in ASEAN Countries (EUPOP ASEAN).

For details, visit http://my-adp.org/eaydp.