East-West Center 2016 New Generation Seminar- Now Accepting Applications

Dates: September 18-October 1, 2016

Theme: Cultural Heritage and Identity in a Globalizing, Urbanizing World

Destinations: Honolulu, Hawaii; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Yangon, Myanmar

Application Deadline: Monday, June 13

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Annually since 1990, the East-West Center invites rising young leaders from the United States and Asia Pacific to participate in The New Generation Seminar (NGS), a two-week intensive educational and dialogue program. The program is developed around a thematic focus and provides participants with an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of regional developments and challenges, increase their contacts with counterparts in the region, and to become more effective leaders with an international perspective. 2016 marks the program’s 26th year.

The New Generation Seminar Program is an intensive two-week study, dialogue and travel program that provides the next generation of Asia Pacific and American leaders an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of key Asia-Pacific developments, discuss policy options for common challenges while building an international network and broadening their perspective. The first week of the program is held in Hawaii and focuses on key regional policy issues such as international relations, security, economics, population, health and environment. The second week involves field travel to either the United States or Asia Pacific for exploration of the program theme.

Who can apply?

Young leaders aged 25-40, from Asia Pacific and the United States who are in a position to influence policy, shape public opinion and lead action. The strongest candidates for the program will be elected officials and other political, business, law and community leaders or communicators with broad-based policy knowledge and influence and/or demonstrated leadership in their countries and communities. Social and business entrepreneurs also make strong candidates.

What about funding?

Up to 14 selected candidates will be offered full or partial funding offered via the East-West Center and private funding. Full funding would cover air and ground travel as well as modest meals, lodging and program-related expenses during the two-week program. Participants will be responsible for their own visa fees and visa related expenses, travel/health insurance and personal incidentals. Cost sharing by applicants is strongly encouraged and will be an important consideration for the Selection Committee.

This Year’s Theme: Cultural Heritage and Identity in a Globalizing, Urbanizing World

Over the past 20 years, the increasing pressures of intensive urbanization, globalization and a trend toward modernization have been threatening cultural and architectural heritage around the world. In many urban areas, the legacy of the past is rapidly disappearing. In October 2016, global leaders will meet at the UN international Conference on Housing and Sustainable Development (Habitat III) to create a new urban agenda for the world, and, for the first time, issues of cultural heritage and its importance to cities will be part of the agenda. There is growing recognition that cultural heritage and architecture can be a key resource and asset for building sustainable, livable, and dynamic cities, with evidence that conserving unique heritage can bring significant economic value through tourism and creative industries. Beyond that, it also plays an important role in fostering national and local pride and a sense of identity for its residents. In communities across the world, but especially in rapidly modernizing and globalizing developing countries, government leaders and officials are expressing a strong interest in placing culture at the core of development strategies, to consider what is important to keep for future generations before it is lost forever. But doing this is not easy as leaders must also meet the enormous pressures to provide efficient infrastructure, housing, sanitation, commercial development and jobs for their communities.

The 2016 New Generation Seminar participants will explore the role of cultural heritage in economic development, urban planning, tourism, and in preserving and promoting a sense of local and national identity through meetings and visits with leaders and policymakers, private sector representatives, civil society organizations, academic experts and practitioners in Honolulu, Phnom Penh, and Yangon. Honolulu will provide an example of a US city struggling to preserve its local identity and culture in its tourism development and as it upgrades its aging infrastructure and revitalizes its urban core. Phnom Penh and Yangon represent common challenges in developing nations of rapid urbanization, a need for development and threats to preserving their urban culture, including both colonial and post-colonial architectural heritage. Both are at a critical juncture in their development strategies. Phnom Penh is on a rapid growth trajectory after many years of war and internal conflict; Yangon is emerging from decades of economic and social isolation with a new democratically elected government. All three cities must manage break-neck growth, provide infrastructure and services to growing populations, attract outside investment and industry, and manage burgeoning tourism, while trying to figure out how to maintain and preserve that which represents and can foster their sense of national identity, culture and place.

The East-West Center is an internationally recognized independent nonprofit organization established by the US Congress in 1960 to promote better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia and the Pacific through cooperative study, research and dialogue. For more than half a century, the East-West Center has been training global leaders, informing policymakers, advancing education and promoting international understanding in the Asia Pacific region around critical issues of regional and global importance.

For full information about the New Generation Seminar program and how to apply please visit: http://www.eastwestcenter.org/seminars-and-journalism-fellowships/policy-dialogue/new-generation-seminar

EWC Contact: Ann Hartman, hartmana@eastwestcenter.org; 808-944-7619