Application Guidelines

The Asia-Pacific Leadership Programme on Environment for Sustainable Development is an annual flagship programme co-hosted by United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) and Tongji University, aiming to build capacity for emerging leaders from the Asia Pacific region on holistic sustainability thinking and evidence based approaches for effective action.  The Leadership Programme is organized by UN Environment-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development (IESD) at Tongji University, in support of the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, 2005-14, and closely linked with the training pillar of the Global Universities Partnership on Environment and Sustainability (GUPES) and the Goal 4 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the 2030 Agenda – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunity for all.

It is designed as a collaborative effort between Regional University Consortium (RUC) members, including University of New South Wales, Griffith University and Wollongong University from Australia, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies of Yale University in the USA, United Nations University and Asia Institute of Technology in Thailand, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and with Tongji University taking the lead.

Since 2004, nearly 400 emerging leaders from 42 countries and organizations have benefited from this annual leadership program at IESD, of which more than 30 countries are from the Asia-Pacific. The leadership program has also attracted participants from North America, Africa, Europe, who are keen to learn more about the dynamic Asia Pacific region.

Aims: The Leadership Programme will provide participants from the Asia Pacific region an opportunity to:

a)       Improve all-round thinking and decision-making abilities of emerging leaders, representing governmental organizations, international organizations, NGOs and the private sector, etc.;

b)      Understand and balance three key dimensions – human, environmental and social/economic – in promoting sustainable development;

c)       Set up a platform for emerging leaders in the Asia-Pacific region to communicate and network amongst each other while working together to address complex practical sustainable development challenges.

Selection Criteria: Participants will be selected on the basis of their completed applications, according to the following criteria:

a)       An advanced understanding of sustainability and its relevance for their research and/or work;

b)      Demonstrated leadership ability to work in a team environment and contribute to sustainable development activities;

c)       High level of understanding of written and spoken English.

d)      Mid-to-senior government and institutional policy makers, non-governmental organization managers and leaders, business professionals, entrepreneurs and experienced journalists are preferred.

e)       Minimum work experience of 5 years is preferred.

Applications: Applications are open for those affiliated with government agencies, international organizations, NGOs as well as the private sector from across the Asia-Pacific region. Applicants should possess with demonstrated leadership potential, and prior experience on sustainability and/or development issues.

Application Materials: In addition to the completed application form, the following supplementary documents should be submitted:

a)       Updated Résumé/Curriculum Vitae, highlighting the educational qualifications, English language capacity and work experience, especially in the field of environment and sustainable development.

b)      Letter of Recommendation: One Letter of Recommendation from either an academic or professional referee who can testify the applicant’s strengths and experiences, relevant to environment and sustainable development.

For those applying for 2018 Asia-Pacific Leadership Programme Fellowship:  Applicants from developing countries in need of financial support should provide specific justifications for full or partial financial support. Selection of participants for Fellowship will be based on the completed application form and supplementary materials submitted to us.

The attached application form should be completed and emailed as an attachment, together with an updated CV and a recommendation letter to iesdleadership@126.com by 10 August 2018.

Contact Information:

Ms. Sun Jie,

UN Environment-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development
Office: +86-21-6598 3498    Fax: +86-21-6598 7790

Website: http://unep-iesd.tongji.edu.cn/

Address: Rm903, Zonghe Building, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092

 Open call and application guidelines for 2018 Asia-Pacific Leadership Programme (APLP)

 Application form for 2018 Asia-Pacific Leadership Programme (APLP)