Asia and Oceania: Creating Stability by Advancing Democracy and Freedom  

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The region has seen dramatic youth-led democratic transitions but also continues to see the rise of authoritarians and continued pressure from regional powers that limit individual freedom and violate human rights.  The regional cohort will focus on the various threats to economic and political stability that persist throughout the region. Additionally, participants will explore how advancing democracy and human rights can counter instability created by the great power competition found throughout the Asia and Pacific region.

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The program runs for 12 months and runs from June 2026 through May 2027. Participants are expected to fully engage throughout the program year. A detailed calendar will be shared with applicants who advance to the second round of interviews. Travel locations and dates are not shared publicly before then. Virtual sessions are held on Zoom during Eastern Standard Time and most often take place at 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time.  

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Leaders will participate in three impactful in-person events, which will be enhanced by online learning. They include expert-led practical skills trainings and an integrated leadership development curriculum inspired by Senator McCain’s legacy and emphasizes peer-mentoring and group problem-solving. 

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Participants will receive a stipend meant to cover incidental expenses incurred throughout the program. However, the direct costs of participation in the program (economy class travel, hotels, visas) will be fully covered by the McCain Institute.  There will be no cost of participation other than the time commitment that MGLs make to participate in programming.  

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Summer 2026 

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The McCain Leadership Curriculum: Throughout the program, Leaders participate in a curriculum that is administered both online and in person.  The curriculum is designed to incorporate lessons and experiences from Senator McCain’s life, to reinforce and augment in-person engagements and to focus on community building and group problem-solving.  A central tenet of the curriculum is a dynamic peer-mentorship model, through which the Leaders support each other’s journeys directly.  The curriculum will help each leader chart their own journey as a changemaker while also imparting real-world skills that will assist leaders as they take on some of the most difficult challenges facing their home country and region. 

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Fall 2026 

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Athens, Greece: The first in-person event of the program, the Leadership Experience, brings together all participants for the first time in the home of democracy: Athens, Greece.  The 7-day long program exposes leaders to the principles that guided Senator McCain’s leadership approach and connects them with experts in their core thematic areas and with key decision-makers.  Leaders will also work together and with experts to establish their own leadership philosophy, career goals and design impact projects to be implemented throughout the program. 

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Winter 2026/2027

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The Changemaker Tour (Host Country in Each Region):  The second in-person event of the program convenes each regional cohort and members of the Global Advisory Council for five-day regional study tours that provide exposure to the global theme of defending democracy in a host country and focuses on developing targeted regional connections and networks, while providing the opportunity to discuss solutions and ideas related to the theme.  Leaders will be encouraged, but not required, to explore regional professional collaborations – the McCain Institute will actively support any resulting collaborations.  There will be one Changemaker Tour for the participants in each respective region. Past Changemaker Tours have occurred in Colombia, Guatemala, Estonia, Finland, Kenya, Poland, Singapore, Taiwan and South Africa. 

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Spring 2027

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The Legacy Experience (Vietnam):  The capstone program of the 10-month journey will, for a second time, bring all Leaders together in a country of significance to Senator McCain’s own leadership journey. The Legacy Experience will take place in Vietnam and examine the journey and relationship between Senator McCain and the people of Vietnam.  During this seven-day trip, Leaders, MGL Alumni and members of the Global Advisory Council will convene to reflect on their experience during the program, share how their own leadership philosophies have evolved, explore professional collaborations, outline the next steps of their leadership journey, and learn about the resources that they can access as program alumni. 

Applicants should be mid- to senior-career professionals with strong working proficiency in English who are actively engaged in issue areas related to the program’s global and regional themes. Candidates should hold leadership roles, be actively working to create positive change in their communities, and demonstrate a commitment to serving a cause greater than themselves.  

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Applicants should have at least five years of professional experience. There is no age requirement and no minimum educational requirement. Individuals from all countries and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Selection is based on leadership capacity, vision, service orientation, and fulfillment of eligibility requirements.  

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The 2026 application window is open until March 15, 2026. If you have a question, please email leadershipinitiatives@mccaininstitute.org.