August 14, 2023 - In an effort to address the pressing challenges of climate change in Northeast Asia, The Asia Foundation is set to launch its "Northeast Asia Youth Exchange" program. This regional initiative aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among young potential leaders from China, Japan, Mongolia, and South Korea, all driven by a common purpose - tackling climate change through Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

The program's primary objective is to create a platform for exchanging experiences, perspectives, and insights among rising leaders from each participating country. By facilitating this productive exchange, the program seeks to develop a collective and holistic approach to respond to key climate issues in the region effectively.

The program is structured around two main components. Firstly, a series of webinars hosted by China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia will provide an overview of the critical climate issues in each country, highlight the efforts in applying nature-based solutions, and present specific case studies. This webinar series will lay the foundation for meaningful discussions during the subsequent phase of the program.

Secondly, the selected participants will embark on an immersive 1-week field trip to Mongolia. This study visit will include site visits to regions directly affected by climate change, interactions with organizations at the forefront of implementing nature-based solutions, meetings with key stakeholders, and engaging group activities aimed at collectively devising innovative solutions to address climate challenges.

The program has already completed the participant selection process and had a kick-off meeting on August 2, 2023. Following this, the participants will eagerly anticipate their journey to Mongolia, scheduled from August 20 to August 26, 2023.

The "Northeast Asia Youth Exchange" program promises to be a crucial step towards nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders committed to working together across borders to safeguard the region's shared natural heritage and combat the looming threat of climate change. The Asia Foundation aims to inspire lasting change and sustainable solutions for a greener, more resilient Northeast Asia by empowering young minds and encouraging cooperation.