Joining the EMCA Forum

The principal focus of Europe Meets Central/Southeast Asia: A Forum for Young Leaders (EMCA) is to develop a network of young individuals committed to building and sustaining lasting ties between Europe and Central/Southeast Asia in the fields of politics, academia, science, media, business and culture, thereby strengthening Central/Southeast Asia - EU relations. The network is supported through a diverse range of ongoing activities and is highlighted each year by weeklong seminars for where new members are able to join.

As an independently developed and organized program, EMCA offers a unique opportunity to come together and foster wider, deeper EU-Central/Southeast Asia relations on a business, cultural and political level. This in turn will develop a wider understanding of intercultural issues, promote personal growth, and contribute to the creation of innovative policy-oriented solutions to issues affecting Central/Southeast Asia and the EU.

Forum Objectives

• To establish a long-term, interdisciplinary network of young leaders that contributes on both a professional and personal level to dialogue and exchange between Central/Southeast Asia and the EU.
• To educate, enhance, and sustain the Central/Southeast Asia - EU relationship through the empowerment of the participants.
• To strengthen professional, economic, cultural, political, and scientific cooperation through close personal and professional relationships.
• To provide the participants with fresh insights and new perspectives to deepen their understanding of the economic, political, cultural, religious, and social frameworks of the two countries.
• To support valuable contributions to civil society in both Central/Southeast Asia and the EU through "Leadership Initiatives" that the young leaders will organize as part of the program.

To apply for a position on a Weeklong Seminar please use the link on the left hand side (Application Form) or below:
Once individuals have taken part in the EMCA Weeklong Seminar and joined the Forum they will have support in the following areas:

Networking »

Once individuals join the Forum they are invited to join the ICD Online Forum. This Forum represents the perfect location to network and share information on job and internship opportunities, related events, reunions, and to gain support for your leadership initiative.

Leadership Initiatives

Participants are encouraged to organize their own "leadership initiatives" after the program, which can help to spread the principles of cultural diplomacy much further. The ICD is able to support Forum members in the areas of research, marketing, event management, and audio-visual documentation, as well as by providing general guidance.

Academic Research »

Forum members are supported by the ICD in conducting research studies into issues relating to the Forum. The ICD offers guidance in the preparation of research proposals and is able to publish studies completed to a large, international audience through the ICD website. To educate, enhance, and sustain the Afghan - US relationship through the empowerment of the participants.