APEC Voices 2025 has been cancelled

We are very gutted to announce that the 2025 APEC Voices of the Future Programme has been cancelled internationally, due to complex logistical challenges that just couldn't be resolved.

Please do keep an eye on our LinkedIn page for more regular updates and opportunities in the meantime.

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APEC Voices of the Future is a youth leadership and educational diplomacy programme that runs in parallel with the APEC CEO Summit. It brings together young people from across the Asia-Pacific region to collaborate on global issues, experience the Summit and engage with international leaders.

Several young people aged 18-25 are selected each year to form a delegation, representing Aotearoa New Zealand at the APEC Voices of the Future programme at an international youth Summit.

The APEC Voices of the Future programme in Aotearoa New Zealand is run by the APEC Voices NZ Trust (registered as The Virtual Trade Mission (NZ) Trust).

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the programme, you must:

Be aged between 18 and 25 at the conclusion of the overseas programme (1 November 2025)
Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
Be available to attend a series of online and in-person pre-departure activities (two 1 day events between September - October 2025, actual dates subject to confirmation by our external speakers)
Be available to travel internationally between 23 October 2025 - 1 November 2025
Be able to make your own way to and from Auckland International Airport
Due to operational requirements, contribute $500 (less than 10% of our total investment in you) by 23 September 2025
Must not have had any involvement in an APEC Voices of the Future programme previously (this includes as a domestic or international representative of the programme).

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate will have:

A passion about the themes of APEC - you do not have to be studying or be actively involved in international or government relations already. Previous delegations have thrived on the diversity of applicants. We have had engineers, scientists, economists, lawyers, community leaders, healthcare academics, Māori leaders, those involved in local government and more!
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, maximising your potential to develop networks with peers, international leaders and businesses through the programme.
Leadership potential demonstrated through your previous experience in your community, programmes, activities, or educational opportunities.
Have an understanding of how different worldviews shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s place on the global stage.
Awareness of current issues in Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region, and how they might relate to each other.
Strong motivation to build on your existing knowledge of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region, as well as your intercultural skillset.
A desire to use this opportunity to support your community in Aotearoa New Zealand, and a long-term commitment to the continued success of APEC Voices of the Future.

Remember, you do not need to already be an expert in this field, that is the purpose of the programme, to grow yourself and those around you! Throughout your application we want to see you shine as your true and authentic self - don't just write what you think we want to hear.

What is covered by the Programme?

APEC Voices of the Future New Zealand is undergoing a change in their programme structure, and selected delegates will be required to provide a $500 contribution towards their participation in the programme (valued at over $6,000 NZD).

Selected applicants will be provided with the following for their full participation in the programme:

International flights between Auckland International Airport and the Republic of Korea.
Domestic airport transfer between the Republic of Korea airport (specific airport to be confirmed) and the hotel accommodation.
Transport between the hotel accommodation and the programme activities.
Hotel accommodation (generally twin-shared, unless stated differently), where overnight stay is required.
Registration for the APEC Voices of the Future programme.
A meal/activity allowance.

Anything outside of this package shall be borne by the participants, including:

Domestic travel between the selected applicants NZ accommodation and Auckland International Airport prior to and following the programme, travel insurance, any required or recommended vaccinations, and visa costs if applicable.
Any gifts you may wish to give to other delegates as part of the programme.

What will be required of delegates?

Complete the required travel documentation and other pre-departure requirements in a timely manner. We will assist with this and coordinate it where possible.
Selected applicants must attend an orientation session and other pre-departure sessions. Dates and times will be discussed and agreed with successful applicants.
Fully take part in the in-country APEC Voices programme which may include short speeches to other delegates, contributing to the preparation of the Youth Declaration, taking part in a cultural performance that represents Aotearoa New Zealand, and speaking up in discussion sessions.
Delegates will be required to complete a report on their experience, and take part in any promotional publicity related to APEC Voices of the Future which may be provided in form of a communication briefing, sharing your experience online, and seeking other ways to share your experience with the media, or through organisations you’re part of. In accepting this opportunity, you also agree to acknowledge the Trust when sharing your experience about the programme, e.g. tagging the APEC Voices of the Future NZ social media handles when posting online.
Be available to attend the in-person domestic programme in New Zealand before departure.

Please see the full list of Terms & Conditions here.

Our Supporters

In the past we have had partnerships with Te Puni Kōkiri, and the Centres of Asia-Pacific Excellence and universities across New Zealand. Our in-kind supporters include the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) NZ.

We are currently looking for sponsorships to expand our delegations for future programmes. Please contact apecvoicesnewzealand@gmail.com if you are able to support this kaupapa!