APEC Voices 2024
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.
Four young people aged 18-24 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) and supported by Te Puni Kōkiri and the former Centres of Asia-Pacific Excellence.
Application Process
Applications are for the 2024 programme are now closed. The four 2024 delegates are:
▪ Alana Chhour from Auckland, Graduate Analyst, Asset Allocation at NZ Super Fund
▪ Flynn Rosie from Hāwea, Wānaka, Operations Support/Ranger at Te Tapu Tāne
▪ Johannah Kātene-Burge from Te Ūpoko o Te Ika, People & Capability Business Partner at Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Incorporated
▪ Sarah Williams from Christchurch, Bachelor of Industrial Product Design at the University of Canterbury
As well as answering a series of questions, you’ll be asked to upload a letter of reference and a one-minute video introducing yourself and showcasing your key personal strengths.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the programme, you must:
Be aged between 18 and 24 at the time of the overseas programme
Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
Be available to attend a series of online and in-person pre-departure activities
Be available to attend the overseas programme with a valid passport at the time of travel.
Preference may be given to those who have not previously been awarded a sponsored overseas opportunity.
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
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 the significance of Māori and Indigenous and how indigenous worldviews shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s place on the global stage.
Fundamental knowledge of Tikanga Māori & Te Reo Māori is an advantage.
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.
What is covered by the Programme?
Selected applicants will be provided with the following at no cost for their full participation in the programme:
Transport to and from in-person activities (this refers to domestic or international flights when required; when flights are required, members will be responsible for getting themselves to their local airport and back home from the local airport)
Hotel accommodation (generally twin-shared, unless stated differently) if an overnight stay is required
All in-activity expenses, including meals
Course materials
Anything outside of this package shall be borne by the participants, including:
Travel insurance, vaccination 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. We will assist with this and coordinate it where possible.
Selected applicants must attend an orientation session and other predeparture 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.
Please see the full list of Terms & Conditions here.
Our Supporters
We work in close partnership with Te Puni Kōkiri, and formerly the Centres of Asia-Pacific Excellence. Our supporters include the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) NZ, the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Education New Zealand.
