Established in 2013, the Australia-PNG Emerging Leaders Dialogue is an initiative that brings together young leaders from both countries to discuss issues of relevance and to make connections. The program takes place in either Australia or Papua New Guinea each year, and takes place over five days. Details of past dialogues and outcomes can be found at our website.

In order to be considered for participation, you must:

• Submit a short statement (no more than 250 words) in support of your application
• Attach a copy of your CV (PDF or Word document)
• Be able to be interviewed by telephone
• Be able to travel internationally and to apply for a visa if required
• Be able to be permitted by your employer, or able to take necessary leave, to travel to and from and participate in the dialogue.

You need to be aged 40 or younger, and a citizen of either Australia or Papua New Guinea to apply.

You need to be a citizen of either Australia or Papua New Guinea to apply. Applications from citizens from other countries will be considered if the applicant has the right to reside in either Australia or Papua New Guinea, and can demonstrate a close personal connection to both countries.

Applications should be submitted via email to auspngnetwork@lowyinstitute.org.

The application requires you to submit a short summary of your expertise and experience – no more than one paragraph. You will also need to submit an electronic copy of your CV in either Adobe Acrobat PDF or Microsoft Word document format.

The dialogue is held in either November or December each year. A deadline for nominations the current year’s program is advised on the website and through our priority mailing list in August or September each year.

Applicants are evaluated on their experience, expertise and potential to strengthen the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Ten participants are chosen from each country, making a total of 20 participants in the dialogue each year.

Applicants are notified about the outcome of their application after the close of nominations each year.

As long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you can continue to apply to participate in the dialogue.

There is no cost for participants to take part in the dialogue.

Participants are expected to prepare as appropriate to engage in the discussions over the five days of the dialogue. A knowledge of current affairs and issues is expected, as well as an engagement with the issues on the agenda of the dialogue, details of which will be supplied prior to attendance.

The dialogue takes place over five days, and participants are expected to travel before and after the dialogue meeting days – so the commitment is approximately one week. Participants will become part of the Aus-PNG Network and may be invited to participate in network events and workshops if they are relevant to their expertise. Participants may also be invited to contribute articles or comments on the Aus-PNG website and social media accounts as a member of the Emerging Leaders Dialogue alumni. Details of participants are recorded on the Aus-PNG Network website which is available to the general public.

You will not be able to take part in the Emerging Leaders Dialogue if you do not sign the participant agreement.

Participants will be provided with accommodation if the meeting is held outside of their home city. Reasonable travel expenses are covered by the program and per diems are provided for incidental expenses.

A modest per diem allowance is provided for basic incidental expenses. You should bring money if you would like to spend on other items during your travel, eg gifts.

Flights and transportation to and from the event are provided.

The Aus-PNG network will provide information on visa application processes to selected participants. You should not apply for a visa to attend the event until your participation has been confirmed.