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Global Leadership Camp 2026 @ AIU

What will you acquire in 5 days?

This year’s Global Leadership Camp will be held in March 2026 at Akita International University (AIU), Japan, with the theme of “Sustainability of regional culture x Leadership”.

Over the course of the five-day camp, junior and senior high school students from across Japan will collaborate to deepen their understanding of the social, economic, and demographic challenges associated with a shrinking society. On the final day of the program, participants will have the opportunity to present your proposed solutions and insights in English.

This camp provides a learning environment in which students can cultivate leadership skills through collaborative project planning with peers from diverse regions of the country. Participants are encouraged to examine social issues from a “glocal” perspective—thinking globally while acting locally—an approach rooted in the traditions of international development assistance and environmental conservation.

The program also features lectures delivered by faculty members of Akita International University (AIU), who possess extensive expertise in relevant fields. In addition, students will engage with local entrepreneurs who are actively addressing regional challenges, enabling participants to gain an in-depth understanding of real-world issues. Instruction is also provided on effective project design, problem-solving strategies, and English presentation skills.

AIU is a highly multicultural academic environment, with more than one quarter of its students and faculty comprising international members. The five days spent on campus are designed to broaden participants’ perspectives and foster cross-cultural awareness.

Program Features

Experiential Fieldwork Participants will engage in hands-on fieldwork that emphasizes learning through direct observation and experience. Visits to facilities such as BABAME Base, the Regional Revitalization Support Center, will allow students to examine social issues on the ground and explore practical approaches to addressing them.

Programs on Issue Identification and Problem Solving Through lectures by university faculty members and entrepreneurs actively involved in social innovation, participants will learn frameworks for identifying key issues and developing effective solutions. The knowledge and experiences shared are intended to inform and inspire participants’ future actions.

Engagement with One Young World (OYW) Ambassadors One Young World is one of the world’s largest global communities of next-generation leaders, convening an annual summit that brings together approximately 2,000 young leaders from over 190 countries. Ambassadors who previously attended the summit as part of the Japanese delegation will participate in this camp, offering a global perspective on leadership and social change.

Leadership Development for Contemporary Society The program fosters leadership competencies through dialogue with social entrepreneurs and practitioners who are actively contributing to society, as well as through collaborative project work conducted among peers.

Project Mentorship by OYW Ambassadors and University Students Participants will receive guidance from Japanese representatives of the One Young World Global Summit and AIU students who aspire to become global leaders. This mentorship supports the development of project management skills, teamwork, and effective collaboration.

Networking with Like-Minded Peers The five-day group-based program brings together students from across Japan who share common interests and aspirations for the future. Participants will have opportunities to build meaningful connections and friendships that extend beyond the duration of the camp.

English Presentations with Global Relevance Many social challenges faced by Japan are also shared globally. Participants will develop the ability to articulate their ideas and perspectives in English, enabling them to communicate effectively and foster empathy across cultural and national boundaries.

Experiencing University Life on Campus By participating in a simulated university experience over five days, students will gain insights into academic life that cannot be obtained through a standard open campus visit. This immersive experience allows participants to envision their future at university and better understand the learning environment of higher education.

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