Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) Advocacy Fellowship 2025: Empowering Young Leaders Across Asia
- Omran Aburayya
- May 26
- 3 min read
Are you a passionate young changemaker from Commonwealth Asia eager to drive meaningful impact in your community? The Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA) Advocacy Fellowship 2025 is now accepting applications! This fully virtual, prestigious program is designed to equip emerging youth leaders with the skills and networks necessary to champion inclusive, rights-based development and influence youth-led policy in their countries. Organized in collaboration with the Commonwealth Youth Programme, UNICEF ROSA, UNDP’s Movers Programme, Commonwealth Youth Council, and River Valley Irregulars, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to engage in structured learning and implement a capstone community action project.
📌 Fellowship Summary
Location: Virtual (Online)
Host Institutions: Commonwealth Asia Youth Alliance (CAYA), in partnership with Commonwealth Youth Programme, UNICEF ROSA, UNDP’s Movers Programme, Commonwealth Youth Council, and River Valley Irregulars
Level: Fellowship (Non-degree program)
Target Group: Youth aged 18–24 from Commonwealth Asia countries
Fields of Focus: Youth mainstreaming, political participation, advocacy, foresight, personal development
Value and Coverage: Fully funded; includes mentorship, certification, and access to a regional network
Duration: July–August 2025 (2 months)
Application Deadline: June 15, 2025 (23:59 UTC+8)
Eligible Countries: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka
🧭 Fellowship Overview
The CAYA Advocacy Fellowship 2025 is a flagship initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of young leaders from the eight Commonwealth Asia countries. Through a fully virtual platform, fellows will engage in structured learning modules and implement a capstone community action project. The fellowship is designed to build skills in youth mainstreaming, political participation, and advocacy, enabling participants to champion inclusive, rights-based development and contribute meaningfully to youth-led policy in their countries.
🧩 Key Program Streams
Youth Mainstreaming: Learn how to integrate youth perspectives in policy-making and development processes.
Youth Political Participation: Understand how young people can engage in democratic processes and lead civic action.
Youth Advocacy Guide Training: Develop skills in campaigning, community mobilization, and rights-based advocacy.
Youth Foresight: Explore long-term thinking and future-oriented policy storytelling from an Asian youth lens.
Self-Development & Regional Connectivity: Enhance personal growth and familiarize with the broader regional youth ecosystem.
🗓️ Schedule
Duration: July–August 2025
Format: Fully virtual, with interactive sessions, mentorship, and project implementation support.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Certification: Upon successful completion, fellows will be recognized as Certified CAYA Youth Advocates, receiving prestigious certifications from the Commonwealth, UNICEF, and UNDP’s Movers Programme.
Mentorship: Access to ongoing mentorship to support the implementation of the Capstone Project.
Networking: Join a dynamic regional network of peer advocates and youth leaders.
Representation Opportunities: Potential to represent your country at Commonwealth youth regional and international engagements.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be aged between 18 and 24 years.
Be a citizen or resident of one of the eight Commonwealth Asia countries: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, Singapore, or Sri Lanka.
Demonstrate a passion for youth rights, advocacy, and civic engagement.
Commit to fully participating in all fellowship components.
Have the capacity to conduct a community training as a capstone project.
📝 Application Procedure
Application Form: Complete the online application form
Deadline: June 15, 2025 (23:59 UTC+8)
📂 Documents Required
Completed application form.
Personal statement outlining your passion for youth advocacy and civic engagement.
Details of a proposed community training project for the capstone component.
ℹ️ For questions and inquiries, please contact: secretariat@cayaasia.org
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
