Albright International Leaders Program
The Albright International Leaders Program will bring together a cohort of U.S.-based international mid-career professionals from embassies, multilateral institutions, and international organizations, connecting them to the Aspen Institute’s core vision of building a thriving community of leaders driving impact across geographies, generations, and viewpoints.
Applications will open in June 2027 and we look forward to welcoming the first class in October 2027.
Albright International Leaders Program
The Albright International Leaders Program will bring together a cohort of U.S.-based international mid-career professionals from embassies, multilateral institutions, and international organizations, connecting them to the Aspen Institute’s core vision of building a thriving community of leaders driving impact across geographies, generations, and viewpoints.
Applications will open in June 2027 and we look forward to welcoming the first class in October 2027.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
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Leadership Seminar: The cohort will gather in person for a one-day kick-off event in DC that includes a text-based Aspen leadership seminar to foster deep interpersonal connections and meaningful dialogue.
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Monthly Meetings: AILP leaders will meet regularly to hear from senior U.S. and foreign government officials; members of Congress; journalists; prominent thinkers and practitioners in academia, policy, and business; and Aspen Strategy Group (ASG) members.
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Alumni and U.S. RLP Cross-Over Events: Previous and current AILP leaders will gather for alumni networking and discussions about international affairs. AILP leaders will also be invited to some of the U.S. Rising Leaders Program alumni events.
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Aspen Security Forum: At the culmination of their program, the AILP leaders will attend the Aspen Security Forum in Aspen, Colorado.
Please feel free to share the flyer with additional information about this program widely with your network.
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Cultivating the next generation of international leaders through diplomacy, dialogue, and lasting global connection.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Formal applications will open in June 2027 and we look forward to welcoming the first cohort in Fall 2027. The inaugural class will graduate at the 2028 Aspen Security Forum. Thank you for your interest.
Who should apply?
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Candidates should be non-U.S. citizens or green card holders and mid-career professionals with about 7-15 years of experience.
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Professional experience in diplomacy, international affairs, international development, human rights, security, global economics, or related field.
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Minimum C1 English language proficiency.
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Working in the U.S. for the full cycle of the year-long program.
Application Materials
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Letter of recommendation
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Brief statement of interest
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One short-answer essay question
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Resume (two pages maximum)
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Applications will be assessed by the Aspen Strategy Group selection committee
interview
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Selected candidates will receive an invitation for a 15-minute interview.
Selection
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All candidates will be notified in September 2027 on the status of their application.
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Successful candidates are expected to attend the program’s one-day kick-off event in Washington, DC (October 2027), programming around Aspen Strategy Group convenings in Washington, DC (December 2027), and the Aspen Security Forum in Aspen, CO (July 2028).
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Selected participants must agree to meet the expectations of the Albright International Leaders Program.
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More Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit?
This program is geared towards mid-career professionals with approximately 7-15 years of experience in their field.
Do I have to be a non-U.S. citizen or green card holder to be considered for the program?
Yes. This program is designed for non-U.S. citizens or green-card holders. Participants must be working in the U.S. for the full cycle of the year-long program.
I am not based in the DC area. Should I apply?
Yes. We encourage applicants living outside of the DC area to apply for the program. Participants must be living in the U.S. for the full duration of the program.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. If you are chosen to be a member of the ASG Albright International Leaders Program, there is no fee required to participate.
I anticipate changing my job, relocating to a new city, or another major life change in the next year. Should I apply?
This program is best experienced by those in a settled position where you can fully commit your time and focus to the cohort. We would encourage you to apply in the future when you know you can commit for the full duration of the program.
Are former participants in other Aspen Institute-affiliated programs able to apply?
Yes.
Is in-person attendance mandatory?
All successful applicants must be able to attend the kick-off event in Washington, DC (October 2027), programming around Aspen Strategy Group convenings in Washington, DC (December 2027), and the Aspen Security Forum in Aspen, CO (July 2028).
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS
Endorsed by Aspen Institute Trustee Katie Albright and the Albright family, this program honors Madeleine Albright’s fierce commitment to international collaboration, multilateralism, and public service. The Aspen Strategy Group is deeply grateful to everyone who has supported the Albright International Leaders Program. Through the generosity of the donors below, an endowment has been established to support the program in perpetuity.
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