Call for Application: McCain Institute Global Leaders Program 2024

The McCain Global Leaders Program supports character-driven leaders from around the world who embody Senator John McCain’s legacy of serving a cause greater than oneself.  Structured as a 12-month fellowship and immersive learning experience, each cohort will include a diverse group of 25 leaders from around the world who are working “in the arena” to advance democracy, human rights, and freedom. The program is designed to advance each Leader’s personal and professional leadership journey and impact by providing training, resources, and access to highly relevant regional and global networks with the goal of preparing today’s leaders to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

A Regional and Global Approach:

To adapt to and meet the needs of an ever-changing and complex global environment, the McCain Institute will determine a thematic focus area and recruit participants who work on relevant issues related to each theme.  Throughout the 12-month program, the Leaders will participate in programming that is both regional and global with the goal of connecting them to a highly relevant and targeted professional peer group in their home region, as well as a broader and diverse network of global peers.

2024 Global Theme: Defending Democracy

In response to the growing threat that democracy, human rights, and freedom are under around the world, the 2024 McCain Global Leaders Cohort will focus on defending democracy. There are few greater challenges to the global community than the threats posed to democracy through the rise of authoritarianism, disinformation, polarization, violent extremism, and conflict. Throughout 2024, Leaders will explore the primary challenges to democracy, as well as analyze and learn about solutions related to ensuring the future stability of democracy around the world.

About McCain Institute

The McCain Institute for International Leadership is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank in cooperation with Arizona State University whose mission is to "advance leadership based on security, economic opportunity, freedom, and human dignity, in the United States and around the world. The institute was formed in 2012 and is named after U.S. Senator and 2008 Republican Party presidential nominee John McCain from Arizona. Based in Washington, D.C., the McCain Institute is part of Arizona State University. The current executive director of the McCain Institute is Kurt Volker. Its work is foc... read more

McCain Global Leaders Program

Aim and Benefits of McCain Global Leaders Program

Participants will receive a stipend meant to cover incidental expenses incurred throughout the program. However the direct costs of participation in the program (economy class travel, hotels, visas) will be fully covered by the McCain Institute.  There will be no cost of participation other than the time commitment that MGLs make to participate in programming.

Requirements for McCain Global Leaders Program Qualification

Applicants should be mid to senior- career professionals, possess working proficiency in English, and actively work on the focus issue areas of the program.  Aspiring McCain Global Leaders (MGLs) should work in a leadership role in their field, and actively be “in the arena” striving to enact change in their home communities.  Applicants should be committed to serving a cause greater than oneself and should be invested in full participation in virtual engagements, in-person programs and post program alumni activities. There is no minimum educational requirement.

Interview date, Process and Venue for McCain Global Leaders Program

The program is 12 months long and begins in June 2024 and runs through May 2025. Participants are expected to participate in all virtual and in-person programs for the entire program year.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details,visit McCain Institute website