Click HERE to learn more and apply
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 6, 2025) – The McCain Institute at Arizona State University (ASU) today announced it is accepting applications for the 2025 cohort of the McCain Global Leaders (MGL) program.
Entering its fourth year, the MGL program supports character-driven leaders from around the globe who embody Senator John McCain’s legacy of serving a cause greater than oneself. A diverse group of up to 25 leaders who are working “in the arena” to advance democracy, human rights, and freedom will be selected for the 12-month fellowship.
Applicants are selected through a competitive, open recruitment process. Though there is no age requirement, those selected are typically between the ages of 25 and 45. Applicants should possess a strong record of service and experience working directly on the global theme of advancing democracy and human rights, as well as experience with their respective regional theme.
“The McCain Global Leaders program is a proud network of over 116 individuals dedicated to Senator McCain’s core belief in character–driven leadership,” said McCain Institute Executive Director Dr. Evelyn Farkas. “I look forward to welcoming the newest cohort to the ranks of the world’s most ardent supporters of democracy and human rights. This year we are adding technical areas of focus for each region to increase the impact of the program by addressing the toughest challenges facing democracy and human rights.”
The 2025 theme for the McCain Global Leaders program is advancing democracy and human rights. Additionally, each region has its own technical area of focus:
- Africa and the Middle East: Building the Foundations for Conflict Resolution.
- Asia and Oceania: Managing the Great Power Competition in the Asia-Pacific.
- Europe and Eurasia: Countering the Spread of Authoritarianism.
- Western Hemisphere: Protecting the Human Rights of Migrants.
Previous cohorts have visited nations on the frontlines of democracy including Colombia, Guatemala, Poland, South Africa, Taiwan, and more. In addition to these visits, cohorts attend programs in the United States and Vietnam. Past McCain Global Leaders include professionals in the private sector, government, and NGOs who continue to leverage their extensive networks to develop future leaders of character and courage.
“My time as a McCain Global Leader, representing Georgia, has left a profound impact on me and my ability to fight for and defend democracy in my home country and region,” said Member of Parliament and 2023 McCain Global Leader Ana Natsvlishvili. “I encourage any leader who is selflessly fighting for human rights and democracy to apply to this program, and I look forward to working alongside the 2025 cohort on important issues facing the global community.”
The program also boasts an advisory council made up of humanitarians, entrepreneurs, and global leaders in government, the private sector, foreign policy, national security, and technology. See the list of McCain Global Leaders Advisory Council members HERE.
“As crises cascade from Europe to Africa to the Middle East and threaten to cascade further to include looming crises in the Indo-Pacific, the McCain Global Leaders program’s emphasis on service and character-driven leadership is vitally important,” said McCain Global Leaders Advisory Council Member General H.R. McMaster. “The network of young leaders committed to serving their nations and humanity in the spirit of Senator John McCain will help restore peace, promote international cooperation, and build a better future for generations to come. If you want to be part of the McCain community and help shape the future, please apply to join the class of 2025.”
The application window will remain open until February 21, 2025. Click HERE to learn more and access the application
About the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights and freedom, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American research university, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it.
