About the Program
The Millennium Leadership Intensive (MLI) is the distillation of the key Millennium Leadership offerings in an action-packed three-month program sprint. This three-month hybrid program brings together global-impact driven professionals, including Millennium Fellowship alumni, organizational partners, and exceptional global leaders new to the network. Grounded in real-world experiences, the program empowers participants with the tools and confidence to advance in their own careers and improve the world around them.
“The 2025 MLI program was a fast-paced, transformational experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to connect and collaborate with peers from around the globe; enrich my understanding of a region that is often misunderstood; and develop a framework to expand my leadership skills and capabilities. The skills and network I have cultivated as part of this year’s program is something I will value for many years to come.”
– Reiman Hii, Barrister, Vice-President, Bar Association of Queensland / Australian Institute of International Affairs (Millennium Leadership Intensive 2025)
Designed to equip emerging leaders with insight into today’s most pressing geopolitical challenges, the 2026 MLI program will run from July through September and will center on a study tour to the Middle East in August, in partnership with REALITY. Through engagements with leading political, economic, and civil society figures across the political spectrum, participants will deepen their understanding of key domestic, regional, and international dynamics. This tour will be supported by a limited virtual component.
2026 marks the third iteration of the MLI program. After completing the program, MLI participants join a dynamic alumni network continuing to drive impact and shape the global future.
Program Timeline
January – February 2026
February – May 2026
July – September 2026
August 2026
Application Window
Review and Cohort Selection
MLI Programming
Middle East Study Tour
2025 Cohort
FAQs
Q: What is the Millennium Leadership Intensive?
A: The Millennium Leadership Intensive is a hybrid program featuring virtual sessions and an in-person week-long study tour to the Middle East. The limited virtual curriculum will include peer-to-peer learning opportunities and thematic content related to the study tour.
Q: How do I apply for the Millennium Leadership Intensive?
A: Applications for the 2026 Millennium Leadership Intensive will open from mid-January to mid-February, 2026. When applying, you will be asked for your demographic information, employment details, responses to a few short essay questions, resume, bio, and a current headshot.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Millennium Leadership Intensive?
A: Participants must be between 30-45 years old. Ideal candidates are impact-driven professionals with an interest in geopolitics, a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives, and an openness to new professional relationships.
Q: Are citizens of all countries eligible to apply for the Millennium Leadership Intensive?
A: Yes. The Millennium Leadership Intensive is open to next-generation leaders from all countries.
Q: Are government employees eligible to participate in the Millennium Leadership Intensive?
A: Yes, government employees are eligible. They are responsible for complying with any stipulations for participation as required by their employers.
Q: What is the time commitment for the Millennium Leadership Intensive?
A: Participants must commit to participating in virtual sessions spanning from July through September, in addition to a week-long in-person study tour in the Middle East scheduled to take place from August 10-16.
Q: How much does the Millennium Leadership Intensive cost, and what is included?
A: The cost of participation in the Millennium Leadership Intensive is $5,000. Fees cover all associated expenses during the virtual program and on the ground during the tour (hotels, meals, local transport, etc.). Participants are responsible for their own roundtrip air travel and visa expenses related to the trip.
Q: I can’t afford the program fees. How do I apply for fee assistance?
A:The application includes an option to request program fee assistance and provide an explanation for your request.Assistance is limited and most often provided as a partial reduction to the program fee or through a payment plan. If you are selected as a participant and awarded fee assistance, you will complete additional paperwork before signing your offer letter.
Q: Will the Atlantic Council cover visa expenses for travel with the Millennium Leadership Intensive?
A: No, participants are responsible for obtaining their own travel visas and covering all associated costs. While the Atlantic Council will provide documentation confirming participation in program to support the visa application process, it will not cover any expenses related to this process.
Q: Is the Millennium Leadership Intensive a full-time job or paid position?
A: No. This is an extracurricular professional development and networking opportunity. Participants maintain their position with their employer and do not receive compensation from the Millennium Leadership Intensive.
Q: Who should I or my employer reach out to for further questions?
A: The Millennium Leadership Program team is happy to answer any questions which you can direct to Millennium@AtlanticCouncil.org.
Leadership
The Millennium Leadership Program aims to foster, connect, and empower the next generation of global leaders.
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