Leaders Program

For emerging leaders working in government, civil society, and the private sector who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.

The Obama Foundation’s Leaders program aims to inspire, empower, and connect regional cohorts of changemakers to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities and throughout their region and across our world.

These 24-45-year-old emerging leaders from around the world forge societies and communities rooted in shared values, where all people belong, participate, and thrive.

The Leaders program launched in Africa in 2018, expanded to Asia Pacific in 2019, inaugurated Europe in 2020, and kicked off in the United States in 2023. We recognize the power that lies in bringing together diverse cohorts of Leaders from many regions of the world, each with their own approach and focus and a commitment to joining a global network of changemakers.

Inspired by President Obama’s leadership approach, the Leaders program engages participants in the challenges, opportunities, and skills of making positive change. Supported by full group sessions, small group discussions, and individualized leadership coaching, participants define a values-based foundation for sustained leadership, cultivate relationships with others to catalyze more inclusive, lasting change, and prepare to engage with issues at the systems level.

Upon completion of the program, Leaders will have gained a deeper understanding of how values-based leadership advances their work. They will be inspired to take further action, propelled by new ideas and skills. Most importantly, Leaders will continue to gain a broader global perspective by joining the Obama Leadership Network, a growing global alumni community of over 1,200 active changemakers.

The application for the 2025-2026 Obama Leaders program is now open (Opens in a new tab).