Following the success of two Global Changemakers Workshops (GCW) in Berlin with Aspen Institute Germany, and in Poland with Aspen Institute Central Europe, we are excited to announce the third edition will take place in Bogotá, Colombia with Aspen Institute Colombia as this year’s co-host: 

Global Changemakers Workshop Series 3: Price of Passage: Borders & Belonging

1- 5 October, 2025 | Bogotá, Colombia 

The Aspen Institute International Partners are offering one scholarship to an outstanding Aspen NZ Alumni. This workshop presents a unique opportunity for young leaders who have a keen interest in migration, a topically relevant career, and/or has touch points with migration (see examples below). Applicants will be aged approximately 25 - 35 years.

What is the Global Changemakers Workshop?

The Workshop will explore the complexities and implications of migration in the modern world. Together, a diverse group of young Changemakers will examine how societies respond to these shifts which ultimately become either a source of strength or division in our shared ecosystem.

The Workshop structure will be 3.5 days of text-based Aspen-style seminars, policy roundtable discussions, visits to significant cultural sites of Colombia, and unique conversations with officials and experts of the subject-matter. 

Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers to develop actionable commitments for positive change in their communities, expand their global networks, and form valuable partnerships.

This is an incredible opportunity to turn your experience into tangible action and make a lasting impact!

What is the scholarship criteria?

• Participated in an Aspen Institute New Zealand seminar or forum (in-person or online)

• New Zealand resident or citizen

• Should be within the age range of 25 to 35 years old

• Able to travel internationally and participate fully for the duration of the workshop

• Must be able to demonstrate their interest and involvement in the topic of migration

• Should have a topically relevant career, and/or touch-points with migration (examples: inclusive banking; public sector; civil society; border/international security; major industries such as agriculture; a leader who has personal connections to the topic, etc.)

• If does not fall in the above criteria, must be able to articulate their interest and applicability to the subject matter

What does the scholarship cover?

• Covers all costs of the workshop, including lodging (4 nights), meals, and site visits

• USD1000 contribution towards cost of airfares

  Any additional incurred costs, such as additional airfare expenses, ground transportation, visa fees, travel insurance etc. are at the participants’ own expense.

How do I apply?

1. Click Apply Now button below, and send an email with a cover letter addressing the following points:

• Which Aspen NZ seminar or forum have you attended (online or in person)?

• Confirmation of your New Zealand residency or citizenship

• Your age

• Please describe your current role and how it relates to migration

• If you are not in this field, describe why you are interested in participating in this Workshop

• Have you been involved in any initiatives or projects related to the subject matter of the Workshop that you would like to highlight? 

• In your view, what is one key challenge and one potential opportunity that democracies face when responding to migration? 

• How do you believe participating in this Workshop will impact your professional growth and your ability to contribute to your sector? 

• In your opinion, why is addressing the topic of migration relevant to the future of democracy globally? 

• Please also confirm your ability and willingness to travel internationally and commit fully to the workshop, including the unique perspective or experience you would bring to the group

2. Please also include:

• CV with photo

• Contact number and home address 

Applications close on June 13, 2025.

The Aspen Institute International Partners have one scholarship available for an outstanding Aspen NZ applicant. We will nominate up to three applicants for final selection by the Institute.

The successful applicant will be informed of their selection by mid July, 2025.

Past Scholarship Recipients

For Aspen NZ scholarship recipient Shreya Singaraju, the 2024 Global Changemakers workshop reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges:

“Working together is key to driving meaningful change.”

For Shreya, the opportunity to connect with international peers from nations including Nairobi, Colombia and Germany, and to hear firsthand about their struggles and successes, was both humbling and inspiring. 

Following the 2023 Global Changemakers workshop in Berlin, Peter Southey-Jensen, Aspen NZ youth alumni and scholarship recipient reflected:

“The Aspen Institute’s Global Changemakers event was an incredible experience. The opportunity to learn from so many different people each with their own fascinating stories and experiences was an absolute privilege. The combination of intellectual and social discussions was the perfect mix to make for a memorable experience that got the most out of everyone.”