OTTAWA | NOVEMBER 19, 2025 | 8AM – 7 PM EST | MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS | CLOSED-DOOR
The Canada China Forum is launching the Emerging Leaders Forum, a flagship national initiative bringing together 30+ of Canada’s most promising emerging leaders to Ottawa for a day of dialogue on Canada–China relations, the Indo-Pacific, and Canada’s evolving role on the global stage. This initiative addresses a crucial and widening gap: Canada needs a common, practical understanding of China competency—how to both navigate strategic risks and pursue new opportunities with confidence.
APPLY TO JOIN THE NATIONAL DELEGATION by November 7, 2025
Hosted in the Senate of Canada, the Dialogue will convene a delegation from industry, government, academia, civil society and the practitioner community to exchange perspectives on the critical issues defining the Canada–China relationship and Canada’s place in an evolving global landscape. The Canada China Forum is designed to cultivate the next generation of Canadian leaders who are both China-competent and globally minded. Through high-level briefings, candid small-group dialogues, and networking sessions, participants will engage directly with senior Canadian federal officials, leading China scholars, diplomats, and thought-leaders to deepen their understanding of Canada–China and Indo-Pacific dynamics.
The Emerging Leaders Dialogue will feature perspectives from senior voices shaping Canada’s approach to global affairs, national security, trade, people-to-people and China-related engagement. Confirmed speakers include:
- Senator Yuen Pau Woo, Senator, Senate of Canada
- Carlo Dade, Director, International Policy and the New North America Initiative, School of Public Policy, University of Calgary
- Dr. David Perry, President, Canadian Global Affairs Institute
- Jeff Mahon, Director, International Business & Geopolitical Advisory, StrategyCorp Inc.
- Graham Shantz, President, Canada China Business Council
- Henry Liu, Vice-President, Power Corporation
- Dr. Jeffrey Reeves, Associate Professor of National Security, Naval War College, Naval Postgraduate School
- Dr. Xiaobei Chen, Professor, Carleton University
- Michael Kovrig, Senior Adviser, Asia, International Crisis Group
Through a collaborative and forward-looking program, the Dialogue aims to:
Catalyze transformative leadership
We identify and equip promising young leaders with the knowledge, relationships, and confidence to navigate complexity, manage strategic risks, and seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Build a national network
We bring together diverse voices from across Canada—spanning government, industry, academia, and civil society—to foster lasting relationships and cultivate a community anchored in shared purpose and trust.
Contribute to policy development
We create a platform for meaningful exchange with leading experts and decision-makers, and ensure participants’ insights inform real discussions on Canada-China relations and Canada’s role in the Indo-Pacific.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Forum, applicants must be:
- A Canadian citizen and based in Canada;
- Early- to mid-career professionals (typically 22–35) working in or passionate about Canada–China relations and the Indo-Pacific working in government, civil society, the private sector, or academia;
- Motivated to contribute to national policy conversations and engage in thoughtful, constructive dialogue;
- Committed to participating fully in the Dialogue on November 19 and contributing to the resulting report and network activities
Application Deadline
November 7, 2025 (16h Eastern Central Time)
Applications will open in October 28, 2025 and must be submitted by November 7, 2025. Applicants will be notified by the status of their application on November 8, 2025. Should you have any questions, or require further information, please feel free to contact Darren.Touch@CanadaChinaForum.ca.
APPLY TO JOIN THE NATIONAL DELEGATION by November 7, 2025
Chatham House Rules: The Emerging Leaders Dialogue will be held under Chatham House Rules to encourage open, candid, and constructive discussion. Participants are free to use the information shared throughout the Dialogue, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of speakers or other participants may be revealed. This approach ensures the trust and frank exchange needed for meaningful policy insight and collaboration.