DSC_0292.JPG

2025 Asia Conference

University of Tokyo | August 20-24

Our mission is simple: we connect the top leaders of today and tomorrow in a dynamic forum of exchange.

500+

Past Delegates

40,000+

Countries Represented

42+

Past Speakers

Our History

The Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR) was founded in 1991 to create a forum of exchange for students and young professionals to discuss and learn about the most important economic, political, and social issues facing the Asia-Pacific region. Since 1991, HPAIR has organized 49 conferences in 34 different host countries, touching the lives of more than 40,000 students and young professionals. HPAIR hosts two student-led conferences a year – one on Harvard’s campus and one in the Asia-Pacific. Prospective host cities in Asia must undergo an intensive, six month bidding process; this year’s Asia Conference will be held in Tokyo.

Past Speakers

  • Andrew Yang

    2020 US Presidential Candidate

  • Priyanka Chopra

    Bollywood Actress and Singer

  • Ban Ki Moon

    Secretary General of the United Nations

  • Bob Sternfels

    McKinsey & Co. Managing Partner

  • Helen Clark

    Former Prime Minister of New Zealand

  • Kim Dae Jung

    Former President of South Korea

  • Adam D'Angelo

    CEO of Quora, Fmr. CTO of Facebook

  • Kevin Rudd

    Former President of Australia

  • Katherine Tai

    Former U.S. Trade Representative

  • Tedros Adhanom

    Director of World Health Organization

  • André Hoffmann

    Vice Chairman of Roche Holding

  • S.R. Nathan

    Former President of Singapore

Impact Challenge

A centerpiece of our conference experience lies in our Impact Challenges, a case-competition style workshop in partnership with leading organizations designed to ask delegates to formulate solutions to some of Asia’s biggest issues. In the past, HPAIR has worked with the World Bank, Schwarzman Scholars, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Impact Challenges have sparked startups, offered internship and travel opportunities, and mentorship events with corporate partners. This challenge sharpens participants’ strategic thinking, problem-solving, and presentation skills, while offering exposure to professional-level casing methodologies and mentorship from industry experts.

Youth Leadership Summit

In addition to our flagship Asia and Harvard Conferences for young professionals, HPAIR organizes multi-day summits for ambitious high schoolers seeking to expand their global horizons. These High School Youth Leadership Summits (HYLS) offer youth a platform to engage in key international issues, learn about the university admissions process, and develop critical skills necessary for post-secondary success.