Each year, the Asia Society selects a class of 25-30 candidates for the Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative. The Asia 21 class is a core group of young leaders representing multiple countries and a wide range of fields. The group meets during the annual summit where they explore critical issues and engage with their Action Lab partner.

The first two days of the summit are dedicated to welcoming members of the incoming class while the two days that follow serve as a forum for all members of the Asia 21 network.