Application Deadline: 19 July 2026, 23:59 CET (Paris time)
Applications are now open for the 2026 Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme. The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme is UNESCO’s flagship initiative for emerging leaders who are driving social cohesion, inclusion, and peace through intercultural dialogue. The programme is founded on the conviction that intercultural dialogue is not simply a communication tool — it is a transformative form of leadership that equips people and communities to navigate complexity, build trust across differences, and develop shared solutions to common challenges.
Through leadership development, mentorship, community action, and global engagement, the programme builds a new generation of intercultural leaders who translate dialogue into meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
2026 Theme: Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is transforming how people communicate, learn, work, and engage across cultures — creating new opportunities for participation, education, and connection while raising urgent questions about trust, inclusion, representation, and equality.
Participants will explore how AI is reshaping intercultural relationships and social cohesion, engaging with challenges including:
- Misinformation, hate speech, and online polarisation
- Algorithmic bias, stereotyping, and digital discrimination
- Unequal access to technology, infrastructure, education, and digital skills
- The representation of diverse cultures, languages, and knowledge systems within AI
Requirements
UNESCO is seeking emerging leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to dialogue, inclusion, and positive social change. Applicants must:
- Be between 25 and 45 years old as of 22 October 2026
- Have a demonstrated record of leadership in their field
- Show commitment to intercultural dialogue and social impact
- Demonstrate openness to self-reflection, dialogue across differences, and collaborative learning
- Have the potential to influence and create positive change in their communities
- Be available to participate fully in all programme components
Inability to participate fully in the programme will result in non-selection.
The Leadership Journey
Three interconnected phases combining leadership development, practical action, and global engagement.
PHASE 1 – Strengthen your leadership practice
An immersive learning journey designed to deepen participants’ capacity to lead across differences and mobilise dialogue as a catalyst for change.
Preparatory Training Programme
A structured series of interactive online workshops building the competencies intercultural leaders need to drive change in complex, diverse, and rapidly evolving environments.
PHASE 2 – Lead an intercultural action initiative
Participants apply their learning by designing and leading an intercultural dialogue initiative that addresses the programme’s annual theme.
Seed funding: USD 10,000
Upon approval of their action plan, participants receive seed funding to translate their leadership vision into practical community action.
Initiatives must:
- Align with the theme Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
- Use intercultural dialogue as a core methodology
- Be implemented within six months at local or national level
PHASE 3 – Amplify impact and influence global conversations
Beyond community-level action, participants contribute to broader global discussions on peace, inclusion, and intercultural leadership.
UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace
A convening of emerging leaders and decision-makers from around the world, providing opportunities to:
- Present initiative outcomes and lessons learned
- Exchange innovative practices and approaches
- Engage directly with policymakers and institutional leaders
- Contribute youth perspectives to global discussions on social cohesion and peace
Global alumni network
Membership in the Youth for Peace Global Alumni Network, with ongoing opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, and leadership development.
Knowledge and policy contributions
Access to UNESCO tools, methodologies, and resources, with opportunities to contribute insights to the UNESCO Global Intercultural Action Observatory, informing future policy and advocacy efforts.
-selection.
Selection Process
Step 1 — Submit your application
Complete the online application form with all required documentation by 19 July 2026, 23:59 CET (Paris time). The use of AI tools in preparing applications for this programme is permitted for support purposes (e.g. structuring ideas, refining language, or improving clarity). Applicants are expected to take ownership of all submitted content and ensure that their application authentically reflects their own perspectives, experiences, and motivations. Applications that fail to demonstrate sufficient personal engagement may be deemed ineligible.
Step 2 — Eligibility screening
Applications are reviewed against programme eligibility requirements.
Step 3 — Technical assessment
Eligible applications are evaluated by an international jury against programme assessment criteria.
Step 4 — Final selection
The cohort of 50 Young Leaders will be notified by mid-October 2026.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme
