Youth for Peace UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026

Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026 equips emerging leaders to drive social cohesion and peace through intercultural dialogue, with a 2026 focus on human connection and dialogue in the age of AI.

What it offers

• Seed funding of USD 10,000 for approved intercultural dialogue initiatives.
• Three-phase leadership journey: immersive online training, implementation of a local/national initiative within six months, and global engagement through the UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace.
• Membership in the Youth for Peace Global Alumni Network and access to UNESCO tools and policy contributions.

Who can apply

• Applicants must be between 25 and 45 years old as of 22 October 2026.
• Must demonstrate a record of leadership, commitment to intercultural dialogue and social impact, openness to self-reflection and collaborative learning, and potential to influence positive change.
• Must be available to participate fully in all programme components.

What you'll do

• Participate in an immersive online preparatory training covering intercultural leadership, strategic communication, conflict transformation, foresight, and responsible use of AI.
• Design and lead an intercultural dialogue initiative aligned with the theme “Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”.
• Present initiative outcomes at the UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace and contribute to global discussions on social cohesion and peace.

How to apply

• Complete the online application form with all required documentation by 19 July 2026, 23:59 CET (Paris time).
• Applications must be submitted in English.
• Use of AI tools for support is permitted, but applicants must own all submitted content.
• The cohort of 50 Young Leaders will be notified by mid-October 2026.