UNESCO has officially opened applications for the second edition of the Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026, inviting emerging leaders from around the world to participate in one of its flagship global leadership initiatives.
Designed for individuals aged 25 to 45, the programme equips participants with the skills, knowledge, mentorship, and financial support needed to promote intercultural dialogue, strengthen social cohesion, and build more peaceful and inclusive communities.
Applications are open until 19 July 2026 (23:59 CET, Paris time).
About UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes international cooperation in education, science, culture, communication, and information.
UNESCO works to foster peace, sustainable development, cultural diversity, and social inclusion by empowering individuals and communities through education, innovation, and dialogue.
The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme forms part of UNESCO’s broader commitment to supporting young leaders as agents of positive social change.
About the Youth for Peace Intercultural Leadership Programme
The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme is UNESCO’s flagship leadership initiative that empowers emerging leaders to use intercultural dialogue as a tool for peacebuilding and community development.
The programme is founded on the belief that intercultural dialogue is not simply a form of communication but a leadership approach that enables people to build trust, navigate differences, address shared challenges, and strengthen cooperation across cultures.
For the 2026 edition, participants will explore the theme:
Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
The programme examines how artificial intelligence is transforming communication, education, and intercultural engagement while encouraging participants to address emerging challenges such as misinformation, online polarization, algorithmic bias, unequal access to technology, and social inclusion.
Programme Benefits
Successful participants will receive numerous benefits, including:
- Participation in UNESCO’s flagship global leadership programme.
- Membership in a global cohort of 50 emerging leaders.
- Online leadership and intercultural dialogue training.
- High-level masterclasses led by international experts.
- One-on-one mentorship opportunities.
- Seed funding of USD 10,000 to implement a community dialogue initiative.
- Ongoing guidance from experienced practitioners.
- Opportunities to contribute to international discussions on peace and intercultural dialogue.
- Access to UNESCO’s growing international leadership network.
- Global networking with young leaders from different countries and cultures.
- Long-term collaboration opportunities beyond the programme.
Programme Theme
The 2026 edition focuses on:
Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Participants will examine:
- The opportunities created by Artificial Intelligence.
- The impact of AI on communication.
- Building trust across cultures.
- Combating misinformation.
- Addressing online polarization.
- Reducing algorithmic bias.
- Promoting digital inclusion.
- Strengthening social cohesion.
- Developing peaceful responses to technological change.
Participants are encouraged to design innovative dialogue-based solutions that respond to these global challenges.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes applications from:
- Emerging leaders aged 25 to 45 years.
- Applicants from all countries around the world.
- Individuals committed to peacebuilding.
- Community leaders.
- Youth advocates.
- Social entrepreneurs.
- Civil society practitioners.
- Professionals promoting intercultural dialogue.
- Individuals interested in social cohesion and inclusive development.
UNESCO particularly seeks applicants with demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change within their communities.
Programme Structure
The programme combines several learning components, including:
- Interactive online learning.
- Leadership masterclasses.
- Expert mentorship.
- Community-based project implementation.
- International networking.
- Peer collaboration.
- Practical leadership experience.
- Knowledge sharing.
Participants will apply what they learn by designing and implementing a dialogue-based initiative in their own communities.
Community Initiative
Each participant will develop and lead a local initiative aligned with the programme’s annual theme.
These initiatives aim to:
- Promote intercultural dialogue.
- Build stronger communities.
- Encourage peaceful cooperation.
- Address challenges associated with Artificial Intelligence.
- Foster inclusion and mutual understanding.
Selected projects will receive seed funding of USD 10,000, enabling participants to transform their ideas into meaningful community action.
Long-Term Opportunities
After completing the programme, participants become members of UNESCO’s international network of young leaders.
The network encourages:
- Continued collaboration.
- International partnerships.
- Knowledge exchange.
- Youth participation in global policy discussions.
- Peacebuilding initiatives.
- Cross-cultural cooperation.
Participants also gain opportunities to contribute to UNESCO’s ongoing work on peace, tolerance, and intercultural understanding.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026 are open until:
19 July 2026 (23:59 CET, Paris Time)
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline to ensure consideration.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official UNESCO programme webpage.
- Review the eligibility requirements.
- Prepare the required application materials.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit the application before 19 July 2026.
Applicants should carefully read the programme guidance before completing their application.
Why Apply?
The UNESCO Youth for Peace Intercultural Leadership Programme offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging leaders to develop global leadership skills while addressing some of today’s most pressing challenges. Participants receive world-class mentorship, financial support, practical experience, and access to an international network of changemakers working to build more peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies.
For individuals passionate about leadership, intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, artificial intelligence, and social innovation, this programme provides a unique platform to create lasting impact at both local and global levels.
Conclusion
The UNESCO Youth for Peace Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026 brings together talented emerging leaders from around the world to strengthen dialogue, promote inclusion, and develop innovative responses to challenges in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Through expert mentorship, leadership training, community action, and seed funding, participants gain the tools needed to become influential advocates for peace and intercultural cooperation.
Eligible leaders are encouraged to apply before the 19 July 2026 deadline and become part of UNESCO’s growing global community dedicated to building a more peaceful and inclusive future.
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