UNESCO Youth for Peace Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026: Apply for Funding, Mentorship and Global Leadership Opportunities

<h2>Key Details</h2> <p><strong>Host Organization:</strong> UNESCO<br /> <strong>Programme:</strong> Youth for Peace: Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026<br /> <strong>Theme:</strong> Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence<br /> <strong>Eligibility:</strong> Emerging leaders aged 25–45 years from around the world<br /> <strong>Funding:</strong> USD 10,000 seed funding for selected participants&#8217; community initiatives<br /> <strong>Number of Participants:</strong> 50 Young Leaders<br /> <strong>Programme Components:</strong> Leadership training, mentorship, community action, global engagement, and alumni network<br /> <strong>Application Deadline:</strong> 19 July 2026 (23:59 CET, Paris Time)<br /> <strong>Notification of Results:</strong> Mid-October 2026<br /> <strong>Working Language:</strong> English<br /> <strong>Apply:</strong> Official UNESCO Application Portal</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="field__item fadein"> <div id="lead-change-through-intercultural-leadership" class="paragraph-border left paragraph paragraph--type--text-media-block paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Lead Change Through Intercultural Leadership&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;text_media_block&quot;}}"> <div class="row"> <div class="wrapper-infos col-lg-6"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="38" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">Lead Change Through Intercultural Leadership</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><span lang="EN-GB">As societies become increasingly interconnected yet fragmented by polarisation, inequality, and rapid technological change, there is a growing need for leaders who can bridge divides, foster trust, and mobilise collective action across differences.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">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.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">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.</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper-image col-lg-6"> <div class="field field--name-field-ref-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-medium"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"><picture><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_desktop/public/2026-06/Main%20Pic%20for%20Digital%20Card_0.jpg.webp?itok=OhcCF1i5 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (min-width: 993px)" /><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_tablet/public/2026-06/Main%20Pic%20for%20Digital%20Card_0.jpg.webp?itok=pjp-5XWi 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 992px)" /><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_mobile/public/2026-06/Main%20Pic%20for%20Digital%20Card_0.jpg.webp?itok=clE1eWhg 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (max-width: 575px)" /><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="img-fluid" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_desktop/public/2026-06/Main%20Pic%20for%20Digital%20Card_0.jpg.webp?resize=610%2C407&#038;ssl=1" alt="2026 Call for Applications 2026 Youth for Peace" width="610" height="407" title="UNESCO Youth for Peace Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026: Apply for Funding, Mentorship and Global Leadership Opportunities 3"></picture></div> </div> <div class="media--copyright field field--name-field-copyright field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Shutterstock</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item fadein"></div> <div class="field__item fadein"> <div id="_026-theme-human-connection-and-dialogue-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence" class="paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;2026 Theme: Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="1317" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">2026 Theme: Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><span lang="EN-GB">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.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Participants will explore how AI is reshaping intercultural relationships and social cohesion, engaging with challenges including:</span></p> <ol> <li>M<span lang="EN-GB">isinformation, hate speech, and online polarisation</span></li> <li>A<span lang="EN-GB">lgorithmic bias, stereotyping, and digital discrimination</span></li> <li>U<span lang="EN-GB">nequal access to technology, infrastructure, education, and digital skills</span></li> <li>T<span lang="EN-GB">he representation of diverse cultures, languages, and knowledge systems within AI</span></li> </ol> <p><span lang="EN-GB">At the same time, participants will examine how AI can advance intercultural understanding through multilingual communication, accessibility, civic participation, cultural preservation, conflict prevention, and new forms of cross-border collaboration.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Through this lens, participants will develop dialogue-based responses that place human connection and intercultural understanding at the centre of technological change.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">Selected participants will join a global community of intercultural leaders and receive the support, resources, and platform to advance dialogue-driven initiatives, contribute to international policy conversations, and help build more inclusive and peaceful societies.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">The programme forms part of UNESCO’s Road to Peace: Dialogue and Action for Tolerance and Intercultural Understanding initiative.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item fadein"> <div id="the-leadership-journey" class="paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;The Leadership Journey&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="8392" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">The Leadership Journey</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Three interconnected phases combining leadership development, practical action, and global engagement.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item fadein"> <div id="phase-1---strengthen-your-leadership-practice" class="paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;PHASE 1 - Strengthen your leadership practice&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="8713" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">PHASE 1 &#8211; Strengthen your leadership practice</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><span lang="EN-GB">An immersive learning journey designed to deepen participants’ capacity to lead across differences and mobilise dialogue as a catalyst for change.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Preparatory Training Programme</strong></span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">A structured series of interactive online workshops building the competencies intercultural leaders need to drive change in complex, diverse, and rapidly evolving environments. Topics may include:</span></p> <ol> <li><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Intercultural leadership in practice</strong> — leading across differences, building trust in diverse settings, and mobilising collective action through dialogue</span></li> <li><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Strategic communication and influence</strong> — framing narratives for impact, communicating across cultural and linguistic boundaries, and engaging stakeholders at multiple levels</span></li> <li><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Intercultural mediation and conflict transformation</strong> — facilitating dialogue in contested spaces, navigating disagreement constructively, and supporting reconciliation through intercultural approaches</span></li> <li><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Foresight, anticipation, and adaptive leadership</strong> — reading complex social and technological trends, anticipating change, and designing responses that are resilient and forward-looking</span></li> <li><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Technology as a tool for dialogue</strong> — exploring how digital platforms and AI can expand the reach of intercultural dialogue, support multilingual communication, and open new spaces for participation and collaboration</span></li> <li><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>AI as a resource for intercultural leaders</strong> — using AI tools ethically and critically to design, communicate, and amplify leadership initiatives while centering inclusion and intercultural sensitivity</span></li> </ol> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Designing dialogue-based initiatives for impact</strong> — developing theory of change, engaging communities, and building initiatives that generate measurable social outcomes</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item fadein"> <div id="phase-2---lead-an-intercultural-action-initiative" class="paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;PHASE 2 - Lead an intercultural action initiative&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="9280" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">PHASE 2 &#8211; Lead an intercultural action initiative</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Participants apply their learning by designing and leading an intercultural dialogue initiative that addresses the programme’s annual theme.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Seed funding: USD 10,000</strong></span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Upon approval of their action plan, participants receive seed funding to translate their leadership vision into practical community action.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Initiatives must:</strong></span></p> <ol> <li><span lang="EN-GB">Align with the theme Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence</span></li> <li>U<span lang="EN-GB">se intercultural dialogue as a core methodology</span></li> <li>B<span lang="EN-GB">e implemented within six months at local or national level</span></li> </ol> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Throughout implementation, participants continue to receive mentorship, learning opportunities, and peer support.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Definition of intercultural dialogue</strong></span></p> <p><em><span lang="EN-GB">“A process undertaken to realize transformative communication that requires space or opportunities for engagement and a diverse group of participants committed to values such as mutual respect, empathy, and a willingness to consider different perspectives.”</span></em></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">— UNESCO &amp; Institute for Economics &amp; Peace, 2020</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item fadein"> <div id="phase-3---amplify-impact-and-influence-global-conversations" class="paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;PHASE 3 - Amplify impact and influence global conversations&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="9678" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">PHASE 3 &#8211; Amplify impact and influence global conversations</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Beyond community-level action, participants contribute to broader global discussions on peace, inclusion, and intercultural leadership.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace</strong></span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">A convening of emerging leaders and decision-makers from around the world, providing opportunities to:</span></p> <ol> <li>P<span lang="EN-GB">resent initiative outcomes and lessons learned</span></li> <li>E<span lang="EN-GB">xchange innovative practices and approaches</span></li> <li>E<span lang="EN-GB">ngage directly with policymakers and institutional leaders</span></li> <li>C<span lang="EN-GB">ontribute youth perspectives to global discussions on social cohesion and peace</span></li> </ol> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Global alumni network</strong></span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Membership in the Youth for Peace Global Alumni Network, with ongoing opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, and leadership development.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Knowledge and policy contributions</strong></span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">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.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item fadein"> <div id="programme-timeline" class="paragraph-border left paragraph paragraph--type--text-media-block paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Programme Timeline&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;text_media_block&quot;}}"> <div class="row"> <div class="wrapper-infos col-lg-6"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="9895" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">Programme Timeline</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><span lang="EN-GB">English is the official working language of the programme. All applications, proposals, and programme communications must be submitted in English.</span></p> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper-image col-lg-6"> <div class="field field--name-field-ref-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="media media--type-image media--view-mode-medium"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"><picture><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_desktop/public/2026-06/programme-timeline.png.webp?itok=A8adJrQn 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (min-width: 993px)" /><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_tablet/public/2026-06/programme-timeline.png.webp?itok=XVVLmFWP 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (min-width: 576px) and (max-width: 992px)" /><source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_mobile/public/2026-06/programme-timeline.png.webp?itok=kjqdC2ob 1x" type="image/webp" media="all and (max-width: 575px)" /><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="img-fluid" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.unesco.org/sites/default/files/styles/paragraph_medium_desktop/public/2026-06/programme-timeline.png.webp?resize=610%2C250&#038;ssl=1" alt="Youth for Peace 2026 Programme Timeline" width="610" height="250" title="UNESCO Youth for Peace Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026: Apply for Funding, Mentorship and Global Leadership Opportunities 4"></picture></div> </div> <div class="media--copyright field field--name-field-copyright field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">UNESCO</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item fadein"> <div id="who-should-apply" class="paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Who Should Apply&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="16293" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">Who Should Apply</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><span lang="EN-GB">UNESCO is seeking emerging leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to dialogue, inclusion, and positive social change. Applicants must:</span></p> <ol> <li><span lang="EN-GB">Be between 25 and 45 years old as of 22 October 2026</span></li> <li>H<span lang="EN-GB">ave a demonstrated record of leadership in their field</span></li> <li>S<span lang="EN-GB">how commitment to intercultural dialogue and social impact</span></li> <li>D<span lang="EN-GB">emonstrate openness to self-reflection, dialogue across differences, and collaborative learning</span></li> <li>H<span lang="EN-GB">ave the potential to influence and create positive change in their communities</span></li> <li>B<span lang="EN-GB">e available to participate fully in all programme components</span></li> </ol> <p><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Inability to participate fully in the programme will result in non-selection.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item fadein"> <div id="selection-process" class="paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Selection Process&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="16594" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">Selection Process</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Step 1 — Submit your application</strong></span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">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. Click <a href="https://surveys.unesco.org/171854?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a> to apply.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Step 2 — Eligibility screening</strong></span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Applications are reviewed against programme eligibility requirements.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Step 3 — Technical assessment</strong></span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">Eligible applications are evaluated by an international jury against programme assessment criteria.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB"><strong>Step 4 — Final selection</strong></span></p> <p><span lang="EN-GB">The cohort of 50 Young Leaders will be notified by mid-October 2026.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item fadein"> <div id="apply-now-and-become-part-of-the-next-generation-of-intercultural-leaders" class="bg-bluelight boxed paragraph paragraph--type--rich-text paragraph--view-mode--default" data-trk="{&quot;block&quot;:{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Apply now and become part of the next generation of intercultural leaders.&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:&quot;rich_text&quot;}}"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item"> <h2 data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen112160_100="17360" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time112160_100="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired112160_100="1">Apply now and become part of the next generation of intercultural leaders.</h2> </div> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p class="text-align-justify"><span lang="EN-GB">If you are ready to strengthen your leadership, mobilise dialogue as a force for change, and contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful world, we encourage you to apply. Through the Youth for Peace programme, you will gain the skills, resources, networks, and platform to lead dialogue-driven action in your community and join a growing global movement working for peace and social cohesion. Click </span><a href="https://surveys.unesco.org/171854?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span lang="EN-GB">HERE</span></a><span lang="EN-GB"> to apply.</span></p> </div> <h2>Application Deadline</h2> <p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>Deadline:</strong> 19 July 2026 (23:59 CET, Paris Time)</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd">Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early and carefully review all programme requirements before submitting their applications.</p> <div class="rich-text clearfix text-formatted field field--name-field-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"> <p class="text-align-justify"><em><span lang="EN-GB">Please read the </span></em><a href="https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000398412" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><span lang="EN-GB">Terms and Conditions</span></em></a><em><span lang="EN-GB">carefully before submitting.</span></em></p> <h3>Looking for More Leadership Opportunities?</h3> <p>Explore more fully funded fellowships, conferences, grants, internships, scholarships, and leadership programmes for young people worldwide on <strong><a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=leader" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Opportunities For Youth</a>.</strong></p> <h2><strong>Source:</strong> <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/call-applications-2026?hub=181405" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UNESCO</a></h2> </div> </div> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="isSelectedEnd"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/06/23/youth-for-peace-fully-funded-unesco-intercultural-leadership-programme-apply-now/">UNESCO Youth for Peace Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026: Apply for Funding, Mentorship and Global Leadership Opportunities</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>