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Applications are now open for the Second Edition – Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026, UNESCO’s flagship global leadership initiative for emerging leaders committed to advancing peace, social cohesion, and inclusion through intercultural dialogue.

The 2026 edition focuses on the theme “Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” Through leadership development, mentorship, community action, and global engagement, UNESCO will equip a new cohort of young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to promote dialogue and implement impactful community initiatives.

Participants whose action projects are approved can receive up to USD 10,000 in seed funding to implement their initiatives.

Summary

• Programme Name: Second Edition – Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026
• Host Organization: UNESCO
• Programme Type: Global Leadership Programme
• Funding: Up to USD 10,000 seed funding for approved community initiatives
• Eligible Applicants: Emerging leaders worldwide
• Age Requirement: 25–45 years old (as of 22 October 2026)
• Programme Theme: Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Deadline: 19 July 2026 (23:59 CET – Paris Time)

About the Programme

The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme is designed to cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of building trust, fostering inclusion, and promoting peaceful societies through intercultural dialogue.

Rather than viewing dialogue simply as communication, UNESCO presents intercultural dialogue as a leadership approach that enables communities to navigate differences, collaborate across cultures, and develop sustainable solutions to shared global challenges.

Participants will join a global network of emerging leaders committed to translating dialogue into meaningful community action.

2026 Theme

The official theme for the second edition is:

Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Participants will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping communication, education, employment and intercultural relationships while addressing challenges such as:

• Misinformation and online polarisation
• Hate speech
• Algorithmic bias and discrimination
• Unequal access to technology
• Representation of diverse cultures and languages in AI

The programme also examines how AI can strengthen inclusion, multilingual communication, cultural preservation and global cooperation.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of three phases:

Phase 1 – Leadership Development

Participants engage in interactive online workshops focused on intercultural leadership, dialogue, collaboration and systems thinking.

Phase 2 – Community Action

Participants design and implement a dialogue-based initiative addressing the 2026 theme.

Approved projects receive up to USD 10,000 in seed funding and are expected to be implemented within six months.

Phase 3 – Global Engagement

Participants present their results, exchange best practices with fellow leaders, engage with policymakers, and become members of the Youth for Peace Global Alumni Network.

Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Comprehensive leadership development
• UNESCO mentorship and coaching
• Access to UNESCO tools and methodologies
• Membership in the Youth for Peace Global Alumni Network
• Opportunities to engage with international policymakers
• Participation in UNESCO’s Global Youth Dialogue for Peace
• Up to USD 10,000 to implement an approved intercultural dialogue initiative.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be between 25 and 45 years old as of 22 October 2026
• Demonstrate a strong record of leadership
• Show commitment to intercultural dialogue, inclusion and positive social impact
• Be open to collaboration and learning across cultures
• Demonstrate the potential to influence positive change within their communities
• Be available to participate fully in all programme activities.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Visit the official UNESCO application page.

Step 2

Read the programme guidelines and Terms and Conditions carefully.

Step 3

Complete the online application form.

Step 4

Provide all required information and supporting documentation.

Step 5

Submit your application no later than 19 July 2026 (23:59 CET, Paris Time).

Eligible applications will undergo an eligibility screening, technical assessment by an international jury, and final selection. The selected cohort of Young Leaders will be notified around mid-October 2026.

Important Deadline

• Application Deadline: 19 July 2026 (23:59 CET – Paris Time)

Related Opportunities

• United Nations Volunteer Program 2026 | Application Process
• Presidential Leadership Scholars Program in USA 2027
• Global Future Forum Bali 2026 (Summer Retreat Edition)

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

This is more than a leadership training programme. UNESCO is seeking leaders who can transform intercultural dialogue into measurable community impact. Applicants should therefore focus their applications on authentic leadership experiences, community engagement and a realistic action plan that aligns with the 2026 theme.

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