Deadline: July 19, 2026
Applications are open for the Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026. 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 Themes
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
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.
Eligibility
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.
Application
If you are ready to strengthen your leadership, mobilise dialogue as a force for change, and contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful world, you are invited to apply.
For more information, visit Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme.
