Call for Applications · Second Edition Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme

Application Deadline: 19 July 2026, 23:59 CET (Paris time)

Lead Change Through Intercultural Leadership

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.

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 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:

1. Misinformation, hate speech, and online polarisation

2. Algorithmic bias, stereotyping, and digital discrimination

3. Unequal access to technology, infrastructure, education, and digital skills

4. 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.

Through this lens, participants will develop dialogue-based responses that place human connection and intercultural understanding at the centre of technological change.

 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.

The programme forms part of UNESCO’s Road to Peace: Dialogue and Action for Tolerance and Intercultural Understanding initiative.

The Leadership Journey

Three interconnected phases combining leadership development, practical action, and global engagement.

PHASE 1 - Strengthen your leadership practice

An immersive learning journey designed to deepen participants’ capacity to lead across differences and mobilise dialogue as a catalyst for change.

Preparatory Training Programme

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:

1. Intercultural leadership in practice — leading across differences, building trust in diverse settings, and mobilising collective action through dialogue

2. Strategic communication and influence — framing narratives for impact, communicating across cultural and linguistic boundaries, and engaging stakeholders at multiple levels

3. Intercultural mediation and conflict transformation — facilitating dialogue in contested spaces, navigating disagreement constructively, and supporting reconciliation through intercultural approaches

4. Foresight, anticipation, and adaptive leadership — reading complex social and technological trends, anticipating change, and designing responses that are resilient and forward-looking

5. Technology as a tool for dialogue — exploring how digital platforms and AI can expand the reach of intercultural dialogue, support multilingual communication, and open new spaces for participation and collaboration

6. AI as a resource for intercultural leaders — using AI tools ethically and critically to design, communicate, and amplify leadership initiatives while centering inclusion and intercultural sensitivity

Designing dialogue-based initiatives for impact — developing theory of change, engaging communities, and building initiatives that generate measurable social outcomes

PHASE 2 - Lead an intercultural action initiative

Participants apply their learning by designing and leading an intercultural dialogue initiative that addresses the programme’s annual theme.

Seed funding: USD 10,000

Upon approval of their action plan, participants receive seed funding to translate their leadership vision into practical community action.

Initiatives must:

1. Align with the theme Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

2. Use intercultural dialogue as a core methodology

3. Be implemented within six months at local or national level

Throughout implementation, participants continue to receive mentorship, learning opportunities, and peer support.

Definition of intercultural dialogue

“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.”

— UNESCO & Institute for Economics & Peace, 2020

PHASE 3 - Amplify impact and influence global conversations

Beyond community-level action, participants contribute to broader global discussions on peace, inclusion, and intercultural leadership.

UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace

A convening of emerging leaders and decision-makers from around the world, providing opportunities to:

1. Present initiative outcomes and lessons learned

2. Exchange innovative practices and approaches

3. Engage directly with policymakers and institutional leaders

4. Contribute youth perspectives to global discussions on social cohesion and peace

Global alumni network

Membership in the Youth for Peace Global Alumni Network, with ongoing opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, and leadership development.

Knowledge and policy contributions

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.

Who Should Apply

UNESCO is seeking emerging leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to dialogue, inclusion, and positive social change. Applicants must:

1. Be between 25 and 45 years old as of 22 October 2026

2. Have a demonstrated record of leadership in their field

3. Show commitment to intercultural dialogue and social impact

4. Demonstrate openness to self-reflection, dialogue across differences, and collaborative learning

5. Have the potential to influence and create positive change in their communities

6. Be available to participate fully in all programme components

Inability to participate fully in the programme will result in non-selection.

Selection Process

Step 1 — Submit your application

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.

Step 2 — Eligibility screening

Applications are reviewed against programme eligibility requirements.

Step 3 — Technical assessment

Eligible applications are evaluated by an international jury against programme assessment criteria.

Step 4 — Final selection

The cohort of 50 Young Leaders will be notified by mid-October 2026.

Apply now and become part of the next generation of intercultural leaders.

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 HERE to apply.

Deadline: 19 July 2026, 23:59 CET (Paris time)

Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully before submitting.