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The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme is UNESCO’s flagship leadership initiative for emerging leaders promoting social cohesion, inclusion, and peace through intercultural dialogue.
The 2026 theme, Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, explores the impact of AI on intercultural relationships, including misinformation, hate speech, algorithmic bias, digital inequality, and cultural representation, while promoting AI’s role in multilingual communication, accessibility, civic participation, cultural preservation, conflict prevention, and cross-border collaboration. Participants complete leadership training, implement a dialogue-based community initiative, and engage in global policy discussions.
Applicants must be 25–45 years old as of 22 October 2026, have a demonstrated leadership record, be committed to intercultural dialogue and social impact, show openness to collaboration and learning, have the potential to create positive community change, and be available for all programme activities. Applications must be submitted in English with the required documentation.
Selected participants will receive USD 10,000 in seed funding to implement an intercultural dialogue initiative aligned with the programme theme within six months at the local or national level. They will also receive mentorship, learning opportunities, access to UNESCO resources, participate in the UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace, and join the Youth for Peace Global Alumni Network.
Applications will undergo eligibility screening followed by technical assessment by an international jury. UNESCO will select 50 Young Leaders, who will present their initiative outcomes, engage with policymakers, and contribute to global discussions on peace and intercultural understanding.
