This UNESCO global leadership programme equips emerging leaders to drive intercultural dialogue as a strategy for addressing global challenges. The programme aims to empower a new generation to lead transformative action locally, nationally, and globally.

Theme for 2025-2026: “Learning to collaborate for a shared future: Using dialogue to foster social cohesion in a world on the move”.

What the programme offers

• Capacity-Building: online training workshops to develop intercultural leadership skills and prepare for project implementation.
• Ongoing Learning & Mentorship: continuous support, knowledge-sharing, and personalised coaching as you implement your project.
• Grant award: a $10,000 grant upon approval to implement the project over six months (November 2025 – May 2026).
• Participation in a wide range of events, like the Global Youth Dialogue for Peace
• UNESCO Resources: access to UNESCO resources, toolkits, and opportunities to contribute to global policy advocacy.

Who can apply

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be between 25 and 45 years old as of 1 September 2025.
• Have a proven record of leadership in their field.
• Demonstrate a commitment to intercultural dialogue and social impact.
• Have the potential to influence and create change within their communities.
• Be available to participate in all components of the programme.

Community-led projects must:

• Align with the theme: ‘Learning to Collaborate for a Shared Future: Using dialogue to foster social cohesion in a world on the move’.
• Be able to be implemented within six months.
• Be of local or national scope.

Application deadline: 22 June 2025, 23:59 CEST (Paris time).

Read more here.

Opportunity offered by: UNESCO