To empower emerging leaders to use intercultural dialogue as a tool for peacebuilding, inclusion, and social change, UNESCO is accepting applications for the second edition of the “Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme” for 2026–2027.
Held under the theme “Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” the programme will bring together 50 participants for online learning, mentorship, community action, and international exchange. Participants will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming communication across cultures and design a dialogue-based community initiative supported by seed funding of up to USD 10,000.
What You Will Gain:
Participate in online workshops and masterclasses on intercultural leadership, strategic communication, conflict transformation, and the responsible use of AI
Strengthen your ability to build trust, facilitate dialogue, and lead across cultural differences
Design and implement a six-month community initiative addressing human connection and dialogue in the age of AI
Receive seed funding of up to USD 10,000 following approval of your initiative’s action plan
Access mentorship, peer learning, capacity-building, and support from international experts and practitioners
Present your project and exchange experiences at the UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace in Guangzhou, China
Join the Youth for Peace Global Alumni Network and access future opportunities for collaboration and leadership development
Who Can Join:
Emerging leaders from any country who will be between 25 and 45 years old on October 22, 2026
Individuals with demonstrated leadership experience in their professional field or community
Applicants committed to intercultural dialogue, inclusion, peacebuilding, and positive social impact
Professionals and community leaders working in areas such as AI ethics, digital inclusion, education, peacebuilding, social cohesion, youth leadership, and community development
Applicants able to participate fully in the online training, mentorship, community initiative, and in-person programme activities
Individuals able to communicate professionally in English, the programme’s official working language
Why Join:
The programme offers emerging leaders an opportunity to move from learning to practical action. Participants will receive the knowledge, mentorship, funding, and international platform needed to develop dialogue-based solutions that strengthen trust, promote inclusion, and ensure that technological transformation supports social cohesion rather than deepening existing divisions.
