Youth for Peace: Fully-funded UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme – Apply Now

Are you a young leader passionate about intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, and community change? The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme offers a fully funded opportunity to gain global recognition, professional training, and a $10,000 grant to implement your own community project.

What Is the UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme?

The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme is a global initiative designed to support young leaders in using intercultural dialogue to solve pressing social challenges, foster inclusion, and promote peace. This flagship programme is implemented by UNESCO in partnership with Kingold Group and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDGs 4, 5, 10, 11, and 16.

Key Benefits

• $10,000 USD Grant to implement your community-based project

• Fully Funded Residential and Online Training

• One-to-One Mentorship and Peer Learning Opportunities

• Networking with Global Leaders and Policy Makers

• Travel to China for the Global Youth Leaders Dialogue Forum (April 2026)

• Lifetime Access to UNESCO Alumni Network

Annual Theme: Learning to Collaborate for a Shared Future

In 2025, the programme focuses on:
Using dialogue to foster social cohesion in a world on the move.
Selected participants will design and lead innovative, youth-led projects that strengthen community bonds through intercultural exchange.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme, applicants must:

• Be between 25 and 45 years old by 1 September 2025

• Have proven leadership experience in their communities or professional fields

• Be passionate about intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, and community development

• Submit a project proposal in English aligned with the programme theme

• Be available to participate in all components of the programme

Note: Staff members of UNESCO are not eligible to apply.

Programme Timeline (2025–2026)

• May 19 – June 22, 2025: Application Period

• August 2025: Online Information Session

• September 2025: Virtual Leadership Training

• October 2025 – May 2026: Project Implementation & Mentorship

• April 2026: In-Person Global Forum in Guangzhou, China

• May 2026 Onward: Access to the Alumni Network

What Types of Projects Are Eligible?

Your project must:

• Be led by you (the selected participant)

• Address the annual theme

• Be implemented within 6 months

• Be of local or national scope

• Comply with international and national laws

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

• Leadership and Experience (30%)

• Motivation and Alignment with Programme Goals (25%)

• Peacebuilding and Dialogue Experience (10%)

• Impact and Scalability (20%)

• Innovation and Feasibility of Project Idea (15%)

Top 50 applicants will be selected, and an additional 12 alternates will be placed on a waiting list.

Funding Details

Each selected participant will receive $10,000 USD disbursed in installments, based on the fulfilment of programme obligations, including training attendance, reporting, and proper use of funds.

Ineligible expenses include:

• Real estate, land, or vehicles

• Infrastructure not directly related to the project

• Fines, penalties, or debt payments

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted online between May 19 and June 22, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

If selected, you will be asked to:

• Confirm acceptance within 5 days

• Sign a consent form to participate

• Authorize the processing of your personal data and travel documentation

• Apply now: https://surveys.unesco.org/293345?lang=en

Data Privacy and Security

UNESCO processes personal data in accordance with its official Privacy Policy. Information collected during the application process will only be used for programme administration and participation purposes.

For any privacy-related concerns, contact:

• Programme Inquiries: interculturaldialogue@unesco.org

• Data Protection: privacy@unesco.org

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Why You Should Apply

This is a rare and fully funded opportunity to join a global community of young leaders, access professional development, receive seed funding, and make lasting change in your community.

Boost your leadership journey and become a recognized Youth Champion for Peace and Dialogue.

Apply between May 19 and June 22, 2025.

More info here https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000393765