Chatham House Common Futures Conversations 2026: Global Youth Policy Dialogue (Fully Remote)

Location: London (Fully Remote)
Programme: Common Futures Conversations (CFC) 2026
Deadline: Friday, 23 January 2026 (11:59 pm GMT)
Participation: Voluntary | One-year engagement

Are you a young changemaker who wants to influence global policy conversations, connect with peers worldwide, and engage directly with experts and decision-makers? Common Futures Conversations 2026 offers a powerful, fully remote platform for young people to shape discussions on the issues defining our future.

What Is Common Futures Conversations?

Common Futures Conversations (CFC) is a global youth engagement initiative led by Chatham House through its QEII Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation. The programme was created to address a major gap in global policymaking: young people are often excluded from decision-making despite being directly affected by global challenges.

Launched with a youth co-created survey and platform, CFC has grown into a vibrant international community of 2,000+ young people from over 120 countries, engaging regularly with senior policymakers, researchers, and institutions such as the African Union and European Union.

Why Join Common Futures Conversations 2026?

By joining CFC, you will:

• Engage in global policy discussions with young leaders from around the world

• Collaborate directly with Chatham House experts and research

• Network with community leaders, activists, and innovators

• Share lived experiences and ideas with high-level decision-makers

• Strengthen your confidence and voice in international policy spaces

If you feel disconnected from politics or unheard in policy debates, CFC is designed for you.

What Does Participation Involve?

CFC participants take part in monthly online “challenges”—structured dialogues focused on key policy themes. These challenges are designed to help you explore research, debate ideas, and develop your own perspectives.

Expected time commitment: 1–2 hours per week

As a participant, you’ll have access to:

• Online discussions on the CFC platform

• Monthly CFC-exclusive virtual events

• Selected Chatham House research and events

• Additional invitations to external opportunities and high-level dialogues

Duration of the Programme

• Initial term: One year

• Highly engaged participants may be invited to extend for a second year, provided they are still aged 30 or under

Who Can Apply?

You are encouraged to apply if you:

• Are 18–30 years old

• Have a good working knowledge of English

• Are active, passionate, and engaged in your local community

• Want to contribute ideas—no policy background required

CFC does not require academic qualifications or a career in policy. Diversity is strongly valued, and applications are welcome from all backgrounds.

Application Process

To apply for Common Futures Conversations 2026:

1. Complete the online application form in English

2. Use an email address you will have long-term access to (avoid university emails if possible)

3. Submit by Friday, 23 January 2026 (11:59 pm GMT)

Outcome notifications: Within 4 weeks of the application deadline.

Key Details at a Glance

• Programme: Common Futures Conversations 2026

• Organisation: Chatham House

• Location: Fully Remote (London-based)

• Commitment: 1–2 hours/week

• Cost: Free (voluntary participation)

• Deadline: 23 January 2026

Ready to Make Your Voice Heard?

Common Futures Conversations 2026 is more than a discussion space—it’s a global community where young people shape ideas, influence policy, and connect across borders. If you want to be part of meaningful international dialogue, this is your moment.

Apply now and join a global network of youth leaders shaping the future