Applications are now open for the Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026, an exciting fully funded opportunity for civil society experts from the Global South to participate in the first-ever United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland, taking place from July 6–7, 2026.
The fellowship is organized by the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC and aims to amplify underrepresented voices in global conversations on artificial intelligence governance, digital rights, human rights, climate justice, and ethical technology policy.
Selected fellows will receive full travel support, accommodation, and access to one of the most important emerging global platforms shaping the future of AI governance.
About the Global Majority AI Fellowship
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming economies, governance systems, labor markets, and societies worldwide. However, many current AI governance frameworks are still heavily influenced by a small group of countries and large technology corporations.
To address this imbalance, the United Nations established the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, a recurring multilateral forum designed to ensure that AI governance reflects the priorities and realities of all nations, especially those from underrepresented regions.
The first session of the Global Dialogue will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 6–7, 2026, alongside the ITU Summit and the WSIS Forum.
Through this fellowship, the Heinrich Böll Foundation seeks to strengthen Global South participation in these critical discussions and create pathways for more inclusive, equitable, and human rights-based AI governance.
Fellowship Focus Areas
The Global Dialogue on AI Governance will focus on major thematic areas, including:
- AI opportunities and societal implications
- Economic, ethical, cultural, linguistic, and technical dimensions of AI
- Bridging global AI divides through digital access and capacity building
- Safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems
- Human rights, transparency, accountability, and human oversight in AI governance
Participants will also contribute perspectives related to:
- Environmental sustainability
- Labor and economic justice
- Bias and discrimination in AI systems
- Conflict and digital governance
- Gender balance in global AI policy spaces
Benefits of the Global Majority AI Fellowship
Successful applicants will receive:
- Fully funded international travel to Geneva
- Airport transportation support
- Up to three nights of accommodation
- Conference registration and accreditation
- Access to global networking opportunities
- Visibility through the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s communication channels
- Opportunities to engage with global policymakers, researchers, and civil society leaders
Fellowship Objectives
The program aims to:
- Increase Global South representation in international AI governance discussions
- Support learning and networking among emerging and established leaders
- Build stronger advocacy and policy engagement on digital governance issues
- Facilitate collaboration between civil society actors working on AI and social justice
Expectations from Fellows
Selected fellows will be expected to:
- Attend the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva from July 6–7, 2026
- Participate in fellowship-related activities before and after the event
- Submit a short statement outlining key AI governance concerns
- Share reflections on their experience
- Engage actively on social media throughout the fellowship period
- Contribute to a growing international network of AI governance advocates
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Be based in countries receiving Official Development Assistance (ODA)
- Have experience or demonstrated interest in AI governance, digital rights, climate justice, data justice, or related fields
- Be available to travel to Geneva in July 2026
- Apply both to the official UN AI Dialogue 2026 Call for Participation Support and to the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit:
1. Resume/CV
- Maximum recommended length: 2 pages
- Include country of residence and gender
- Avoid including photographs or marital status
2. Motivational Statement
Applicants should write a maximum 300-word reflection addressing:
- The biggest challenge facing AI governance today
- Proposed solutions and current work being done
- How participation in the Global Dialogue would advance their goals
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible because selection may close once available spots are filled.
How to Apply
Candidates must:
- Apply to the official UN AI Dialogue 2026 Call for Participation Support
- Send their application materials to the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC via:
For more information about this apportunity, click here.
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