Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) Online Training Course on Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue 2026: Fully Online Opportunity for Young Leaders, Educators, Media Professionals, and Civil Society Actors

The Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) Online Training Course on Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue 2026 is now accepting applications from young people and professionals passionate about human rights, intercultural cooperation, global education, and peacebuilding.

Organized by the Council of Europe through its North-South Centre of the Council of Europe, this interactive online training course aims to equip participants with critical skills and practical competencies in Global Education, Human Rights, Intercultural Dialogue, and Interfaith Engagement.

The training course will run from 10 June to 7 July 2026 and will bring together 80 participants from different backgrounds and regions for a four-week online learning experience conducted entirely in English.

Applications are open until 31 May 2026.

About the Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) Programme

The Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) programme is an initiative designed to empower young people with the knowledge, tools, and competencies necessary to promote democratic values, human rights, social inclusion, intercultural understanding, and global citizenship.

The programme focuses on helping participants understand how dialogue across cultures, religions, and communities can contribute to addressing modern global challenges such as:

• Social exclusion
• Discrimination
• Hate speech
• Religious intolerance
• Polarisation
• Inequality
• Global conflicts
• Sustainable development challenges

Through this online training course, participants will gain deeper insights into how education and dialogue can become powerful tools for promoting peace, cooperation, and human dignity.

Institutions and Partners Supporting the Programme

The 2026 edition of the HEY online training course is being implemented through a collaboration involving several respected international institutions and organizations, including:

• North-South Centre of the Council of Europe
• Aga Khan Development Network
• KAICIID International Dialogue Centre
• United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
• Universidad Católica de Valencia
• European Institute of Education for Democratic Culture

The programme also benefits from the contribution of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue of the Holy See.

What the Training Course Offers

Participants selected for the programme will engage in a highly interactive online learning environment focused on strengthening practical and theoretical understanding of:

1. Global Education

Participants will explore how education can be used to encourage responsible global citizenship, social justice, sustainability, and democratic participation.

2. Intercultural Dialogue

The course will provide tools for understanding cultural diversity, promoting mutual respect, and fostering peaceful coexistence among people from different cultural backgrounds.

3. Interfaith Dialogue

Participants will examine how dialogue between different religious communities can help reduce prejudice, combat intolerance, and strengthen social cohesion.

4. Human Rights Education

The programme will deepen participants’ understanding of human rights principles and how they can be promoted through education, advocacy, media, and community action.

5. Networking Opportunities

Participants will interact with fellow young professionals, educators, activists, and civil society representatives from diverse backgrounds, enabling valuable international networking and collaboration.

Benefits of the HEY Online Training Course 2026

Selected participants will benefit from:

• Participation in a fully online international training programme
• Access to expert-led interactive learning sessions
• Development of practical skills in intercultural and interfaith dialogue
• Enhanced understanding of global education and human rights
• Networking opportunities with international participants and organizations
• Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences
• Capacity-building for professional and community engagement
• Participation in a programme linked to major international institutions

Who Can Apply?

The programme specifically targets young people involved in education, media, civil society, and faith-based work.

Eligible applicants include:

• Education practitioners in formal education
• Non-formal education practitioners
• Media professionals
• Members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
• Members of Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs)
• Youth leaders
• Human rights advocates
• Community development practitioners

Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in:

• Human rights
• Global education
• Intercultural dialogue
• Interfaith cooperation
• Youth participation
• Social inclusion
• Democratic engagement

Programme Timeline

Application Deadline

31 May 2026

Training Period

10 June to 7 July 2026

Training Format

• Fully online
• Interactive learning approach
• Conducted in English

About the iLEGEND III Framework

The HEY online training course is implemented within the framework of iLEGEND III: Intercultural Learning Exchange through Global Education, Networking and Dialogue (2022–2026).

This initiative is a joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe and aims to increase active engagement among young people and citizens in addressing global inequalities, sustainable development issues, and international challenges.

The broader project seeks to encourage active democratic participation and strengthen international solidarity through education, dialogue, and networking.

Why This Opportunity Matters

In a world increasingly shaped by cultural diversity, migration, digital communication, and global interconnectedness, the ability to engage constructively across cultural and religious differences is becoming more important than ever.

This training course offers participants an opportunity to:

• Strengthen leadership and communication skills
• Learn practical approaches to dialogue and inclusion
• Build international partnerships
• Contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies
• Promote human rights and democratic values within their communities

For young professionals seeking to work in international development, education, human rights advocacy, peacebuilding, media, or civil society leadership, this programme provides valuable exposure and experience.

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