The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme 2026 is a highly competitive, residential leadership initiative designed to develop the next generation of global experts in peacebuilding, humanitarian diplomacy, mediation, and inclusive international cooperation.

This Fellowship is jointly implemented by the Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute, with support from the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva (FAGI).

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the programme places selected Fellows directly inside one of the world’s most influential diplomatic ecosystems—International Geneva—where global policies, humanitarian responses, and peace processes are shaped.

Only 10 Fellows worldwide will be selected for the 2026 cohort, making this one of the most selective peace and diplomacy fellowships globally.

About the International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme

The Fellowship is a 9-month full-time residential programme (September 2026 – June 2027) designed to combine:

• Real institutional work in global organizations
• Residential learning and collaboration
• Applied peacebuilding research
• Professional mentorship
• Leadership development

It is not a theoretical academic programme. Instead, it is a hands-on professional immersion in global peace and humanitarian systems.

Core Purpose of the Programme

The Fellowship is built to respond to urgent global challenges such as:

• Fragmentation of global conflicts
• Weakening multilateral cooperation systems
• Limited entry points into peace and diplomacy careers
• Growing demand for innovative peace leadership

Key Objectives:

• Train emerging global peace leaders
• Strengthen humanitarian diplomacy capacity
• Build cross-regional leadership networks
• Support innovation in peacebuilding practices
• Reinforce Geneva as a global peace hub
• Bridge research, policy, and field operations

Programme Structure (Three Core Pillars)

1. Residential Programme in Geneva

Fellows live together in Domaine Barton (Lake Geneva) while participating in intensive professional development.

Key Activities:

• Living in a fully immersive residential environment
• Participation in peace and diplomacy projects
• Study visits across International Geneva institutions
• Collaborative research and policy work
• Peer-to-peer leadership development

This environment is designed to build strong global collaboration and leadership capacity.

2. Institutional Collaboration & Placements

Each Fellow is placed in a leading international organization in Geneva for hands-on experience.

What Fellows Do:

• Work on real-time peace and humanitarian projects
• Support institutional programmes and policy work
• Engage in diplomatic and research activities
• Receive mentorship from senior professionals
• Build long-term career networks

Key Partner Institutions:

• Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue
• Kofi Annan Foundation
• Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
• International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC)
• World Council of Churches

This ensures direct exposure to real-world humanitarian diplomacy and peace operations.

3. Co-Creation, Research & Leadership Development

This pillar focuses on innovation, research, and strategic leadership building.

Key Components:

• Intensive 1-week training programme at the start
• Advanced learning in peace and humanitarian diplomacy
• Development of applied research projects
• Participation in policy innovation work
• Continuous mentorship and peer exchange
• Independent strategic project development

Fellows are encouraged to develop innovative peacebuilding solutions that can influence global policy and practice.

Thematic Focus Areas (2026 Cohort)

Each Fellow is selected under one of six thematic tracks aligned with global peace challenges.

1. New Frontiers of Peacemaking

Focuses on modern conflict environments and innovation in mediation.

Includes:

• Addressing neglected conflicts
• Building inclusive peace processes
• Climate-related conflict risks
• Digital and technological conflict dynamics
• Gender-inclusive mediation approaches

2. Health and Peace

Explores the intersection between health systems and peacebuilding.

Includes:

• Health systems in conflict zones
• Climate and environmental health risks
• Integrated peace-health frameworks
• Strengthening global health governance

3. Ecumenical Peacebuilding and Faith-Based Diplomacy

Focuses on religious and interfaith contributions to peace.

Includes:

• Faith-based mediation efforts
• Interreligious dialogue and reconciliation
• Role of churches and faith leaders in diplomacy
• Community-level peacebuilding initiatives

4. Youth Leadership, Participation & Peacebuilding

Focuses on empowering young people in peace processes.

Includes:

• Youth leadership development
• Civic engagement in conflict prevention
• Peace education and advocacy
• Youth participation in policy processes

5. Protection of Civilians & Modern Conflict Dynamics

Focuses on civilian safety in evolving conflicts.

Includes:

• Civilian protection strategies
• Urban warfare and explosive weapons
• AI and drone warfare risks
• Forced displacement and humanitarian access
• Protection of vulnerable populations

6. Women, Peace & Security (WPS) and Inclusive Peacebuilding

Focuses on gender equality in peace processes.

Includes:

• Women’s participation in peace negotiations
• Gender-responsive peacebuilding policies
• Local women-led peace initiatives
• Structural barriers to inclusion

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:

1. Recent Graduates

• Master’s degree holders
• OR PhD candidates (advanced stage)
• Graduated within the last 12 months

2. Junior Professionals

• 1–4 years of experience

3. Mid-Career Professionals

• 5–10 years of experience

Required Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Strong leadership potential in peace or humanitarian work
• Background in international relations, law, development, or social sciences
• OR relevant field or policy experience
• Excellent English or French communication skills
• Ability to work in multicultural environments
• Adaptability to international field and institutional settings
• Full availability for a 9-month residency in Geneva

Important Note:

This is NOT a PhD or academic research fellowship. It is a practice-based leadership programme combining policy, fieldwork, and applied research.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. CV

• Maximum 2 pages

2. Cover Letter (max 500 words / 1 page)

Must include:

• Preferred thematic area
• Relevant leadership experience
• Motivation for joining the Fellowship
• A strategic idea or initiative to be developed during the programme

Application Deadline

7 June 2026 — 11:59 pm CET

Click here for more and to apply

For more global fellowship opportunities, Click here