Freedom Prize 2027 International Jury: Apply to Join a Global Youth Jury in Normandy, France

The Freedom Prize 2027 International Jury is inviting young people from France and around the world to apply for the opportunity to become one of 24 young international jury members responsible for identifying three individuals or organisations whose work represents an outstanding fight for freedom.

Open to young people aged 15 to 25, this unique youth participation opportunity offers applicants the chance to contribute to an international selection process, examine issues surrounding freedom and human rights, exchange perspectives with young people from different backgrounds, and participate in deliberations in Normandy, France.

The opportunity is particularly suitable for young people who are passionate about freedom, human rights, justice, peace, equality, civic engagement, advocacy, social change, and global issues.

Importantly, applicants do not need to have served on a jury before or possess a particular academic or professional background. The organisers state that the jury is open to both experienced and novice candidates and that particular attention will be given to applicants’ motivation and the diversity of profiles represented on the jury.

Applications for the international jury are open from June 4 to September 30, 2026.

What Is the Freedom Prize?

The Freedom Prize is an initiative that gives young people aged 15 to 25 the opportunity to identify and support inspiring individuals or organisations involved in exemplary struggles for freedom.

The programme is built around three major stages:

1. The “Our Freedom Prize 2027” call for proposals
2. The international jury deliberations
3. The international online vote to select the laureate

The international jury plays a particularly important role because its 24 members will review proposals submitted through the Freedom Prize nomination process and collectively select three nominees.

Young people worldwide will then have the opportunity to vote online for one of these three nominees.

The eventual laureate will receive an endowment of €25,000 to support their ongoing fight for freedom.

Apply to Become a Member of the Freedom Prize 2027 International Jury

The international jury will consist of 24 young people between the ages of 15 and 25.

The organisers aim to make the jury representative of international youth and reflective of different cultural, geographical, and generational perspectives.

The jury will include young people representing three broad geographical levels:

• Normandy
• Other regions of France
• Other countries around the world

This international composition is intended to bring different experiences, viewpoints, cultures, and understandings of freedom into the deliberations.

As a result, applicants from countries outside France are strongly relevant to the international dimension of the programme.

What Will International Jury Members Do?

Being selected for the Freedom Prize international jury is more than simply attending an event in France.

Jury members will actively participate in a structured process involving research, analysis, discussion, argumentation, individual reflection, and collaborative decision-making.

During the deliberations, members will examine proposals submitted through the “Our Freedom Prize 2027” call for nominations.

These proposals will identify individuals or organisations involved in significant struggles for freedom.

The jury’s responsibility will be to carefully consider these proposals and determine which fights are particularly representative of the concerns and aspirations of young people in relation to freedom in 2027.

Key responsibilities include:

• Studying proposals submitted through the Freedom Prize call for nominations
• Researching the individuals and organisations presented in the proposals
• Analysing the different causes and struggles represented
• Reflecting individually on the proposals
• Participating in collaborative discussions
• Presenting and defending arguments
• Comparing different perspectives and points of view
• Developing shared criteria for evaluating the different proposals
• Participating in the final selection of three nominees

At the end of the deliberation process, the 24 jury members will collectively select three individuals or organisations whose fight they consider particularly representative of a fight for freedom in 2027.

These three nominees will then proceed to the public voting stage.

Three Key Stages of the Freedom Prize 2027

The Freedom Prize 2027 is structured around three major phases.

1. “Our Freedom Prize 2027” Call for Proposals

The first stage invites young people aged 15 to 25 from France and around the world to nominate an inspiring individual or organisation committed to a fight for freedom.

Applicants use an online form to present their nominee and explain why the person or organisation deserves recognition.

According to the opportunity information, the call for nominations will remain open until January 12, 2027.

For applicants to the international jury, completing this nomination form is a requirement. The form becomes available from September 1, 2026, and it can be submitted after the jury application if necessary.

This means prospective jury members should ensure that they complete the additional nomination requirement even if they initially submit their jury application before the nomination form becomes available.

2. International Jury Deliberations

The second stage involves the 24-member international jury meeting in Normandy.

The formal deliberation period is scheduled for February 15–19, 2027, while the broader jury stay in Normandy is scheduled for Sunday, February 14 through Saturday, February 20, 2027.

Applicants should therefore plan to be available for the entire February 14–20 period, rather than only the formal deliberation dates.

During this stage, jury members will meet, prepare for their responsibilities, study the proposals, exchange ideas, and ultimately select the three nominees for the Freedom Prize 2027.

The deliberations are facilitated by the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace.

A Chairperson will also participate in the process, helping guide the reflections and sharing their own testimony concerning freedom and commitment.

3. Online Vote for the Freedom Prize 2027

After the international jury selects three nominees, the process moves to an international online voting stage.

The voting period is scheduled for March 22 to April 30, 2027.

Young people aged 15 to 25 from around the world will be able to vote for their preferred nominee from the three individuals or organisations selected by the international jury.

The nominee receiving the winning support will become the Freedom Prize 2027 laureate.

The laureate will receive an endowment of €25,000 intended to support their ongoing fight for freedom.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in Caen, France, in June 2027.

International Jury Meeting in Normandy, France

One of the most significant aspects of this opportunity is the opportunity for selected jury members to meet physically in Normandy.

The international panel will meet in Normandy from Sunday, February 14 to Saturday, February 20, 2027.

Applicants must confirm that they are available during these dates before submitting their application.

The stay will allow jury members to:

• Meet other young people from different backgrounds
• Prepare for their responsibilities
• Participate in the jury deliberations
• Discuss different perspectives on freedom
• Conduct research and analysis
• Exchange ideas and arguments
• Work collectively toward the selection of the three nominees

This makes the programme both a decision-making opportunity and an international youth exchange experience.

Travel, Accommodation, Food and Visa Costs Covered

Selected jury members will not be expected to personally finance the main costs associated with attending the February meeting in Normandy.

According to the opportunity information, the organisers will cover:

• Transportation
• Accommodation
• Catering
• Visa costs

This is an important benefit for international applicants, particularly those travelling from outside France.

Applicants should carefully follow any instructions provided by the organisers concerning travel arrangements, visa documentation, and other logistical requirements after selection.

Eligibility Requirements for the Freedom Prize 2027 Jury

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility conditions before applying.

Age Requirement

Applicants must be between 15 and 25 years old on February 19, 2027.

This is an essential requirement.

Being within the age range when applying is not enough if the applicant will no longer meet the age requirement on February 19, 2027.

Prospective applicants should therefore calculate their age on the specified date before submitting the application.

Worldwide Eligibility

The opportunity is open to young people from around the world.

The jury is deliberately designed to include young people representing different geographical areas, cultures, and generations.

The programme specifically refers to participation from:

• Normandy
• Other parts of France
• Other countries around the world

Therefore, the opportunity is not restricted to applicants living in France.

Young people from African countries, Asian countries, European countries, countries in North and South America, Oceania, and other parts of the world can potentially apply, provided they satisfy the other eligibility requirements.

Language Requirements

Applicants must be able to express themselves orally and in writing in either French or English.

Applicants can choose either language.

No other language will be used for exchanges with the organisers or during the jury deliberations.

Therefore, applicants should be comfortable communicating, discussing ideas, presenting arguments, and participating in group conversations in either English or French.

Applicants do not need to demonstrate proficiency in both languages if they can adequately communicate in one of the two accepted languages.

No Specific Academic or Professional Background Required

One of the most inclusive aspects of the opportunity is that there is no requirement for a specific educational or professional background.

The jury welcomes candidates with different experiences and profiles.

You do not necessarily need to be:

• A university student
• A human rights professional
• An activist
• A researcher
• A lawyer
• A political science student
• A journalist
• A member of an organisation
• An experienced youth leader

The organisers explicitly state that the jury is open to experienced and novice candidates.

This means that someone without previous experience in a similar programme can still apply.

The emphasis is instead placed on the applicant’s motivation and the overall diversity of the jury.

Previous Freedom Prize Jury Members Cannot Reapply

There is one specific restriction concerning previous participation.

A person who has already been a member of the Freedom Prize jury in a previous edition cannot stand for the jury again.

This condition is designed to help provide opportunities to new young people and maintain diversity among jury members.

Mandatory “Our Freedom Prize 2027” Nomination

Applicants for the international jury must also complete the “Our Freedom Prize 2027” call for nominations form.

The nomination involves proposing an individual or organisation that is engaged in a fight for freedom.

Importantly, the nomination form will be available from September 1, 2026.

The organisers indicate that the nomination form can be completed even if it is submitted after the jury application.

Applicants should therefore make sure they do not overlook this additional requirement.

A strong nomination should clearly identify the person or organisation being proposed and explain the importance and impact of their work in relation to freedom.

How Are International Jury Members Selected?

Selection is conducted by the organisers of the Freedom Prize.

The information provided in the application form will be considered when determining who is selected.

The organisers are particularly interested in ensuring diversity of profiles within the international jury.

This includes diversity in areas such as:

• Geography
• Culture
• Generation
• Experience
• Personal background
• Perspectives and viewpoints

The programme does not require applicants to have participated in similar initiatives before.

Instead, motivation is given particular attention.

The organisers may also conduct telephone interviews with applicants before making the final selection.

Applicants should therefore provide thoughtful and genuine responses throughout the application form and be prepared to discuss their motivation if contacted.

What Makes a Strong Applicant?

Although the organisers do not require a particular educational or professional background, applicants should demonstrate genuine interest in the purpose of the Freedom Prize.

A strong application could communicate:

• Why freedom matters to you
• Your understanding of freedom and human rights
• Your interest in social or civic issues
• Your ability to listen to perspectives different from your own
• Your willingness to engage in constructive debate
• Your ability to analyse information critically
• Your interest in learning from other young people
• Your ability to work collaboratively
• Your motivation for joining the international jury
• What perspective or experience you could contribute to a diverse international jury

Applicants should avoid presenting themselves simply as people looking for an opportunity to travel to France.

The jury has an important responsibility, so the application should demonstrate a genuine understanding of the role and its purpose.

Preparatory Work Before Travelling to France

Being selected does not mean that jury members can simply wait until February to participate.

Before travelling to Caen and Normandy, each international jury member agrees to:

• Participate in preparatory video conferences
• Complete preparation work remotely
• Familiarise themselves with the jury’s responsibilities
• Prepare for the deliberation process

Applicants should therefore be able to commit time to the programme before the physical meeting in February 2027.

This remote preparation is an important part of the overall experience.

Application Process

The application is structured into several sections.

Applicants are asked to complete the following stages:

1. Presentation
2. Contact details
3. Languages
4. Application
5. Resume/CV

The application form allows candidates to choose between English and French.

Applicants should carefully complete each section and ensure that the information supplied is accurate and consistent.

A resume/CV must be attached at the end of the application.

Because motivation is an important consideration in the selection process, applicants should give serious attention to their written responses rather than treating the application as a simple registration form.

What Should You Prepare Before Applying?

Prospective applicants can prepare the following materials and information in advance.

1. An Updated CV

Your CV should clearly present relevant aspects of your background, interests, education, work, volunteering, leadership, community activities, projects, advocacy, or other experiences.

Because there is no required professional background, applicants should not assume that they need an extensive CV.

2. Your Motivation

Think carefully about why you want to become a member of the Freedom Prize international jury.

Consider:

• Why are you interested in freedom?
• Why do you want to participate in the selection process?
• What perspectives can you contribute?
• How do you approach disagreement?
• What would you like to learn from other young people?
• Why is international youth participation important?

3. Language Ability

Choose the language in which you can communicate most confidently: English or French.

4. Availability

Make sure you can commit to the required preparatory activities and the February 2027 stay in Normandy.

5. Your Freedom Prize Nomination

From September 1, 2026, make sure you complete the required “Our Freedom Prize 2027” nomination form.

Important Dates for the Freedom Prize 2027

The following dates are important for applicants:

• International jury applications open: June 4, 2026
• “Our Freedom Prize 2027” nomination form available: September 1, 2026
• International jury application deadline: September 30, 2026
• Nomination call deadline: January 12, 2027
• Jury stay in Normandy: February 14–20, 2027
• Formal jury deliberations: February 15–19, 2027
• Online Freedom Prize vote: March 22–April 30, 2027
• Freedom Prize award ceremony: June 2027

Freedom Prize 2027 Jury Application Deadline

The application must be validated online no later than Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Paris time, France.

Applications or confirmations submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their forms.

Because the deadline is expressed in Paris time, international applicants should account for the time difference between France and their country when submitting their application.

What Happens After You Apply?

The organisers will assess applications based on the information provided.

The selection process is intended to create a diverse international jury rather than simply select applicants according to a single academic or professional criterion.

Some applicants may also be contacted for a telephone interview before the final selection.

Successful candidates will then participate in the preparatory activities and ultimately travel to Normandy for the February 2027 jury meeting.

Data Protection and Privacy

The application form also contains important information concerning the processing of applicants’ personal data.

The data collected is processed by the Normandy Region to assist with the organisation of the Freedom Prize.

The information may be shared with the organisers of the event and will be stored for ten years after the event.

Applicants are informed of their rights under the European data protection framework and French data protection legislation.

These rights include the ability to:

• Access personal information
• Request correction of personal information
• Request deletion of personal information
• Object to the processing of personal information

For matters relating to data protection, applicants can contact the Data Protection Officer at dpo@normandie.fr.

Applicants should also review the applicable rules and data-processing information before submitting the form.

Questions and Application Support

Applicants who experience difficulties completing the application or who have questions about participation can contact the Freedom Prize organisers.

The contact email provided for enquiries is:

prixliberte@normandie.fr

A text version of the application form is also available upon request for applicants who require it.

Why Young People Should Consider Applying

The Freedom Prize international jury offers young people an opportunity to take part in a meaningful international decision-making process.

Rather than simply attending a conference, jury members will have a direct role in evaluating proposals and identifying the three candidates who will proceed to the final public vote.

The experience can provide exposure to:

• International youth participation
• Human rights and freedom issues
• Research and analysis
• Argumentation
• Collaborative decision-making
• Cross-cultural dialogue
• Public-interest advocacy
• Leadership and civic engagement
• International networking
• Critical thinking
• Group deliberation

For young people interested in international development, human rights, diplomacy, public policy, social change, advocacy, journalism, law, politics, peacebuilding, or community leadership, the experience may also provide valuable personal and professional development.

A Unique International Youth Experience

The international jury is designed around the idea that young people should have a meaningful role in determining which freedom-related struggles deserve international recognition.

The programme brings together 24 young people from different geographical and cultural backgrounds and gives them a shared responsibility.

Rather than requiring everyone to have identical experiences or opinions, the organisers are looking for diversity.

This makes the ability to listen, analyse, discuss, question assumptions, and work with people who have different perspectives particularly important.

The jury members will collectively determine which three causes are most representative of a fight for freedom in 2027.

Their decision will then shape the final stage of the Freedom Prize.

Official Application and Further Information

Applicants should review the official Freedom Prize information and rules before submitting their application.

Official website: https://prixliberte.normandie.fr/en

Applicants should ensure that they understand all participation requirements, particularly the age requirement, language requirement, February availability, previous-jury restriction, CV requirement, and mandatory “Our Freedom Prize 2027” nomination.

More global opportunities visit OFY Website HERE

Conclusion

The Freedom Prize 2027 International Jury offers young people aged 15 to 25 from around the world an opportunity to take an active role in an international process focused on freedom, human rights, commitment, and social change.

The selected jury will consist of 24 young people, bringing together different geographical, cultural, and generational perspectives. Members will study nominations, conduct research and analysis, exchange arguments, compare viewpoints, and collectively select three individuals or organisations whose fight for freedom they believe is particularly representative of young people’s concerns in 2027.

The opportunity does not require a specific degree, profession, or previous jury experience. Instead, the organisers place particular importance on applicants’ motivation and the diversity of profiles represented in the jury.

Selected members will participate in preparatory activities before travelling to Normandy, where they will take part in the February 2027 programme. Transportation, accommodation, catering, and visa costs will be covered by the organisers, making the opportunity accessible to selected participants from different parts of the world.

If you are between 15 and 25 on February 19, 2027, can communicate confidently in English or French, are interested in freedom and social issues, and are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to an international youth jury, this could be a valuable opportunity to consider.

Application deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Paris time, France.

Applicants should submit their applications well before the deadline and remember to complete the required “Our Freedom Prize 2027” nomination form, which becomes available on September 1, 2026.