Deadline: June 22, 2025, at 23:59 CET (Paris time)
UNESCO is now accepting applications for the 2025 Youth for Peace: Intercultural Leadership Programme, a new initiative that aims to develop young leaders who can use intercultural dialogue to address global challenges and promote social cohesion.
In its first edition, the programme will focus on the theme:
“Learning to Collaborate for a Shared Future: Using dialogue to foster social cohesion in a world on the move.”
This programme will train and support a new generation of changemakers to lead impactful initiatives in their communities and beyond.
What’s in it for Participants?
✅ 1. Leadership Training & Capacity Building
Participants will take part in an intensive, structured learning journey that includes:
- Online Training Workshops – Covering practical skills and knowledge for intercultural leadership and community action.
- Ongoing Learning & Support – Continued virtual sessions to strengthen participants’ abilities as they implement real-world projects.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning & Mentorship – Regular exchanges with fellow participants and guidance from mentors.
✅ 2. $10,000 Grant for Community Projects
After completing the training, each participant will:
- Submit a plan for a project focused on the programme theme.
- Upon approval, receive $10,000 to carry it out.
- Receive ongoing support during the project rollout.
✅ 3. Access to a Global Network & Lasting Opportunities
Participants will also benefit from:
- Membership in the UNESCO Global Alumni Network.
- Invitations to global events like the Global Youth Dialogue for Peace, where they will connect with global leaders and policymakers.
- Resources such as UNESCO toolkits and methodologies to help scale their initiatives.
- Contributions to the UNESCO Global Intercultural Action Observatory, a platform for sharing impactful practices globally.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be aged 25–45 as of September 1, 2025.
- Have proven leadership experience.
- Be committed to intercultural dialogue and making a social impact.
- Be ready to fully participate in all programme activities.
Your proposed community project should:
- Focus on the 2025 theme.
- Be implementable within six months.
- Be targeted at local or national level communities.
Programme Timeline
- September 2025: Online training begins
- October 2025: Submit final project plans & receive grants
- Nov 2025 – May 2026: Project implementation with mentorship
- April 2026: In-person Youth Leaders Dialogue in Guangzhou, China
- May 2026: Submit final project reports
- From May 2026 onward: Join alumni network and continue collaboration with UNESCO
🔗 For full details and application link, visit the official UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2025 webpage.
