Call for Applications: Youth for Peace UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2025 (Grant of USD 10,000)

EugenMay 23, 2025

3 minutes read

Youth for Peace UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2025

Application deadline: June 22, 2025, 23:59 CET (Paris time)

Empowering Young Leaders to Drive Change Through Intercultural Dialogue

UNESCO is calling on emerging young leaders from around the world to join its prestigious Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme. This initiative is designed to equip the next generation of changemakers with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to harness intercultural dialogue as a powerful tool to address global challenges such as social cohesion, conflict, and inequality.

With a focus on fostering understanding and cooperation across cultures, the programme aims to cultivate a new wave of leaders committed to promoting peace, inclusion, and resilience in their communities and beyond.

Why Join the Programme?

Participants in this transformative journey will become part of a vibrant, international network of young leaders and community changemakers. The programme offers a unique blend of capacity-building, mentorship, financial support, and opportunities for global engagement. It is designed not only to inspire individual growth but also to foster long-term collaboration among young leaders committed to using dialogue as a pathway to social cohesion and peace.

Selected participants will:

Gain practical skills through structured online training workshops.
Receive a financial grant of USD 10,000 to implement community projects aligned with the theme.
Access ongoing mentorship and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
Participate in high-level dialogues and forums, including the UNESCO Global Youth Leaders Dialogue for Peace in Guangzhou, China.
Join a global community dedicated to intercultural understanding and systemic change.

What the Programme Offers

1. Capacity-Building

Participants will engage in a comprehensive capacity-building programme comprising:

Online Training Workshops: Interactive sessions designed to develop skills in intercultural leadership, dialogue facilitation, and project design.
Ongoing Learning and Exchange: Continuous training modules and platforms for knowledge sharing to support project development and implementation.
Peer-to-Peer Learning and Mentorship: Regular coaching and expert guidance to help participants refine their projects and leadership approach.

2. Financial Support for Community Projects

After completing the initial training, participants will develop and submit proposals for community-led projects focused on dialogue and social cohesion. Approved projects will receive a USD 10,000 grant, empowering participants to turn their ideas into impactful actions within six months. Ongoing mentorship and training will support project success.

3. A Global Network and Long-term Impact

Participants will join an active alumni community with access to:

The Global Alumni Network, facilitating ongoing collaboration and learning.
The Global Youth Dialogue for Peace, a platform that connects young leaders with policymakers and decision-makers.
UNESCO resources, toolkits, and methodologies to scale effective practices.
Contributions to the UNESCO Global Intercultural Action Observatory, a hub for insights, best practices, and advocacy tools.

Timeline at a Glance

September 2025: Online training workshops begin.
October 2025: Submission of community project plans (with mentor support); grants disbursed.
November 2025 – May 2026: Project implementation phase, with continued mentorship.
April 2026: Participation in the UNESCO Global Youth Leaders Dialogue for Peace in Guangzhou, China, including project presentations and high-level discussions.
May 2026: Final reporting on project outcomes.
From May 2026 onwards: Ongoing engagement in the Alumni Network and UNESCO initiatives.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be aged between 25 and 45 years as of September 1, 2025.
Demonstrate a proven record of leadership and social impact.
Show a strong commitment to intercultural dialogue.
Have the potential to influence change at community or national levels.
Be available to participate fully in all programme components.

Community-led projects should:

Align with the theme: “Learning to Collaborate for a Shared Future: Using dialogue to foster social cohesion in a world on the move.”
Be implementable within six months.
Have a local or national scope.

Application Process

Step 1: Submit your online application form and required documents by June 22, 2025, 23:59 CET (Paris time).

Step 2: Applications will undergo a pre-screening to ensure eligibility.

Step 3: An international jury will evaluate shortlisted applications based on criteria outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

Step 4: The final 50 participants will be notified by August 2025.

Ready to Lead Change?

If you’re passionate about fostering intercultural understanding and making a tangible impact in your community, this is your chance. Join a global movement dedicated to peace and social cohesion.

Apply Now

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Call for Applications: Youth for Peace UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2025 (Grant of USD 10,000)