Description
The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme empowers emerging leaders to harness intercultural dialogue to resolve global challenges like social divides and climate change. This immersive two-year initiative, co-hosted by UNESCO and Kingold Group, combines virtual training, mentorship, and an in-person summit in Guangzhou, China. Participants design and implement six-month community projects aligned with the theme “Learning to Collaborate for a Shared Future: Using dialogue to foster social cohesion in a world on the move.” With a focus on SDGs 4, 5, 10, 11, and 16, the program bridges grassroots action and global policy, creating a ripple effect of youth-led peace building.
Eligibility
This program seeks passionate changemakers aged 25–45 (as of September 1, 2025) who have demonstrated leadership in fields like conflict resolution, social justice, or community development. Applicants must possess a proven track record of driving social impact and show alignment with the program’s goals of fostering intercultural understanding. While there are no nationality restrictions, candidates must commit to full participation in all phases, including online training (September 2025), project implementation (November 2025–May 2026), and the Global Youth Leaders Dialogue for Peace in China (April 2026).
Projects must address the annual theme, operate at a local or national level, and be feasible within six months. English proficiency is mandatory, as all training, proposals, and communications are conducted in English. Notably, UNESCO employees and individuals with criminal convictions are ineligible.
Benefits
Selected participants join a transformative journey designed to amplify their influence and skills:
● Capacity Building: Engage in structured online workshops on intercultural leadership, design thinking, and conflict resolution, led by global experts.
● Financial Support: Receive a $10,000 grant to implement community projects, with expenses covering activities directly tied to project goals (e.g., workshops, materials).
● Global Exposure: Present projects at the Global Youth Leaders Dialogue for Peace in China, networking with policymakers and thought leaders.
● Mentorship: Access personalized coaching and peer-to-peer learning to refine strategies and overcome challenges during project execution.
● Alumni Network: Join a lifelong community of changemakers, gaining access to UNESCO resources, advocacy platforms, and collaboration opportunities.
The program also covers costs for the China summit, including travel and accommodation, ensuring equitable participation.
How to Apply
1. Prepare Documents: Draft a project proposal aligned with the theme and gather proof of leadership experience.2. Submit Online: Complete the application form on the UNESCO portal by June 22, 2025.3. Await Review: Applications undergo pre-screening, technical evaluation by an international jury, and final validation by UNESCO’s Steering Committee.4. Confirm Participation: If selected, sign consent forms and prepare for the program’s start in September 2025.
Contact Information:
Contact UNESCO at interculturaldialogue@unesco.org. https://mailto:interculturaldialogue@unesco.org. For more information, visit the official website.
Together for a Better Tomorrow
