UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026

As societies become increasingly interconnected yet fragmented by polarisation, inequality, and rapid technological change, there is a growing need for leaders who can bridge divides, foster trust, and mobilise collective action across differences.

The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme is UNESCO’s flagship initiative for emerging leaders who are driving social cohesion, inclusion, and peace through intercultural dialogue. The programme is founded on the conviction that intercultural dialogue is not simply a communication tool — it is a transformative form of leadership that equips people and communities to navigate complexity, build trust across differences, and develop shared solutions to common challenges.

• Table of Content
• About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme Fellowship
• Requirements for UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme Fellowship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme Fellowship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme Fellowship

Requirements for UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme Fellowship Qualification

UNESCO is seeking emerging leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to dialogue, inclusion, and positive social change. Applicants must:

1. Be between 25 and 45 years old as of 22 October 2026
2. Have a demonstrated record of leadership in their field
3. Show commitment to intercultural dialogue and social impact
4. Demonstrate openness to self-reflection, dialogue across differences, and collaborative learning
5. Have the potential to influence and create positive change in their communities
6. Be available to participate fully in all programme components

Interview date, Process and Venue for UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme Fellowship

Step 1 — Submit your application

• Complete the online application form with all required documentation by 19 July 2026, 23:59 CET (Paris time). The use of AI tools in preparing applications for this programme is permitted for support purposes (e.g. structuring ideas, refining language, or improving clarity). Applicants are expected to take ownership of all submitted content and ensure that their application authentically reflects their own perspectives, experiences, and motivations. Applications that fail to demonstrate sufficient personal engagement may be deemed ineligible.

Step 2 — Eligibility screening

• Applications are reviewed against programme eligibility requirements.

Step 3 — Technical assessment

• Eligible applications are evaluated by an international jury against programme assessment criteria.

Step 4 — Final selection

• The cohort of 50 Young Leaders will be notified by mid-October 2026.

Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars' Program at ALCHE 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more information, kindly visit UNESCO webpage.