UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Program 2026 | Fully Funded

The UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme is a fully funded flagship initiative for emerging leaders committed to driving social cohesion, inclusion, and peace through intercultural dialogue. This programme equips participants with transformative leadership skills to bridge divides and foster trust in an increasingly interconnected world.

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, hosts this programme as part of its Road to Peace initiative. Based in Paris, France, UNESCO brings decades of expertise in promoting intercultural understanding and global cooperation, offering participants a unique platform to influence international policy and community action.

UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme Benefits

• Seed funding of USD 10,000 for approved action initiatives
• Immersive online preparatory training programme
• Mentorship and peer support throughout implementation
• Participation in the UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace
• Membership in the Youth for Peace Global Alumni Network
• Access to UNESCO tools, methodologies, and resources
• Opportunities to contribute to the UNESCO Global Intercultural Action Observatory

UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme Eligibility Criteria

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

Leadership Pathway

A three-stage experience combining leadership development, practical community action, and international collaboration.

PHASE 1 — Build Your Leadership Skills

Participants start with an engaging learning experience focused on strengthening their ability to lead in diverse communities, encourage mutual understanding, and use dialogue to create positive change.

Online Leadership Training

A series of interactive online sessions will support participants in developing key skills needed for intercultural leadership in today’s changing world. Topics may include:

• Leading across cultures — understanding differences, building trust, and encouraging cooperation among diverse groups.
• Communication and influence — creating meaningful messages, communicating across languages and cultures, and connecting with different communities.
• Dialogue and conflict transformation — supporting respectful discussions, managing differences, and helping communities move toward understanding.
• Adaptive and future-oriented leadership — identifying challenges, responding to change, and creating sustainable approaches.
• Technology for intercultural connection — using digital tools to strengthen dialogue, increase participation, and support collaboration.
• AI for responsible leadership — using artificial intelligence tools ethically to support ideas, communication, and inclusive leadership initiatives.
• Developing impactful initiatives — planning projects, engaging communities, and creating solutions with measurable outcomes.

PHASE 2 — Launch an Intercultural Action Project

Participants will apply their learning by designing and leading a project connected to the programme’s annual theme.

Seed Funding: USD 10,000

Selected participants with approved project plans will receive financial support to transform their ideas into real community-based actions.

Projects should:

• Support the theme “Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”
• Use intercultural dialogue as a main approach
• Be completed within six months
• Create positive impact at local or national levels

Throughout the project journey, participants will receive mentorship, guidance, and support from peers and programme experts.

Intercultural dialogue means creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can communicate, respect diverse perspectives, and work together toward shared goals.

PHASE 3 — Expand Your Global Impact

Participants will contribute to wider international discussions on peace, inclusion, and intercultural leadership.

UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace

A global platform bringing together young leaders and decision-makers, offering opportunities to:

• Share project results and experiences
• Exchange creative ideas and successful practices
• Connect with policymakers and global leaders
• Contribute youth perspectives to discussions on peace and social cohesion

Global Alumni Network

Participants will join the Youth for Peace alumni community, creating opportunities for continued collaboration, advocacy, and leadership growth.

Knowledge Sharing and Policy Contribution

Participants will gain access to UNESCO resources, tools, and methodologies while contributing ideas that can support future initiatives and policy development.

How to Apply for UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme

• Complete the online application form with all required documentation by 19 July 2026, 23:59 CET (Paris time)
• Applications are reviewed against programme eligibility requirements
• Eligible applications are evaluated by an international jury against programme assessment criteria
• The cohort of 50 Young Leaders will be notified by mid-October 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.