UKFuture Leaders Programme 2027 supports emerging UK political leaders with policy training, a London welcome reception, a residential policy retreat in January/February 2027, and a fully funded overseas delegation visit to the Middle East or Africa. The Future Leaders Scholarship aims to build substantive knowledge, networks, and confidence for speaking authoritatively on foreign affairs, development, defense, and diplomacy.
The programme is run by the Coalition for Global Prosperity (CGP), a cross-party organisation that convenes political leaders, military and diplomatic figures, and development experts. CGP selects a cross-party cohort for multi-month engagement beginning in early 2027, including opportunities to author published policy essays and participate in high-level engagements.
Future Leaders Programme Benefits
- Fully Funded Participation: Program participation, residential retreat, and overseas trip expenses are fully covered by CGP donor organizations (participants cover personal travel to domestic event locations).
- High-Level Exposure: Direct engagement with senior political figures, military leaders, diplomats, and international development experts.
- Overseas Delegation: Fully supported international field visit to observe UK-funded international development, security, and diplomatic projects firsthand.
- Publication & Policy Impact: Opportunity to author policy recommendations and essays for the published CGP Future Leaders Essay Collection.
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Future Leaders Programme Eligibility Criteria
- Target Audience: Emerging leaders in politics, parliamentary candidates, and political activists across all UK political parties with a demonstrated interest in global affairs.
- Commitment: Must commit to attending the residential policy retreat in January/February 2027 and participating in core network activities.
- Political Alignment: Open to all political party affiliations (or aspiring political figures engaged in UK political discourse).
Eligible Fields
Foreign Policy, International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, International Development, National Security, Strategic Studies, and Diplomacy.
How Long Will it Last?
Multi-month network engagement starting in early 2027 (including a multi-day residential retreat in January/February 2027 and an overseas visit).
How to Apply for Future Leaders Programme
- Complete the online application form on the Coalition for Global Prosperity portal.
- Provide contact details, job title, company, political party affiliation (if applicable), and social media handles.
- Complete two short application essays (max 300 words each): Essay 1: Tell us about yourself and why you are interested in participating in this programme. Essay 2: What aspects of global affairs interest you most, and why?
- Confirm data processing consent and submit before 31 October 2026.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Saturday, 31 October 2026. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Future Leaders Programme. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, selection, deadlines, and how to apply for the Coalition for Global Prosperity programme.
What is the Future Leaders Programme?
The Future Leaders Programme is a cross-party foreign policy leadership network run by the Coalition for Global Prosperity for emerging UK political leaders. It includes a London welcome reception, a residential policy retreat in January/February 2027, engagements with senior figures, opportunities to publish policy essays, and an overseas delegation visit to the Middle East or Africa.
Who can apply for the programme?
The programme targets emerging leaders in politics, parliamentary candidates, and political activists across UK political parties who have a demonstrated interest in global affairs. Applicants should be engaged in UK political discourse and prepared to commit to the retreat and core network activities.
Is the programme funded?
Yes. Programme participation, the residential retreat, and the overseas delegation trip expenses are fully covered by CGP donor organisations. Participants are expected to cover personal travel to domestic event locations according to the programme details.
When is the application deadline?
Applications for the Future Leaders Programme 2027 close on 31 October 2026. Applicants must submit their completed online application, including essays and consent, before this date to be considered for the 2027 cohort.
What are the selection criteria?
Candidates are selected competitively based on political background and ambition, written essays detailing interest in foreign policy, personal leadership motivations, and specific areas of interest regarding the UK’s global role in development, defence, and diplomacy.
What commitments are required if selected?
Selected participants must commit to attending the residential policy retreat in January/February 2027 and participating in core network activities. The programme involves multi-month engagement and attendance at key events like the London welcome reception and overseas delegation.
Where will programme events take place?
The Future Leaders Programme is hybrid/multi-location: a London welcome reception, a UK residential retreat held in January/February 2027, and an overseas delegation trip to the Middle East or Africa. Exact event locations and dates are provided to selected participants.
Can applicants from outside the UK apply?
The Future Leaders Programme is targeted at UK-based political candidates and emerging leaders in politics. The HTML specifically identifies the United Kingdom as the eligible country for this application cycle.
What should I include in the application essays?
Applicants must submit two short essays (max 300 words each): one explaining who they are and why they want to participate, and a second describing which aspects of global affairs interest them most and why. Essays are used to assess commitment and policy interests.
Where can I find the official application page?
Applications are submitted through the Coalition for Global Prosperity portal. The programme page and application details are available via the Coalition for Global Prosperity website for the Future Leaders Programme 2027.
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