Second Edition Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme

Second Edition Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme is sponsored by UNESCO. This is a global leadership initiative supporting emerging leaders to promote peace, inclusion, and intercultural dialogue. The 2026 edition focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence on human connection, but it's broadly focused on youth and international cooperation, which could encompass education in Peru.

Call for Applications · Second Edition Youth for Peace: UNESCO Search Quick links: AI Response to Crisis Key Challenges Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme Call for Applications · Second Edition Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme Application Deadline: 19 July 2026, 23:59 CET (Paris time) Lead Change Through Intercultural Leadership 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.

Through leadership development, mentorship, community action, and global engagement, the programme builds a new generation of intercultural leaders who translate dialogue into meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

2026 Theme: Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence is transforming how people communicate, learn, work, and engage across cultures — creating new opportunities for participation, education, and connection while raising urgent questions about trust, inclusion, representation, and equality.

Participants will explore how AI is reshaping intercultural relationships and social cohesion, engaging with challenges including: M isinformation, hate speech, and online polarisation A lgorithmic bias, stereotyping, and digital discrimination U nequal access to technology, infrastructure, education, and digital skills T he representation of diverse cultures, languages, and knowledge systems within AI At the same time, participants will examine how AI can advance intercultural understanding through multilingual communication, accessibility, civic participation, cultural preservation, conflict prevention, and new forms of cross-border collaboration.

Through this lens, participants will develop dialogue-based responses that place human connection and intercultural understanding at the centre of technological change. Selected participants will join a global community of intercultural leaders and receive the support, resources, and platform to advance dialogue-driven initiatives, contribute to international policy conversations, and help build more inclusive and peaceful societies.

The programme forms part of UNESCO’s Road to Peace: Dialogue and Action for Tolerance and Intercultural Understanding initiative. Three interconnected phases combining leadership development, practical action, and global engagement. PHASE 1 - Strengthen your leadership practice An immersive learning journey designed to deepen participants’ capacity to lead across differences and mobilise dialogue as a catalyst for change.

Preparatory Training Programme A structured series of interactive online workshops building the competencies intercultural leaders need to drive change in complex, diverse, and rapidly evolving environments.

Topics may include: Intercultural leadership in practice — leading across differences, building trust in diverse settings, and mobilising collective action through dialogue Strategic communication and influence — framing narratives for impact, communicating across cultural and linguistic boundaries, and engaging stakeholders at multiple levels Intercultural mediation and conflict transformation — facilitating dialogue in contested spaces, navigating disagreement constructively, and supporting reconciliation through intercultural approaches Foresight, anticipation, and adaptive leadership — reading complex social and technological trends, anticipating change, and designing responses that are resilient and forward-looking Technology as a tool for dialogue — exploring how digital platforms and AI can expand the reach of intercultural dialogue, support multilingual communication, and open new spaces for participation and collaboration AI as a resource for intercultural leaders — using AI tools ethically and critically to design, communicate, and amplify leadership initiatives while centering inclusion and intercultural sensitivity Designing dialogue-based initiatives for impact — developing theory of change, engaging communities, and building initiatives that generate measurable social outcomes PHASE 2 - Lead an intercultural action initiative Participants apply their learning by designing and leading an intercultural dialogue initiative that addresses the programme’s annual theme.

Upon approval of their action plan, participants receive seed funding to translate their leadership vision into practical community action.

Align with the theme Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of Artificial Intelligence U se intercultural dialogue as a core methodology B e implemented within six months at local or national level Throughout implementation, participants continue to receive mentorship, learning opportunities, and peer support.

Definition of intercultural dialogue “A process undertaken to realize transformative communication that requires space or opportunities for engagement and a diverse group of participants committed to values such as mutual respect, empathy, and a willingness to consider different perspectives.

” — UNESCO & Institute for Economics & Peace, 2020 PHASE 3 - Amplify impact and influence global conversations Beyond community-level action, participants contribute to broader global discussions on peace, inclusion, and intercultural leadership.

UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace A convening of emerging leaders and decision-makers from around the world, providing opportunities to: P resent initiative outcomes and lessons learned E xchange innovative practices and approaches E ngage directly with policymakers and institutional leaders C ontribute youth perspectives to global discussions on social cohesion and peace Membership in the Youth for Peace Global Alumni Network, with ongoing opportunities for collaboration, advocacy, and leadership development.

Knowledge and policy contributions Access to UNESCO tools, methodologies, and resources, with opportunities to contribute insights to the UNESCO Global Intercultural Action Observatory, informing future policy and advocacy efforts. English is the official working language of the programme. All applications, proposals, and programme communications must be submitted in English.

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

Applicants must: Be between 25 and 45 years old as of 22 October 2026 H ave a demonstrated record of leadership in their field S how commitment to intercultural dialogue and social impact D emonstrate openness to self-reflection, dialogue across differences, and collaborative learning H ave the potential to influence and create positive change in their communities B e available to participate fully in all programme components Inability to participate fully in the programme will result in non-selection.

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. The cohort of 50 Young Leaders will be notified by mid-October 2026. Apply now and become part of the next generation of intercultural leaders.

If you are ready to strengthen your leadership, mobilise dialogue as a force for change, and contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful world, we encourage you to apply. Through the Youth for Peace programme, you will gain the skills, resources, networks, and platform to lead dialogue-driven action in your community and join a growing global movement working for peace and social cohesion. Click HERE to apply.

Deadline: 19 July 2026, 23:59 CET (Paris time) Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully before submitting. Social and human sciences Promote Inclusion ＆ Mutual Understanding Build a Stronger Multilateralism (UN, G20, Partnerships…)