Empowering young leaders to drive change through intercultural dialogue

The Youth for Peace: UNESCO intercultural leadership programme is an initiative designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and resources to champion intercultural dialogue as a strategy to address pressing global challenges. Through this programme, UNESCO is cultivating a new generation of champions for dialogue, cohesion, and peace, empowering them to lead transformative action at local, national, and global levels. In its first year of operation, the theme for the Programme will be ‘Learning to collaborate for a shared future: Using dialogue to foster social cohesion in a world on the move’. 

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Selected participants will become part of a dynamic, international network of young leaders and changemakers, gaining the opportunity to champion intercultural dialogue and drive meaningful impact in their communities. This immersive journey includes capacity-building, financial grants, ongoing mentorship and an opportunity raise your voice on an international platform. More importantly, it fosters long-term engagement in a community of leaders committed to using dialogue to drive solutions and shape policies that promote cohesion and foster peace. The programme is a key part of UNESCO’s “Road to Peace: Dialogue and Action for Tolerance and Intercultural Understanding” initiative, amplifying youth-led action and contributing to systemic change worldwide. 

Who can apply?

To be eligible, applicants must: 

• Be between 25 and 45 years old as of 1 September 2025.
• Have a proven record of leadership in their field.
• Demonstrate a commitment to intercultural dialogue and social impact.
• Have the potential to influence and create change within their communities.
• Be available to participate in all components of the programme. 

Community-led projects must: 

• Align with the theme: ‘Learning to Collaborate for a Shared Future: Using dialogue to foster social cohesion in a world on the move’.
• Be able to be implemented within six months.
• Be of local or national scope. 

Selection Process 

Step 1: Application Submission  

Interested candidates must complete the online application form and submit the required documents by June 22, 2025, 23:59 CET (Paris time). 

Step 2: Pre-Screening 

Applications will be reviewed to ensure they meet the minimum requirements for eligibility. 

Step 3: Technical Review 

An international jury will evaluate applications based on the predefined criteria (see Terms and Conditions for more details). 

Step 4: Validation 

The final 50 participants will be notified by August 2025. 

Apply now!  

Are you ready to lead change in your community? Apply for the Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme today! Click HERE to access the application form and begin your journey toward becoming a champion for intercultural dialogue. 

The application deadline is June 22, 2025, 23:59 CET (Paris time). 

Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully before applying.