ITU Gender Champions Programme 2026-27: Apply for Geneva Summit

Application Deadline: November 15, 2026

Applications are open forITU Gender Champions Programme, a new initiative from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It backs young women who use digital technology to make life better in their communities. The deadline is November 15, 2026, so there are only about two and a half weeks left.

This is the first edition, and it is small: up to four young women aged 18 to 25 will be selected. Those chosen join a global network of young changemakers and get the chance to take part in the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 21 to 25, 2027.

If you’re building something with technology in an African community, such as teaching digital skills, improving access or keeping girls safe online, this could put your work in front of global decision-makers.

About the Programme

The ITU runs the programme with support from Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4). Its goal is to recognise emerging women leaders and connect them with experts, policymakers and innovators across the digital world.

Many kinds of work count. The programme welcomes projects on:

Digital skills and literacy
Digital inclusion and connectivity
Technology and digital innovation
Online safety
Artificial intelligence for social good
Women’s and girls’ empowerment through technology
Inclusive digital policies

The AI for Good Global Summit 2027

The summit is a major international platform for conversations on AI, innovation and technology for positive social impact. For selected Champions, it is a chance to link local work with global debates on a fair digital future.

What Selected Champions Receive

A place in a global network of young women leading digital transformation
Contact with experts, policymakers and innovators
More visibility and leadership experience
A platform to share your work and story
A chance to take part in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva
Possible support for a community-level project on women’s and girls’ digital inclusion, access, skills or empowerment, subject to available funding

Please note that the listing is tagged “Fully Funded,” but it does not spell out what costs are covered. The community project support depends on funding. Confirm the exact package in the official Terms and Conditions.

Who Can Apply

You should:

Be a young woman aged 18 to 25
Use digital technology to create positive change in your community, country or region
Be from Africa, the Americas, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, or the Commonwealth of Independent States

You can show your impact through community projects, digital initiatives, advocacy, tech-based solutions or skills programmes. You don’t need a big organisation behind you.

How to Apply and Key Dates

Complete the online application form on the official ITU page. The listing links to the official provider portal, so use the link there.

Key dates:

November 15, 2026: Application deadline
November 16, 2026 to March 7, 2027: Review and selection
March 8, 2027: Cohort announced
June 21 to 25, 2027: AI for Good Global Summit, Geneva

Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. The ITU will also consider diversity of background, experience and geography when it builds the final group.

Tips for a Strong Application

Lead with results. Say who you helped, how many people you reached and what changed.
Be specific about the technology. Explain what you built or taught, and how it works.
Link your work to inclusion. Show how it opens doors for women and girls.
Tell your story simply. Judges read many entries, so be clear and honest.
Show where you want to go. Explain how the summit and network would help you grow your work.
Read the Terms and Conditions. The selection criteria are in there.
Submit early. Competition is tough for only four places.

Conclusion

Four places is a small number, but it only takes one strong application. If you’re a young woman using technology to help your community, your work may deserve this stage.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE