Youth for Peace: Apply Now for the UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2025 (10,000 USD Grant)

Application Deadline: June 22, 2025 (23:59 CET, Paris time)

UNESCO is now accepting applications for its prestigious Youth for Peace: Intercultural Leadership Programme 2025. This fully funded initiative is designed to empower emerging leaders with the skills, tools, and global networks needed to foster peace and social cohesion through intercultural dialogue.

In today’s world—shaped by global migration, rising diversity, and shifting social landscapes—young leaders must be equipped to lead inclusive communities. The 2025 edition of the programme focuses on the theme: “Learning to Collaborate for a Shared Future: Using Dialogue to Foster Social Cohesion in a World on the Move.”

This programme not only promotes peacebuilding and leadership but also offers participants a generous grant of $10,000 USD to implement community-based projects that align with the programme’s goals.

Programme Overview and Objectives

The Youth for Peace initiative is part of UNESCO’s broader mission, “Road to Peace: Dialogue and Action for Tolerance and Intercultural Understanding.” It aims to:

• Build youth leadership capacity in intercultural dialogue.
• Support the design and implementation of community-based solutions.
• Create a robust network of peace champions across the globe.
• Promote youth contributions to education, policy, and community transformation.

What the Programme Offers

1. Comprehensive Capacity Building

Participants will undergo an intensive learning journey that includes:

• Online Training Workshops: Covering topics such as intercultural leadership, peacebuilding, and project design, these sessions will provide the foundational knowledge and practical tools to launch impactful initiatives.
• Ongoing Peer Learning and Knowledge Exchange: Participants will engage in continuous learning through webinars, collaborative discussions, and shared resources.
• Peer-to-Peer Mentorship: Each selected candidate will receive tailored mentorship from experienced professionals to guide project planning, execution, and sustainability.

2. Community Project Grant ($10,000 USD)

Following the training phase, participants are expected to submit a project plan that aligns with the programme theme. Approved proposals will receive a $10,000 USD grant to implement their initiatives over a six-month period. Projects must demonstrate feasibility, sustainability, and potential for real community impact.

3. Global Networking and Visibility

Participants will gain access to:

• The Global Alumni Network: A collaborative platform for knowledge sharing, continued engagement, and leadership development.
• The UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace: A high-level international forum that connects young leaders with policymakers to share best practices and shape global dialogue.
• UNESCO Global Intercultural Action Observatory: Selected participants will contribute valuable insights and practices that can influence education and policy on intercultural leadership worldwide.

Programme Timeline

• September 2025: Online training sessions commence.
• October 2025: Final project proposals submitted and grants awarded.
• November 2025 – May 2026: Implementation of community-based projects.
• April 2026: In-person participation at the Global Youth Leaders Dialogue for Peace in Guangzhou, China.
• May 2026: Final project reports submitted.
• Post-May 2026: Continued involvement via the Alumni Network and further UNESCO opportunities.

Language Requirement

All programme activities—including training, communication, and documentation—will be conducted in English. Applicants must be proficient in both written and spoken English.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be between 25 and 45 years old as of September 1, 2025.
• Have a proven track record of community or organizational leadership.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to intercultural dialogue and social impact.
• Be capable of implementing a project within their community.
• Be fully available to engage in all stages of the programme.

Community Project Requirements

Project proposals must:

• Be in line with the 2025 theme: “Learning to Collaborate for a Shared Future.”
• Focus on a local or national issue.
• Be implementable within six months.
• Offer clear strategies for impact and long-term sustainability.

Selection Process

1. Application Submission
   Candidates must complete the online application and upload all required documents by June 22, 2025 (23:59 CET).
2. Pre-Screening
   Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and completeness.
3. Technical Review
   A panel of international experts will evaluate submissions based on impact, feasibility, and alignment with programme goals.
4. Final Selection
   Fifty candidates will be selected and notified by August 2025.

Apply Now

Take the next step in your leadership journey. If you’re committed to promoting intercultural understanding and building a peaceful, inclusive future, apply now for the UNESCO Youth for Peace Intercultural Leadership Programme 2025.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE