UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector (SHS) has selected 50 young and emerging leaders from around the world to take part in the inaugural Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme, supported by the Kingold Group.

This flagship initiative brings together UNESCO’s work on intercultural dialogue and on youth as an organization-wide priority, with the aim of equipping emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and tools to transform dialogue into action, using intercultural cooperation as a powerful driver of peace and social cohesion in an increasingly complex world.

From an exceptional pool of?8,250 applicants from every region of the globe, a final group of 50 participants - aged 25 to 45 - was chosen through a rigorous review by an?international technical jury of 22 experts?- both from within UNESCO and its field offices, as well as from external academics in the field of intercultural dialogue. The final group reflects strong gender balance and geographic diversity, with participants coming from every region, and bringing together a wealth of experiences, perspectives, and innovative ideas. Coming from a wide range of backgrounds, sectors, and professions, the participants include leaders from the fields of education, arts, business, non-profit management, sport, mediation, politics, medicine, academia, culture, and strategic communication. These inspiring grantees embody the spirit of collaborative leadership needed to address the challenges of our time.

The programme officially begins on?28 August 2025, marking the start of a journey of learning, collaboration, and leadership development. Over the course of the year, each grantee will receive?USD 10,000 in funding?to implement innovative intercultural projects in their communities, alongside tailored training, mentoring, and peer exchange. The programme will combine customized online training with opportunities for peer-to-peer learning and will culminate in?April 2026?at the?UNESCO Global Youth Leaders Dialogue for Peace?in Guangzhou, China.

By joining the?Youth for Peace Alumni Network, participants will become part of a global movement of intercultural leaders with the strategic capacity to lead across cultural and social differences, harnessing diversity as an asset to foster trust, cooperation, and practical solutions to shared challenges. In today’s interconnected world, the ability to navigate complexity and mobilize diverse perspectives is what will define the leaders who can build stability, resilience, and innovation for our shared future. The programme’s outcomes will not only empower participants individually but also contribute to strengthening inclusive societies by placing intercultural dialogue at the heart of peacebuilding efforts.

Through Youth for Peace, UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to youth leadership and intercultural cooperation as essential levers for building lasting peace in an interconnected world.