The first edition, “Learning to Collaborate for a Shared Future”, explored how dialogue can strengthen social cohesion in a world on the move. The second edition turns to human connection and dialogue in the age of artificial intelligence. Participants will examine the opportunities and risks of AI and explore how intercultural dialogue can respond to problems such as social fragmentation.
The 50 participants, aged 25 to 45, were selected from 6,786 applicants by an international jury of 26 members. The jury included UNESCO staff from Headquarters and field offices, as well as external experts in AI and peacebuilding.
The cohort comes from all regions: Africa, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean. 52% are women. Participants work in entrepreneurship, research and academia, policymaking, public administration and civil society, and include specialists in AI governance, responsible AI, digital policy, education and technology for social impact.
As artificial intelligence transforms how we communicate and interact, intercultural leadership is more essential than ever. We need leaders who can bridge differences, build trust and ensure that technological progress brings people together rather than driving them apart. UNESCO’s Youth for Peace programme equips emerging leaders with the skills to turn this vision into action. I warmly welcome our second cohort of Emerging Leaders, who will help shape a more inclusive and peaceful future
Denise Pires De Carvalho, Assistant Director-General for Sciences
Mentoring, training and funding
The second edition officially opens with a high-level event on 26 October. Participants will receive mentoring, specialised training and masterclasses focused on how technology affects social cohesion, trust and peace. Once their project is approved, each grantee will receive $10,000 to carry out an intercultural dialogue project in their community.
The programme will end with a Global Youth Dialogue for Peace, where participants will share their experiences with policymakers to feed into policy discussions.
Participants then join the alumni network, which allows them to stay in touch, share knowledge and continue their peacebuilding work after the programme ends.
The Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme is supported by the Kingold Group.
