The ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program 2026 is a fully funded international program co-organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Huawei, selecting 30 fellows from all nationalities aged 18 to 28 to travel to Geneva, Switzerland, for a one-week global development event in July 2026, followed by one year of virtual mentorship and training. The program supports individuals proposing innovative community digital development projects, providing an initial project grant of USD 5,000 with the potential for an additional USD 5,000 for high-impact projects. The application deadline is 31 March 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded International Leadership & Training Program |
| Organising Body | International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with Huawei |
| Mode | Hybrid (In-person in Geneva + one year of virtual training) |
| Duration | One week in Geneva plus one year of virtual mentorship |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 March 2026 |
About the Program
The ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program 2026 is designed to empower, connect, engage, and inspire young digital leaders and changemakers from across the globe. Jointly delivered by ITU and Huawei, the program targets individuals who are actively developing or proposing digital projects with measurable community impact across their respective ITU regions. Consequently, selected fellows receive both financial and institutional support to move their projects from concept to implementation within one year.
The program operates across two phases: an intensive in-person Global Development Week in Geneva, Switzerland, where fellows engage in practical training, peer exchange, and high-level sessions, followed by a sustained virtual mentorship and training component spanning the remainder of the year. Furthermore, the dual-phase structure ensures that fellows are not simply conference attendees but active participants in a year-long ecosystem of digital development, institutional guidance, and project accountability supported by two of the world’s leading technology and telecommunications organisations.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Must hold or be currently pursuing a degree in STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics — from a university or equivalent institution
- Open to applicants from all nationalities worldwide
- English speaking skills are required for participation
Experience & Other Conditions
- Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years of age
- Must demonstrate interest in leading and implementing a digital development project within their community
- Must have a clearly defined new or existing digital project idea at the time of application
- A laptop is required for program participation
Benefits & Funding
The ITU and Huawei jointly cover all core expenses for the in-person Geneva event, alongside structured financial and professional support throughout the program year.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Travel & Accommodation (Geneva) | Fully covered by ITU and Huawei for the Global Development Week |
| Virtual Mentorship & Training | Provided by ITU and Huawei for one year |
| Initial Project Grant | USD 5,000 awarded to all selected fellows |
| Additional Project Grant | USD 5,000 for fellows with high-impact projects |
| Practical Training Sessions | Delivered during the in-person Geneva event |
| Project Implementation Support | Guidance for self-chosen digital development projects across ITU regions |
Selection Process
- Online application submitted via the official ITU GCYLP portal before 31 March 2026
- Evaluation of academic background, digital development experience, and personal motivation
- Assessment of the proposed or existing digital community project idea and its intended ITU region of implementation
- Final selection of 30 fellows conducted by ITU and Huawei based on project merit and leadership potential
How to Apply
- Visit the official ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program 2026 application portal.
- Complete the online application form with your personal and contact details.
- Provide your academic background, including any postgraduate qualifications, and a short biography highlighting your digital development experience and motivation.
- Outline your new or existing digital project idea and specify the ITU region in which you intend to implement it.
- Upload all required documents: CV, passport, educational transcript or graduation certificate, project details, and any additional supporting materials.
- Agree to the program terms and conditions and submit before the 31 March 2026 deadline.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | No application fee required |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 8 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 March 2026 |
| Global Development Week | July 2026, Geneva, Switzerland |
| Virtual Training Duration | One year following the in-person event |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program 2026?
Applicants aged 18 to 28 from all nationalities with a STEM academic background and a digital community development project idea are eligible. Notably, English speaking skills and access to a laptop are also required for participation.
What financial support does the ITU GCYLP 2026 provide?
All 30 selected fellows receive an initial project grant of USD 5,000. Furthermore, fellows demonstrating high-impact project outcomes may receive an additional USD 5,000, alongside fully covered travel and accommodation for the Geneva Global Development Week.
What is the structure of the ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program 2026?
The program combines a one-week in-person Global Development Week in Geneva, Switzerland, with one year of virtual mentorship and training delivered by ITU and Huawei, supporting fellows through the full implementation cycle of their digital projects.
Do applicants need an existing project to apply?
Applicants may propose either a new or an existing digital development project. Consequently, both early-stage concepts and projects already in progress are eligible, provided they demonstrate clear community impact and a defined ITU region of implementation.
Is there an application fee for the ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program 2026?
No. The ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program 2026 requires no application fee, and all in-person program expenses in Geneva are fully covered by ITU and Huawei for selected fellows.