Generation connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP) 2026 2027 is currently receiving applications of young aspirational leaders who desire to create a real impact on their communities, through digital innovation. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the driving force of this prestigious global initiative, which is being carried out in collaboration with Huawei and its goal is to empower young changemakers and assist in the innovative development projects in digital spheres of the world.
The programme is aimed at young people with innovative ideas that will create a more inclusive, connected, and digitally empowered future. Each year 30 fellows are chosen to take part in this one year leadership programme in various parts of the world. These fellows are mentored, undergo professional training and are given funds to take their innovative ideas to practical projects that can be of help to their communities.
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About the Leadership Programme.
Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme is included in the wider endeavours of ITU to invite the youth to be part of the future of digital development. The program is aimed at assisting young innovators that commit to addressing real-life challenges through digital technologies.
The programme will employ selected fellows to deliver community-driven digital development projects that promote the following critical areas of concern; digital inclusion, education, sustainability, connectivity, and technological innovation. The programme targets to maintain the active participation of the youth in the solution-opinion design processes that can make social and economic contributions.
The participants will enjoy the mentorship services of professionals and experts of ITU, Huawei, and other partner organisations. These mentorship workshops assist fellows to build on their leadership skills, project management skills, and digital innovation skills.
Who Can Apply? for leadersip programme
Young people who are showing leadership potential and determined to be committed to the development of digital are welcome to the programme. In order to be eligible, the applicants shall have the following requirements:
- The candidates should be aged between 18 to 28 years.
- They must be already pursuing or recently graduated in tertiary education programmes in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or other related courses.
- The candidates should be interested in innovation in the digital world and community building.
- An individual must have excellent communication skills because the fellows will be engaged in training, networking, and group projects during the programme.
Applications are highly encouraged among young innovators who already have an idea of a digital project or are already a working community initiative.
Selected Fellows for leadersip programme
The GCYLP is equipped to a great extent providing young leaders with a wide range of benefits that allow them to fulfill their ideas. The chosen fellows will be provided with:
Training on leadership and mentorship.
The participants will be provided with virtual training regarding the leadership development, the digital innovation, and the project implementation.
Opportunities of global networking.
The fellows will be linked with other young innovators, world experts, and other industry leaders working in digital development.
Participation in Global Development Week.
The successful fellows will get the chance to visit a physical global development program in Geneva, Switzerland, where they will be introduced to the other changemakers and experts across the world.
Funding of projects.
Every fellow will be given a starting grant of an amount of 5,000 USD to carry out their digital development project within their community.
Further funding opportunity.
The most influential and effective projects can be granted an extra $5,000 USD grant in the end of the programme that can be included in the overall possible costs to 10,000 USD.
This funding can help young leaders to turn their ideas into viable projects that can help bring digital advancements to their communities.
Application Process for Leadership programme
Those who are interested will be required to fill the official application form on or before the deadline. Selection is competitive and candidates are urged to come up with clear and innovative ideas of the projects.
In case of shortlisting, the candidates will be requested to submit some supporting documents, which include:
- Proof of identity
- Evidence of school attendance or college degree.
Contact information of two references. - A brief video message that tells who they are and what their project is.
The guidelines and commonly asked questions must be checked well by the applicants prior to making an application.
For clarifications on the application and selection process, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or email us at GCYLP@itu.int.
Deadline for leadership programme
📅 Deadline: 31 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
Applications will not be entertained after the due date and therefore interested candidates are expected to apply early enough before the due date.
Why This Programme Matters
The Generation connect young leadership Programme is a significant chance that young individuals have to emerge as leaders in the digital transformation. The programme aids in overcoming the global challenges and inclusive digital development through supporting innovation by the young generation.
There is also creativity, energy and vision in the young leaders who can come up with solutions that are capable of changing communities and making lives better. GCYLP equips them with resources, knowledge and global platform to bring their ideas into reality.
This programme may prove to be a life-altering experience, in case you are a passionate technology, innovation, and positive change maker in the community.The Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme About the Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme.
Helen Oesha holds a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship and is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment through education. Since 2021, she has been guiding students toward scholarships and international opportunities, making higher education more accessible worldwide. Oesha platform is widely regarded as a leading source for discovering global opportunities. Having personally experienced the challenges and success of funded doctoral studies, she is passionate about bridging the gap between ambition and access, helping students realize their dreams and reach their highest potential.