About UNESCO
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO's programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.Activities by UNESCO
UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026 Edition: Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of AI (Cohort Application Open)
Global Not Applicable
UNESCO has launched the global call for applications for the second edition of the Youth for Peace: UNESCO Intercultural Leadership Programme, a global initiative supporting emerging leaders (aged 25-45) who use intercultural dialogue to foster peace, social cohesion and inclusive community action. The 2026 edition will focus on the theme “Human Connection and Dialogue in the Age of AI.”
UNESCO is looking for candidates who are exploring how AI can be leveraged to strengthen human connection, foster dialogue across differences, and advance positive social impact, for example in areas such as: AI ethics, digital transformation, digital inclusion, intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, social cohesion, youth leadership, education, science policy, and community-based action.
Over the course of the programme, 50 selected participants will: Take part in high-level online masterclasses and peer-to-peer exchanges from October to December 2026; Receive USD 10,000 in seed funding to design and implement a dialogue-based community initiative from January to July 2027; Benefit from mentorship and leadership development opportunities; Join a global community of emerging intercultural leaders and UNESCO’s Global Youth Alumni Network; Participate in the UNESCO Global Youth Dialogue for Peace in China in Q3/Q4 2027, subject to confirmation.
Applications are open until 19 July 2026 at 23:59 CEST, Paris time.
Full details and the application form are available here: https://www.unesco.org/en/call-applications-2026?hub=181405
Training for the Justice Sector in Latin America on the UNESCO Global Training Toolkit on AI and the Rule of Law
Latin America and the Caribbean ColombiaCosta RicaDominican RepublicEcuadorParaguayThis training strengthens the capacity of judges and prosecutors in Latin America to deliberate and manage cases of AI/digital origin, while protecting human rights. It develops a set of guidelines for the use of AI by the judiciary, addresses international human rights standards, and provides technical advice for the development of necessary tools.
Activity Type Policy/Regulatory GuidanceThe Athens Roundtable
GlobalThe Athens Roundtable is an annual multi-stakeholder conference co-hosted by UNESCO to advance and widen the global dialogue on the enforcement of AI policies and regulations, coordinated efforts toward AI standards and benchmarks, and the adoption of AI in alignment with human rights and democratic values.
Activity Type Networks/Mentorship/ExchangePolicy/Regulatory GuidanceAwareness/AdvocacyUNESCO Programme on AI for the Public Sector
Global BrazilCosta RicaIndiaNigeriaRwandaSouth AfricaUNESCO’s AI for the Public Sector programme helps governments build the institutional capacities needed to navigate AI and digital transformation responsibly. Through global competency frameworks, training programmes, policy guidance, national capacity-building initiatives, and the SPARK-AI Alliance, UNESCO helps public institutions develop the skills, safeguards, and leadership required to harness AI in ways that are ethical, inclusive, human-centred, and aligned with the public interest. This includes a Digital Competency Framework and a UNESCO-Oxford online course on AI and Digital Transformation in Government.
Activity Type AI Tools/SolutionsTrainings/WorkshopsTechnical AssistanceResearch/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory GuidanceInfrastructure/Systems DevelopmentNetworks/Mentorship/ExchangeFellowship