Application Deadline: 31 March 2026
Applications for the 2026/2027 cycle of the ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme are officially open. This dynamic initiative aims to engage, empower, and motivate young digital innovators and changemakers worldwide. The Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP) focuses on supporting emerging visionaries who propose innovative, impactful, and community-centric digital projects designed to foster a more inclusive and empowered digital future.
In collaboration with Huawei, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) offers guidance, training, and financial backing to 30 selected young fellows annually. These fellows are equipped to actively implement digital development initiatives within their diverse communities across the globe. The programme serves as a unique platform for young leaders to bring new digital development ideas to life or to further enhance the reach and effectiveness of their current projects.
Eligibility Criteria
The GCYLP seeks young individuals aged between 18 and 28 who demonstrate a strong passion for effecting positive change through digital development. Eligible candidates are those currently pursuing or recently graduated from tertiary education in STEM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—or closely related disciplines. Prospective fellows should also exhibit excellent communication skills, which will enable them to fully benefit from the programme’s comprehensive training sessions, networking events, and other collaborative opportunities.
Programme Benefits
Those chosen as GCYLP Fellows receive a robust support package designed to nurture their leadership abilities and maximize their impact within their communities. This includes virtual mentorship and leadership training led by ITU and Huawei, alongside contributions from other collaborative partners. Fellows are also invited to participate in a prestigious in-person global Development Week held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Each fellow is granted an initial funding of $5,000 USD, intended to facilitate the execution of a digital development project they are passionate about. Upon successful completion and based on the project’s impact, the most outstanding initiatives will be eligible for an additional $5,000 USD to aid in scaling up their work. This means that a fellow’s project could potentially receive a total grant of up to $10,000 USD.
For more detailed information and to apply, please Visit the Official Webpage of the ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme.
