The 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) 2026 is now open for applications, offering an exceptional fully funded opportunity for young leaders from developing countries to participate in an international leadership workshop in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Organized by the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) under the auspices of UNESCO, in partnership with the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) and the GCED Youth Network, this prestigious program aims to equip youth leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to promote peace, advocacy, and social transformation through media and the arts.

Under the theme “Translating Peace into Action: Leveraging Media and the Arts for Youth Advocacy,” the workshop will empower young changemakers to critically engage with global issues, develop innovative advocacy strategies, and contribute meaningfully to advancing peace and sustainable development within their communities.

The program will bring together 40 young leaders from Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries, offering a platform for collaboration, learning, and global networking.

About the Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED

The Youth Leadership Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) is one of UNESCO APCEIU’s flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening youth capacity in peacebuilding, advocacy, and global citizenship education.

The workshop is designed to:

• Promote awareness and understanding of Global Citizenship Education

• Encourage youth-led advocacy and community engagement

• Strengthen young leaders’ abilities to leverage media, arts, and storytelling for social change

• Provide international exposure and networking opportunities

• Support participants in developing initiatives that advance peace, justice, and sustainable development

The workshop also connects participants with a global network of youth advocates and educators working on GCED initiatives worldwide.

Theme of the 2026 Workshop

The theme for the 12th Youth Leadership Workshop is:

“Translating Peace into Action: Leveraging Media and the Arts for Youth Advocacy.”

This theme focuses on the role of creative expression and communication tools in advancing peace and social justice.

Participants will explore how to:

• Use media platforms and storytelling for advocacy

• Utilize art and culture as tools for social transformation

• Promote peace narratives and intercultural understanding

• Engage communities in dialogue around global issues

• Develop youth-led advocacy initiatives for lasting change

Why You Should Apply

The 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED offers a rare opportunity for young leaders to:

• Receive international leadership training

• Develop advocacy skills through media and arts

• Join a global network of youth changemakers

• Learn from global experts in peace education

• Participate in a fully funded international program in South Korea

• Gain access to mentorship opportunities for youth-led initiatives

Participants will return to their communities equipped with tools and knowledge to promote peace, dialogue, and sustainable development.

Workshop Schedule and Format

The workshop includes both online and in-person components, allowing participants to prepare and engage effectively before attending the main international gathering.

Pre-Workshop (Online)

• Date: 12–14 May 2026

• Participants will participate in online sessions designed to introduce workshop themes and prepare for in-person collaboration.

Main Workshop (In-Person)

• Date: 8–12 June 2026

• Location: Seoul, Republic of Korea

During the in-person program, participants will take part in:

• Leadership training sessions

• Interactive workshops

• Youth advocacy discussions

• Media and arts-based activities

• Networking sessions with global youth leaders and experts

Financial Coverage and Benefits

Selected participants will receive full financial support to attend the workshop in South Korea.

The program covers:

• Round-trip international airfare to and from Seoul

• Accommodation during the workshop

• Meals throughout the program

• Local transportation in Korea

• Access to training sessions and workshop materials

• Participation in international networking opportunities

This ensures that participants from developing countries can attend the program without financial barriers.

Mentorship Opportunities After the Workshop

Participants who successfully complete the workshop will become eligible to apply for an exclusive mentorship program designed to support youth-led initiatives.

The mentorship component aims to:

• Support participants in implementing their advocacy projects

• Provide expert guidance and coaching

• Strengthen project sustainability

• Expand impact within participants’ communities

Prerequisite Course Requirement

Applicants must complete a mandatory prerequisite online course before submitting their application.

About the Course

The prerequisite course provides foundational knowledge on:

• Global Citizenship Education (GCED)

• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

• Youth advocacy and leadership

Course Features

• Estimated duration: 3–4 hours

• Format: Self-paced

• Cost: 100% free

• Certificate issued upon completion

The course completion certificate must be uploaded with the application.

Applications submitted without the certificate will not be considered valid.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the online application form and submit the following materials:

1. Fully completed application form with personal information and motivation

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume

3. One-minute self-introduction video

4. Certificate of completion from the prerequisite GCED course

Applications must be submitted before the deadline to be considered.

Application Timeline

• Application Period: 12 March 2026 – 26 March 2026

• Prerequisite Course Period: 12 March 2026 – 26 March 2026

• Application Deadline: 26 March 2026, 23:59 (KST)

• Results Notification: 8 April 2026, 23:59 (KST)

Selected participants will then prepare for the online pre-workshop sessions in May 2026 and the in-person workshop in Seoul in June 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Be a young leader actively engaged in Global Citizenship Education activities

• Be from an Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient country

• Demonstrate commitment to peacebuilding, advocacy, and social change

• Be willing to participate fully in both the online and in-person components of the workshop

• Successfully complete the prerequisite GCED course

Only 40 participants will be selected globally.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete the official application form online and upload all required documents.

Application Link:
https://forms.gle/Y4iDdsepanztxbxN7

Applicants should also complete the prerequisite GCED course before submitting the application.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the workshop or course:

Course-related inquiries:
gcedonline@unescoapceiu.org

Technical issues with file uploads:
training@unescoapceiu.org

For additional information, applicants may also contact:
youth.mgiep@unesco.org

Read more about the 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED 2026 HERE.

Click HERE to discover more other global conference/workshop opportunities on OFY.