Translating Peace into Action: Leveraging Media and the Arts for Youth Advocacy
Dates: 8–12 June 2026 | Location: Seoul, Republic of Korea

The 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) provides youth leaders with an opportunity to engage deeply with social and emotional learning (SEL), media, and the arts as tools for advocacy. Hosted by the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) and the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP), in partnership with the GCED Youth Network, the workshop aims to cultivate transformative skills that empower participants as agents of change.

Background

In a world characterized by increasing geopolitical tensions, exclusionary nationalism, and economic inequalities, youth play a critical role in fostering solidarity and social cohesion. Rapid technological changes, climate impacts, and cultural marginalization create complex challenges that require innovative approaches.

The workshop aligns with UNESCO’s 2023 Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development. It emphasizes transformative education that moves beyond knowledge acquisition, focusing on values, socio-emotional skills, and practical action to build inclusive, sustainable societies. GCED, enhanced by SEL, provides a comprehensive framework to develop cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioral competencies necessary for effective advocacy.

Key Theme

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

Peace must extend beyond policy declarations and be experienced in daily life. The 2026 workshop will provide youth with practical skills to operationalize GCED principles in their own communities. Through media and the arts, participants will learn to translate abstract concepts like peace, human rights, and sustainability into tangible messages and creative actions.

The arts foster creativity, self-expression, intercultural dialogue, and cooperation. Media, including digital platforms, provides youth with spaces to critically, ethically, and creatively engage with information, challenge misinformation, and amplify voices for social transformation.

Workshop Objectives

Strengthen analytical and critical thinking to address interconnected global challenges.
Enhance Media and Information Literacy (MIL) for responsible digital engagement.
Develop socio-emotional competencies such as empathy, self-awareness, and respect for diversity.
Build leadership, collaboration, and creative advocacy skills through media and arts-based activities.
Inspire youth to translate ideas into meaningful, community-focused actions.

Expected Outcomes

Improved understanding of GCED and enhanced SEL skills for fostering peace and sustainability.
Increased capacity to use media and arts strategically for advocacy and social change.
Development of actionable, community-based plans integrating GCED and SEL principles.
Expanded global networks through engagement with international youth leaders.

Methodology

Lectures and plenary sessions
Case studies and interactive group discussions
Creative workshops and arts labs
Study visits to local initiatives
Hands-on action plan design and mentorship

Workshop Structure

Pre-Workshop (12–14 May 2026 | Online)

Orientation, Q&A, and prerequisite course discussions

Main Workshop (8–12 June 2026 | Seoul)

Module 1: Social and Emotional Learning – self-awareness, empathy, intercultural communication
Module 2: Critical Thinking – global issues, media literacy, addressing hate speech
Module 3: Creative Leadership – translating peace into action using media and arts
Module 4: Local Initiatives – study visits and engagement with community actors

Mentorship (July–August 2026 | Online)

Individual guidance to implement local projects derived from the workshop

Participants

The workshop will host 40 youth leaders from Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries. Participants must:

Be born between 1998 and 2007
Proficient in English (spoken and written)
Have at least two years of active youth engagement
Complete a prerequisite online GCED course
Commit to implementing a GCED initiative within three months of the workshop
Applications are encouraged from youth of all backgrounds; accommodations for disabilities are available

Workshop Costs: Accommodation, meals, local transportation, and round-trip airfare to Seoul will be covered.

Application & Selection

Application Deadline: 26 March 2026 (KST)
Notification of Selection: 8 April 2026 (KST)
Registration Deadline: 12 April 2026 (KST)

Successful applicants will receive invitations and must complete registration online. Late registration is considered a cancellation.

Tentative Daily Schedule

Day 1: Connecting & Grounding – Keynote, introduction, youth perspectives on UNESCO recommendations
Day 2: SEL Workshops – Cultivating empathy, intercultural communication, and creative arts
Day 3: Critical Thinking – Global issues, media literacy, hate speech, and group labs
Day 4: Local Initiatives – Study visits, case sharing, and action plan development
Day 5: Creative Leadership – Group presentations, strategic action planning, closing ceremony

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hosting the workshop. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.