The United Nations Development Programme has opened applications for the Create4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge, an initiative designed to empower young African creatives using culture, digital innovation, and artistic expression to promote peacebuilding, social cohesion, and inclusive societies across the continent.

The challenge invites young creatives from across Africa to submit innovative projects that demonstrate how culture and creativity can help bridge social divides, foster tolerance, and strengthen dialogue within communities.

Applications close on 2 July 2026.

Supporting Peacebuilding Through Creativity and Innovation

According to UNDP, the Create4Peace initiative seeks to recognize and support young Africans who are using creative industries and cultural expression as tools for peace and positive social transformation.

The challenge focuses on projects that contribute to:

Social cohesion and inclusion
Dialogue and community engagement
Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
Cultural understanding and tolerance
Youth empowerment and innovation

UNDP says the initiative reflects the growing role of Africa’s creative industries in shaping public conversations, strengthening communities, and promoting sustainable peace.

Open to Diverse Creative Disciplines

The competition welcomes submissions across multiple cultural and creative industry sectors, provided the projects can be shared digitally or online.

Eligible categories include:

Performing Arts

Projects involving:

Music
Dance
Theatre and stage productions
Spoken word and poetry
Storytelling
Short films and performance-based content

Gaming

Projects focused on:

Mobile and video games
Board games and simulations
Interactive learning experiences
Gamified storytelling and education tools

Digital Art

Submissions may include:

Graphic design
Animation and illustration
Photography and videography
Multimedia storytelling
Interactive digital content

Fashion

Creative projects related to:

Clothing and textiles
Sustainable fashion
Upcycling and wearable design
Fashion entrepreneurship and costume design

Craft and Artisan Work

Projects involving:

Handmade and traditional crafts
Jewelry and ceramics
Weaving and textile arts
Painting and woodworking
Indigenous and artisan production

UNDP says the competition encourages both traditional and digital forms of creative expression that contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies.

Opportunities for Selected Participants

Three winning candidates will be selected to showcase their work at the Culture and Creative Industries Forum scheduled to take place in Cameroon in September 2026.

Selected participants will receive:

Sponsored flights and daily subsistence allowance (DSA) covered by UNDP
Visibility and recognition for their creative work
Opportunities to network with creatives from across Africa and the diaspora
Access to private sector stakeholders and potential collaborators
Opportunities to pitch projects for investment or partnership support

The program aims to help young creatives expand professional networks while increasing the visibility and sustainability of their projects.

Focus on Youth-Led Innovation and Social Impact

UNDP says the challenge is particularly interested in projects demonstrating innovative approaches to addressing social divisions and strengthening peace through creative engagement.

Projects are expected to highlight:

Community impact
Cultural inclusion
Innovation and originality
Digital accessibility and storytelling
Youth participation and empowerment

The initiative also seeks to strengthen the role of Africa’s cultural and creative industries in advancing sustainable development and social resilience.

Encouraging Continental and Diaspora Collaboration

The Create4Peace challenge brings together young creatives from across Africa and the African diaspora to encourage collaboration, dialogue, and shared learning.

Participants will have opportunities to:

Exchange ideas with fellow creatives
Build regional partnerships
Engage with cultural and development stakeholders
Explore investment and growth opportunities
Showcase African creativity on an international platform

UNDP says the challenge reflects a broader effort to support youth leadership and innovation in peacebuilding processes.

Application Deadline and Participation Details

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their projects through the official online application platform before the deadline.

Key details include:

Challenge: Create4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge
Organizer: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Application deadline: 2 July 2026
Event location for selected finalists: Cameroon
Event period: September 2026

Applicants may submit projects in any eligible artistic or creative format as long as the work can be presented digitally.

About UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations’ global development agency, working in more than 170 countries to address poverty, inequality, governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development challenges.

Through youth and innovation initiatives such as Create4Peace, UNDP supports:

Youth empowerment and participation
Cultural and creative industries
Peacebuilding and social cohesion
Inclusive development and innovation
Sustainable economic opportunities for young people

The organization continues to promote the role of creativity, technology, and culture in building more peaceful and resilient societies across Africa and globally.

LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs 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