Global Youth Leaders Program 2026 @World Internet Conference

Applications Open for the World Internet Conference Global Youth Leadership Program (GYLP) 2026

Young innovators, digital leaders, internet governance experts, technology entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and changemakers from around the world now have an exciting opportunity to join one of the most influential international youth leadership initiatives in the digital sector.

The World Internet Conference (WIC) has officially opened applications for the 2026 Global Youth Leadership Program (GYLP), a prestigious global platform designed to identify, connect, and empower the next generation of leaders shaping the future of the internet, artificial intelligence, digital governance, and technological innovation.

Selected Global Youth Leaders will gain access to international forums, high-level networking opportunities, leadership development activities, research collaborations, and the opportunity to attend and speak at the renowned World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit in China.

Applications are open until July 24, 2026.

About the World Internet Conference (WIC)

The World Internet Conference has become one of the world’s most influential international platforms for dialogue, cooperation, and governance in cyberspace.

Since the inaugural Wuzhen Summit in 2014, the conference has successfully convened global leaders from:

• Governments
• International organizations
• Technology companies
• Academic institutions
• Research organizations
• Industry associations
• Civil society organizations

Each year, more than 1,000 high-level representatives gather to discuss critical issues surrounding:

• Internet governance
• Artificial intelligence
• Digital transformation
• Cybersecurity
• Digital economy development
• International technological cooperation

In July 2022, the World Internet Conference was formally established as an international organization headquartered in Beijing, China.

The organization seeks to promote:

• Global digital cooperation
• Shared internet governance
• Inclusive technological development
• International collaboration
• Digital innovation
• Sustainable cyberspace development

What is the Global Youth Leadership Program (GYLP)?

Launched in 2023, the Global Youth Leadership Program is one of the flagship initiatives of the World Internet Conference.

The program identifies outstanding young professionals and leaders working across internet-related fields and provides them with opportunities to contribute to global discussions about the future of technology and digital governance.

Over the past three years:

• 56 Global Youth Leaders from 38 countries and regions have participated.
• Participants have attended the Wuzhen Summit Youth Forum.
• Youth leaders have engaged directly with some of the most influential figures in global technology and internet governance.
• The 2025 program attracted applicants from nearly 120 countries and regions.

The initiative aims to create a long-term international network of youth leaders capable of driving positive digital transformation worldwide.

Core Pillars of the Program

1. Forum

Participants will take part in the Global Youth Leadership Forum during the WIC Wuzhen Summit.

The forum provides opportunities to:

• Speak on major internet issues.
• Share innovative perspectives.
• Engage with global experts.
• Influence discussions on digital governance.

2. Training

The program organizes leadership training and field research opportunities around the world.

Participants benefit from:

• Expert lectures
• Leadership development
• International study visits
• Skills enhancement programs
• Global networking opportunities

3. Research

Youth leaders contribute to research initiatives focused on:

• Internet governance
• Artificial intelligence
• Digital technology
• Digital economy
• Internet policy
• Emerging technologies

Research outcomes may contribute to international discussions, policy recommendations, and governance frameworks.

Benefits of Becoming a WIC Global Youth Leader

Selected participants receive a wide range of benefits.

Official Recognition

Participants receive an official Global Youth Leader Certificate issued by the World Internet Conference.

Attend the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit

Global Youth Leaders will be invited to:

• Attend the summit as official guests.
• Speak at the Youth Forum.
• Engage directly with international leaders.

Travel Support

Eligible participants may receive support covering:

• Round-trip airfare
• Accommodation
• Meals and catering

Global Networking

Participants gain access to high-level networking opportunities with:

• Government representatives
• International organizations
• Technology executives
• Academic experts
• Researchers
• Industry leaders

Leadership Opportunities

Global Youth Leaders may also:

• Organize workshops and side events.
• Participate in future WIC activities.
• Lead youth initiatives.
• Build international collaborations.

Career Development

Participants receive:

• Priority consideration for WIC internships.
• Priority access to job opportunities within the organization.

Youth Community Membership

Outstanding finalists who are not ultimately selected still receive:

• Nominee Certificates
• Access to the WIC Youth Community
• Networking opportunities
• Priority internship access

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

1. Support the mission and vision of the World Internet Conference.
2. Be under 45 years of age.
3. Demonstrate achievements in internet-related fields.
4. Possess an international perspective.
5. Show interdisciplinary thinking.
6. Have strong communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Professional Backgrounds

Policy and Governance

Applicants may be:

• Government officials
• Policy analysts
• Digital governance experts
• International organization professionals

Business and Entrepreneurship

Applicants may be:

• Startup founders
• Technology entrepreneurs
• Digital business leaders
• Innovation professionals

Research and Academia

Applicants may have expertise in:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Big Data
• Internet Governance
• Emerging Technologies
• Digital Policy

Public Interest and Civil Society

Applicants may work in:

• NGOs
• Digital inclusion initiatives
• Technology-for-good projects
• Sustainable development programs

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. Recommendation Letter

A recommendation from:

• A professional institution
• Academic institution
• Recognized industry expert

2. Supporting Documents

Examples include:

• Awards
• Publications
• Research outputs
• Patents
• Professional achievements

3. Video Submission

Applicants must submit:

• A video presentation
• Written transcript

The video should discuss:

• Views on the WIC Global Youth Leaders Initiative
• Proposed activities or projects
• Vision for digital development and internet governance

APPLY HERE

Important Dates

Application Deadline

July 24, 2026
17:00 (GMT+8)

Review Process

By the end of August 2026

Selection Notifications

By the end of September 2026

Wuzhen Summit Participation

Tentatively scheduled for November 2026

Visit HERE to learn more about the WIC Global Youth Leaders Program 2026

Additional Opportunity: Global Logo Design Competition

Alongside the fellowship application, WIC is also inviting global creators to design the official logo of the Global Youth Leadership Program.

Who Can Participate?

Anyone worldwide.

Submission Deadline

July 31, 2026
17:00 (UTC+8)

Benefits for Selected Designers

• Global recognition
• Official adoption of the logo
• Commemorative gifts
• Invitation to attend the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit Youth Forum

This provides a unique opportunity for designers and creative professionals to contribute to a major international youth initiative.

Click HERE to read more and apply for the Global call for logo designs for WIC Global Youth Leadership Program

Why You Should Apply

The WIC Global Youth Leadership Program stands out as one of the most prestigious global youth leadership initiatives focused on internet governance, AI, digital transformation, and technology policy.

Participants gain:

• International visibility
• Global networking
• Leadership development
• Speaking opportunities
• Research collaboration
• Career advancement
• Access to influential digital governance discussions

For young leaders committed to shaping the future of technology and the internet, this program offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers and contribute to global conversations that will define the digital age.

Conclusion

As artificial intelligence, digital governance, cybersecurity, and internet technologies continue to reshape societies worldwide, the need for globally minded youth leaders has never been greater.

The World Internet Conference Global Youth Leadership Program 2026 provides a powerful platform for emerging leaders to engage with policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators while helping shape the future of cyberspace.

If you are passionate about technology, governance, innovation, AI, digital inclusion, or internet policy, this fully funded opportunity could be your gateway to becoming part of a global network of future digital leaders.

Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials early and submit their applications before the July 24, 2026 deadline.

Discover more global Fellowship, Conference and Leadership Development opportunities on OFY.