Young leaders play a critical role in building inclusive, resilient, and tolerant societies. Recognizing the importance of youth participation in addressing discrimination and promoting human rights, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has launched an exciting call for applications for its Human Rights-Based Civic Engagement and Alliance Building Program: Supporting Muslim Youth Participation at the Local Level.

This fully funded opportunity will bring together Muslim youth from across the OSCE region for an intensive learning, networking, and action-oriented experience designed to strengthen civic engagement, promote human rights, and empower participants to address intolerance and discrimination against Muslims within their communities.

The program combines expert-led training, practical project implementation, mentorship, peer collaboration, and contribution to a regional knowledge resource that will support future youth leaders and activists.

Applications are now open, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply before the deadline of 30 June 2026.

About the OSCE Youth Program

The Human Rights-Based Civic Engagement and Alliance Building Program is an initiative aimed at empowering Muslim youth to become stronger advocates for human rights, social inclusion, and community engagement.

Through a combination of training, practical action, mentorship, and collaborative learning, participants will gain the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to address challenges facing Muslim communities and contribute positively to social cohesion at the local level.

The program emphasizes human rights-based approaches to civic participation and focuses on building alliances that can help tackle discrimination, intolerance, exclusion, and hate speech.

Participants will engage with experts, mentors, and fellow youth leaders from different countries, creating a valuable network of peers committed to fostering inclusive communities.

Program Timeline

The fellowship consists of three interconnected phases that provide participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Phase 1: Training Workshop in Warsaw, Poland

Dates: 25–27 August 2026

The program begins with a three-day intensive workshop in Warsaw, Poland.

During this training, participants will learn from leading experts in:

Human rights
Civic engagement
Social inclusion
Community advocacy
Combating intolerance and discrimination against Muslims
Youth leadership
Alliance building
Community mobilization

The workshop will provide a collaborative environment where participants can exchange ideas, discuss local challenges, and develop innovative approaches to addressing discrimination within their communities.

Phase 2: Community-Based Project Implementation

Period: September – November 2026

Following the workshop, participants will design and implement a project through their affiliated organization or community group.

The projects should focus on addressing specific forms of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims at the local level.

Participants will be encouraged to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the Warsaw training to create meaningful community impact.

Potential project areas may include:

Human rights education
Community awareness campaigns
Youth engagement initiatives
Social inclusion activities
Intercultural dialogue
Countering misinformation
Digital advocacy campaigns
Anti-discrimination awareness programs
Community dialogue platforms

This practical phase ensures that learning is transformed into tangible action and measurable community outcomes.

Phase 3: Mentorship and Final Report Development

Period: September – December 2026

Throughout the project implementation phase, participants will receive ongoing support from experienced mentors through follow-up Zoom sessions.

The mentorship component aims to:

Guide project implementation
Support problem-solving
Strengthen leadership capacity
Enhance project impact
Facilitate peer learning

At the conclusion of the program, participants will contribute to a joint report documenting lessons learned, best practices, challenges, and recommendations.

The report will serve as a valuable resource for future youth activists and organizations interested in implementing similar initiatives.

The final report is expected to be completed in December 2026.

What Participants Will Learn

Participants will gain comprehensive knowledge and practical competencies in several critical areas.

1. Human Rights-Based Education

Participants will develop a deeper understanding of:

International human rights standards
Equality and non-discrimination principles
Human rights advocacy
Rights-based community engagement approaches

2. Civic Engagement and Advocacy

The program will equip participants with tools to:

Engage local communities effectively
Influence positive social change
Build advocacy campaigns
Mobilize stakeholders
Strengthen youth participation

3. Digital Literacy and Countering Online Hate Speech

As online platforms increasingly shape public discourse, participants will learn strategies for:

Identifying online hate speech
Countering harmful narratives
Promoting positive digital engagement
Enhancing digital resilience
Using digital tools for advocacy

4. Alliance Building and Collaboration

Participants will gain skills in:

Building partnerships
Coalition development
Cross-sector collaboration
Community networking
Strategic relationship building

5. Leadership and Project Management

The fellowship will strengthen participants’ abilities to:

Lead community initiatives
Design projects
Manage implementation processes
Monitor progress
Evaluate project outcomes

Benefits of Participating

Selected participants will enjoy numerous benefits throughout the fellowship.

Fully Funded International Training

Participants will attend a three-day workshop in Warsaw, Poland, led by experts in human rights and anti-discrimination efforts.

Practical Community Impact

Participants will have the opportunity to design and implement projects that directly address challenges within their communities.

Professional Mentorship

Experienced mentors will provide ongoing guidance and support throughout the project cycle.

International Networking

The fellowship will bring together Muslim youth leaders from diverse countries and backgrounds, creating opportunities for long-term collaboration and peer learning.

Enhanced Leadership Skills

Participants will develop practical competencies in advocacy, civic engagement, project management, and human rights promotion.

Contribution to Regional Knowledge

Participants will contribute to a collective report that may influence future initiatives supporting youth participation and inclusion.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Across many societies, Muslim communities continue to face challenges related to discrimination, exclusion, stereotypes, and intolerance.

Young people are often among the most effective agents of change in addressing these issues.

By empowering Muslim youth with knowledge, networks, resources, and practical experience, the OSCE aims to strengthen community resilience and promote more inclusive societies throughout the region.

This fellowship represents an opportunity not only for personal and professional growth but also for meaningful social impact.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 30 June 2026 (23:59 CEST / Vienna Time)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline, as incomplete applications will not be considered.

Acceptance Notification

Successful applicants will be notified on:

17 July 2026

Important Application Note

Applicants should ensure that all required information is submitted accurately and completely.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or considered during the selection process.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official application portal:

Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials early and carefully demonstrate their commitment to human rights, civic engagement, and community leadership.

Final Thoughts

The OSCE Youth Program 2026 offers a unique platform for Muslim youth leaders across the OSCE region to strengthen their skills, expand their networks, and create meaningful change within their communities.

Through expert training in Warsaw, practical community-based projects, ongoing mentorship, and international collaboration, participants will gain valuable tools to address intolerance and discrimination while advancing human rights and civic engagement.

For young people passionate about inclusion, social justice, youth leadership, and community development, this fully funded fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to learn, lead, and make a lasting impact.

Apply here

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