YBB – Applications are now open for the 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) 2026 in South Korea. This fully funded international youth program is organized 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 leadership workshop aims to empower young leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to promote peace, sustainability, and global cooperation. Through this program, participants will gain valuable learning experiences while collaborating with youth leaders from around the world.
Program Overview
The Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED 2026 will take place in a hybrid format, combining online learning sessions and an in-person international workshop in South Korea.
Selected participants will first attend an online workshop from 12–14 May 2026 while staying in their home countries. After completing the online sessions, participants will travel to Seoul, Republic of Korea, to join the in-person workshop from 8–12 June 2026.
The program will bring together 40 youth leaders from ODA recipient countries who actively contribute to Global Citizenship Education initiatives. Participants will engage in discussions, collaborative learning activities, and interactive sessions designed to strengthen leadership capacity and global awareness.
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Program Theme
The theme of the 2026 edition is:
“Translating Peace into Action: Leveraging Media and the Arts for Youth Advocacy.”
During the workshop, participants will explore how media platforms and creative arts can amplify youth voices and strengthen advocacy for peace and sustainable development. Moreover, the program encourages participants to design initiatives that create real social impact in their communities.
Host Organizations
The program is organized by leading international institutions that focus on global education and youth empowerment:
- UNESCO Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU)
- UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP)
The program is also implemented in partnership with the GCED Youth Network, which supports global youth collaboration on education and peace initiatives.
Program Location and Schedule
The Youth Leadership Workshop includes both virtual and in-person components.
Online Workshop:
12–14 May 2026
In-Person Workshop:
8–12 June 2026
Program Location:
Online and Seoul, South Korea
After completing the workshop, participants will also become eligible to join an additional mentorship program from July to August 2026. This online mentorship will last six weeks and will support participants in developing their initiatives further.
Benefits of the Youth Leadership Workshop
The Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED offers several benefits for selected participants.
These include:
- Round-trip international airfare to and from Seoul
- Accommodation during the in-person workshop
- Meals throughout the workshop period
- Local transportation in South Korea
- Opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration
- Official certificate upon completion of the program
Through these benefits, the program ensures that young leaders can fully focus on learning and collaboration without financial barriers.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements before submitting their application.
- Applicants must be born between 1998 and 2007
- Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency in speaking and writing
- Candidates must have at least two years of experience in youth-related activities
- Applicants must commit to implementing GCED training programs within three months after the workshop
- Applicants must come from one of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries
- Applicants must complete the prerequisite online course on the GCED Online Campus
Meeting these criteria will strengthen your chances of becoming one of the selected participants.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare several documents during the application process.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- One-minute self-introduction video
- Certificate of the prerequisite GCED course
- Passport as proof of nationality
Preparing these documents in advance will help you complete the application process smoothly.
Application Process
Applicants must submit their application through the official online form. The application process includes several steps:
- Fill in personal and contact information
- Provide educational background and organizational affiliations
- Select your English proficiency level
- Upload the required documents
- Answer additional questions in the application form
- Review all information before submitting the application
You can access the application form through the following link:
HERE
Application Deadline
Applicants must submit their applications before the official deadline.
Application Deadline:
26 March 2026
Submitting your application early is highly recommended to avoid technical issues or missing documents.
Conclusion
The Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED 2026 in South Korea provides an excellent opportunity for young leaders to expand their global perspective and strengthen their leadership capacity. Through a fully funded program, participants will gain valuable knowledge, collaborate with international youth leaders, and develop initiatives that promote peace and sustainability. Therefore, if you are passionate about youth advocacy and global citizenship education, this workshop can become a transformative experience for your leadership journey.
