ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP) 2026
Organization: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) & Huawei
Host country: Switzerland
Degree level: Undergraduate, Masters, Doctoral
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: March 31, 2026
Fields of study: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Digital Development
The Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP) is an exciting global initiative by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with Huawei. It aims to engage, empower, and inspire young visionaries to create a more inclusive digital future. Each year, the programme selects 30 young changemakers from around the world, providing them with virtual mentorship, specialized leadership training, and significant financial grants to practically implement their digital development projects within their communities. The fellowship includes a year-long virtual curriculum and a fully funded in-person global training week in Geneva, Switzerland.
Benefits
Initial grant of USD 5,000 awarded to all 30 fellows to support the practical implementation of their proposed digital development project
An additional grant of USD 5,000 awarded at the end of the year to the most impactful projects to help them scale up, totaling a potential USD 10,000 grant
Comprehensive virtual mentorship and leadership training sessions delivered directly by ITU, Huawei, and global partners
Fully funded participation in a one-week in-person global training and development event in Geneva, Switzerland
Access to a global network of young digital leaders, experts, and ITU decision-making processes
Eligibility
Must be between 18 and 28 years of age
Must be currently enrolled in or have recently graduated from a post-secondary (tertiary) educational institution
Must have an academic or practical background in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs
Must be proficient in English, as the entire programme, networking, and all trainings are conducted exclusively in English
Must be passionate about driving meaningful change and leading a digital development project in their community
Requirements
Submission of a creative, innovative, far-reaching, and feasible community-driven digital project proposal
Commitment to dedicate approximately 4 hours per month to compulsory virtual programming alongside other priorities
If shortlisted, candidates must rapidly provide ID documentation, a personal video, and 2 different references within a strict 4-day window
Required Documents
Online application detailing the proposed digital development project
Valid ID documentation (requested strictly from shortlisted candidates only)
Personal video pitch (requested strictly from shortlisted candidates only)
Two different reference letters (requested strictly from shortlisted candidates only)
Programs of Study
Fellowship in Digital Development Project Implementation
Leadership Training in Digital Innovation
Application Process
Visit the official Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme portal to access the application link
Complete the online application with your personal details and your digital project proposal before the 31 March 2026 deadline at 23:59 CET
Wait for the initial application reading and shortlisting conducted by ITU and Huawei staff
If shortlisted, submit your ID, video, and 2 references within the strict 4-day timeframe in mid-April
Await the final selection decision made by the global GCYLP Jury
How to Apply
If you have an existing team project, the programme highly recommends that only one of the main leaders or founders applies for this specific fellowship opportunity
Ensure you have your ID and references prepared in advance, as the turnaround time during the shortlisting phase is extremely brief (only 4 days)
Clearly articulate how your project promotes equal and equitable digital inclusion for all, as this aligns with the core mission of Generation Connect
Selection Process
First round of application review and shortlisting is completed collaboratively by ITU and Huawei staff
Shortlisted candidates are evaluated based on their supplementary video, references, and project feasibility
A dedicated global GCYLP Jury holds a final selection meeting to handpick the final 30 fellows for the cohort