The ITU GCYLP 2026, a dynamic fully funded digital odyssey, invites global digital visionaries to engage in a digital innovation leadership hub in Geneva, Switzerland. Launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with Huawei in 2023, this one-year hybrid leadership program, peaking with a one-week in-person Development Week, empowers STEM-driven innovators to implement digital development projects in areas like digital inclusion, AI for education, smart healthcare, green tech, and cybersecurity, aligning with ITU’s Connect 2030 Agenda and UN SDGs. With a $1 million annual budget, the program supports 30 fellows, expecting 6,000+ applications from 200+ countries. Fellows thrive in a global tech ecosystem, fostering cross-border digital networks.
The digital innovation leadership hub equips fellows to drive inclusive digital futures, addressing 50% of global unconnected populations (ITU, 2024), with 80% of alumni scaling community projects (ITU Report, 2024). Fellows engage in monthly virtual leadership masterclasses, fireside chats with ITU and Huawei experts, and peer-driven innovation labs, producing 50+ digital solutions, showcased at Geneva’s Digital Development Forum or ITU Telecom World. Focus areas include 5G for rural connectivity and blockchain for transparency. A virtual pre-program orientation introduces ITU’s digital tools, including 2 million+ resources via ITU Academy, Huawei iLearning, and UN Digital Library, fueling innovation excellence.
Fellows participate in Global Digital Dialogues, virtual innovation panels, and the Geneva digital odyssey, featuring site visits to Palais des Nations, Geneva University, and Huawei Switzerland’s Zurich Innovation Center, connecting with experts from 70+ countries. Partnerships with UNESCO, UNICEF, and Partner2Connect Digital Coalition provide access to global digital ecosystems, amplifying 90 million connected individuals since 2023. Fellows contribute to ITU Regional Initiatives like Africa’s digital literacy push, with 100+ project outputs annually. ITU’s Inclusive Digital Initiatives host 250+ events, with 50% fellows from LDCs, LLDCs, and SIDS.
Founded in 1865, ITU is a UN-specialized digital pioneer, with fellows leveraging Geneva’s tech hub, including ITU’s Innovation Lab. Since 2023, 60+ GCYLP alumni have influenced AU digital policies, ASEAN smart city frameworks, and Pacific digital inclusion strategies, with 85% in tech leadership roles. Plans to expand ties with Global Digital Innovation Network, Africa Tech Forum, and Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance aim to grow 40,000+ collaborations. Conducted in English, with flexible virtual sessions (4 hours monthly), the program ensures accessibility. The GCYLP Framework emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and digital equity.
Join global digital visionaries to ignite fully funded digital odyssey, shape digital futures, and drive innovation with ITU GCYLP 2026!
ITU GCYLP 2026, Fully Funded Trip to Geneva:
Host Country:
•Switzerland
Host Organization:
•Generation Connect + Huawei
Program Location:
•Geneva, Switzerland
Program Duration:
•1-year virtual program + 1 week in-person program
Benefits of ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program:
•Participants will get yearlong virtual mentorship and leadership training sessions from ITU and Huawei.
•Selected candidates will participate in an in-person global Development Week in Geneva Switzerland in July.
•Participants will get a grant Up to $10,000 USD for the implementation of a digital development project of their choice.
•All 30 selected participants will get an initial $5000 USD grant for the implementation of a digital development project of their choice.
•The most effective projects will receive an additional $5000 to scale up at the end of the year.
Eligibility Criteria for ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program:
1. Applicants should be between the ages of 18-28 years old.
2. Applicants should be interested in creating real impact in their communities by leading their own digital development project.
3. Applicants should be currently enrolled or recently graduated from a tertiary education institution from a STEM program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) or a STEM-related academic program.
4. Applicants should be able to communicate in English.
5. Applicants cannot apply as a team. Only individual applications will be considered.
6. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Documents required for ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.
3. Academic transcript (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
7. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
8. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
9. Project details.
Program Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in March 2026!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
