Young changemakers around the world now have a powerful opportunity to connect, learn, and lead. The 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) will bring together young leaders from developing countries for an immersive leadership experience in Seoul.
Organized by the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding in collaboration with the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development, this fully funded international workshop will equip youth with the tools to promote peace, sustainability, and social change through media and creative advocacy.
The program combines online learning, in-person training, and post-workshop mentorship, giving participants the chance to transform ideas into real initiatives in their communities.
WhatsApp ChannelOverview of the Youth Leadership Workshop 2026
The workshop focuses on Global Citizenship Education (GCED), a framework developed by UNESCO to empower people with the knowledge and skills needed to address global challenges.
Program Details
Host Country: South Korea
Location: Seoul
Workshop Format: Hybrid (Online + In-Person)
Participants: 40 youth leaders from ODA recipient countries
Pre-Workshop (Online): 12–14 May 2026
Main Workshop (In-Person): 8–12 June 2026
Application Deadline: March 26, 2026
Selected participants will travel to Seoul to take part in leadership training, discussions, and collaborative activities with young leaders from across the world.
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Theme of the 2026 Workshop
“Translating Peace into Action: Leveraging Media and the Arts for Youth Advocacy.”
The 2026 workshop focuses on how media, storytelling, and the arts can be used to promote:
- peacebuilding
- human rights awareness
- social justice
- sustainable development
Participants will learn how to turn complex global issues into creative campaigns and advocacy initiatives that inspire change.
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What the Program Covers (Fully Funded Benefits)
The workshop removes financial barriers so talented youth can participate regardless of economic background.
Selected participants will receive:
- Round-trip international airfare to Seoul
- Accommodation during the workshop
- Meals throughout the program
- Local transportation
- Certificate of participation
- Networking opportunities with global youth leaders
After completing the workshop, participants can also apply for a mentorship program to help implement their community projects.
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What Participants Will Learn
The workshop is designed to strengthen leadership capacity and advocacy skills through practical learning.
Participants will develop expertise in:
Global Citizenship Education
Understanding how global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and misinformation impact societies.
Media and Information Literacy
Learning how to critically analyze media, identify misinformation, and communicate effectively online.
Creative Advocacy
Using storytelling, art, and digital platforms to advocate for peace and social change.
Social and Emotional Learning
Developing empathy, collaboration skills, and intercultural communication.
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Workshop Activities
Participants will engage in a variety of learning experiences designed to encourage collaboration and innovation.
These include:
- interactive lectures from global experts
- group discussions on global issues
- creative arts and media workshops
- collaborative project development
- study visits to community initiatives
These sessions allow participants to apply ideas in real-world contexts, rather than just learning theoretical concepts.
Mentorship Program After the Workshop
One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the post-workshop mentorship phase.
From July to August 2026, selected participants will receive guidance from experts to help turn their ideas into actionable projects.
The mentorship program helps youth:
- launch community initiatives
- develop advocacy campaigns
- build sustainable impact projects
Eligibility Criteria of Youth Leadership Workshop
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Born between 1998 and 2007
- Be from an ODA recipient country
- Demonstrate active involvement in youth initiatives
- Have at least two years of youth engagement experience
- Be proficient in English (spoken and written)
- Complete the required GCED online prerequisite course
Applicants should also be willing to implement a community initiative within three months after the workshop.
Required Documents for the 12th Youth Leadership Workshop
Applicants typically need to submit the following:
- CV or Resume
- 1-minute self-introduction video
- Certificate of the GCED prerequisite course
- Passport or proof of nationality
These documents help organizers evaluate the applicant’s experience and commitment to youth leadership.
How to Apply for the Youth Leadership Workshop in Seoul
Applications must be submitted through the official online form.
Application Steps
- Access the official application form.
- Fill in personal and educational information.
- Provide details about youth activities and leadership experience.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Why This Workshop Matters for Young Leaders
Programs like this provide more than just training. They offer a platform for youth to:
- connect with international peers
- develop leadership skills
- launch real community projects
- gain global recognition for their work
Many past participants have gone on to lead social initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and international collaborations in their communities.
For young leaders passionate about peacebuilding, media advocacy, and global cooperation, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to turn ideas into impact.
