Organization: ITU
Programme Name: Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP)
Category: Leadership Programme
Deadline: 23:59 CET on Tuesday, 31 March 2026
Grant: $5,000 USD initial grant, up to $10,000 USD total
In-Person Component: Global Development Week in Geneva, Switzerland
The Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP) has opened applications for its 2026–2027 cohort. Hosted by the International Telecommunication Union in partnership with Huawei, the programme supports young changemakers with digital development ideas and community-focused projects from around the world.
Programme Overview
GCYLP is presented as a programme that engages, empowers, and inspires young digital leaders. It supports young visionaries who put forward community-driven projects that are creative, innovative, feasible, and aimed at advancing a more inclusive and empowered digital future.
The official page explains that 30 young fellows are supported every year through guidance, training, and financial support. It also notes that participants can either bring new digital development ideas to life or broaden the reach of projects they are already working on.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old and committed to driving meaningful change in their communities through digital development. They must also be currently enrolled in tertiary education or have recently graduated from tertiary education programmes in STEM or closely related fields.
In addition, the programme description states that selected fellows are expected to possess strong communication skills to engage fully in training sessions, networking opportunities, and events offered through the programme.
Support and Benefits
Selected fellows receive virtual mentorship and leadership training sessions delivered by ITU and Huawei, in collaboration with other partner. They are also given the opportunity to attend an in-person global Development Week in Geneva, Switzerland.
Financially, each selected fellow receives an initial grant of $5,000 USD to implement a digital development project of their choice. The official page adds that the most impactful projects at the end of the programme will receive an additional $5,000 USD to support scaling efforts, allowing for a total potential grant of up to $10,000 USD.
Annual Fellowship Size
ITU states on the programme page that 30 young fellows are supported per year.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 23:59 CET on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
Application Help
The official page directs applicants with questions about the application and selection process to consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or email GCYLP@itu.int.
Organizers
The programme page identifies the ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme as a project of the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector in partnership with Huawei.
