Geneva Peace Fellowship 2026-27 Opens Applications for Emerging Global Leaders

Young professionals, researchers and aspiring peacebuilders from around the world now have an opportunity to spend nine months in Geneva, Switzerland, working on some of the world's most pressing peace and humanitarian challenges through the newly launched International Geneva Peace Fellowship 2026-27.

The fellowship, a joint initiative of the Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute, is supported by the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva. The programme aims to develop the next generation of leaders in peacebuilding, humanitarian diplomacy and international cooperation.

Scheduled to run from September 2026 to June 2027, the fellowship will select 10 participants from across the globe. Fellows will be based in Geneva, widely regarded as a global hub for diplomacy and multilateral engagement, where they will receive leadership training, mentorship and practical experience with leading international organizations.

The programme offers financial support to enable participants to focus on professional development and project work. Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend, assistance with work authorization and permit procedures, accommodation at Villa Barton subject to availability, access to specialized training programmes and networking opportunities with international experts and policymakers.

Participants will be placed with prominent partner organizations based on their interests and expertise. These include the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, the Kofi Annan Foundation, the Centre for Civilians in Conflict and the World Council of Churches.

The fellowship focuses on hands-on engagement rather than classroom-based learning. Fellows will contribute to real-world peacebuilding and humanitarian initiatives, develop their own strategic projects, participate in expert discussions and build professional networks within the international diplomacy ecosystem.

Applicants can choose from six thematic areas, including peacemaking, health and peace, faith-based diplomacy, youth leadership, protection of civilians, and women, peace and security.

The programme is open to recent master's graduates, advanced PhD candidates, junior professionals with one to four years of experience, and mid-career professionals with up to ten years of experience. Applications require a two-page CV and a 500-word cover letter outlining the applicant's interests, leadership experience and proposed initiative. The application deadline is June 7, 2026.