Are you a passionate digital innovator between the ages of 18 and 28? Do you have a vision for using technology to address real-world challenges in your community? The ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program (GCYLP) 2025 offers a transformative, fully funded opportunity for youth leaders who are developing or launching digital projects for social impact.

Hosted in Geneva, Switzerland, this international Leadership Program is supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in partnership with Huawei. Over a 12-month hybrid experience, selected participants will receive mentorship, technical guidance, and up to $10,000 in project funding to bring their innovation to life.

From tackling digital inclusion and education access to environmental technology and public health platforms, the GCYLP empowers young people to lead from the front. If you are committed to using technology for the greater good, this opportunity offers the resources, training, and network to help you succeed—no matter where you’re from.

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Host Country:

Switzerland

Program Location:

Virtual (monthly sessions) and Geneva, Switzerland (1-week in-person summit)

Program Duration:

• One-year program (12 months)

• Virtual learning and mentorship: ~4 hours/month

• In-person “Development Week” in Geneva: July 2025 (exact dates to be announced)

Program Themes or Focus Areas:

• Digital Development

• Youth Leadership and Technology

• Community-Based Innovation

• Global Connectivity and Inclusion

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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Benefits of the ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program 2025:

As a fully funded initiative, the GCYLP provides an exceptional support system for young leaders seeking to implement meaningful digital change:

• Full funding for international travel to Geneva, Switzerland, for the in-person summit

• Accommodation, meals, local transport, and insurance during Development Week

• A $5,000 seed grant to implement a digital innovation project

• Additional $5,000 performance grant for top-performing initiatives

• Continuous one-on-one mentorship from global digital experts

• Monthly training sessions on leadership, project design, and tech-for-good strategies

• Global recognition from ITU, Huawei, and leading innovation networks

• Long-term engagement with alumni and youth-focused digital transformation communities

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Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for this International Leadership Program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be aged 18 to 28 years at the time of application

• Be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a tertiary-level program in STEM or a STEM-related discipline

• Demonstrate strong English language proficiency (spoken and written)

• Submit your application as an individual (group or team applications are not accepted)

• Have a digital development project—either in progress or at the concept stage—that focuses on positive community impact

• Be passionate about using technology to support development, inclusion, and sustainable innovation

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Required Documents:

Applicants will need to prepare and upload the following materials when applying:

• A professional and updated CV or résumé

• A scanned passport copy for travel and identification verification

• A well-structured project proposal or concept note

• An academic transcript or graduation certificate from a STEM or STEM-adjacent program

• Any optional documents that may support your application (e.g., recommendation letters, certifications)

• Access to a laptop or internet-enabled device for virtual engagement

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How to Apply for GCYLP 2025:

All applications must be submitted via the official ITU application portal. Follow the steps below to complete your application:

1. Go to the ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program 2025 application page.

2. Fill in your personal, educational, and contact information.

3. Upload a short biography (1–2 paragraphs) that outlines your background and involvement in digital development or innovation.

4. Write a detailed statement of motivation explaining your interest in the program and your long-term goals.

5. Describe your digital development project, including its current status, goals, and intended social or environmental impact.

6. Identify the ITU regional group that your project aligns with (e.g., Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Americas, Arab States, or CIS).

7. Read the program’s official terms and conditions, and confirm your agreement.

8. Upload all required documents.

9. Submit your completed application.

All successful applicants will receive a confirmation email upon submission. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for follow-up interviews or clarifications during the selection process.

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Application Deadline:

31 March 2025

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Why This Program Matters

Young people are at the center of digital transformation. Yet they often lack the institutional support and financial resources needed to realize their boldest ideas. The ITU Generation Connect Young Leadership Program addresses this gap by combining funding, global mentorship, and policy-level advocacy in one powerful platform.

This program is not just a training program; it is a launchpad for the next generation of tech-for-good leaders. From promoting online safety to building inclusive learning platforms or climate-focused apps, your project will benefit from professional mentorship and global visibility.

You’ll collaborate with peers from around the world, attend workshops delivered by industry leaders, and present your project on an international stage during the Geneva summit. All of this, while receiving concrete funding support to test, scale, or expand your digital solution.

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What Makes This Program Unique

Here are just a few reasons why the GCYLP stands out among global Youth Forums and Entrepreneurial Programs:

• It’s youth-led and youth-focused, giving young innovators the space and agency to lead

• It emphasizes digital equity, inclusion, and ethical innovation

• You’ll learn directly from the best in the field—ITU experts, Huawei mentors, and renowned digital transformation leaders

• You’ll develop professional skills in impact measurement, strategic storytelling, partnership building, and innovation scaling

• Your work will contribute directly to advancing the SDGs, especially Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) and Goal 4 (Quality Education)

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Long-Term Impact

Upon completing the program, participants become part of the Generation Connect Alumni Network—a global community of empowered youth change-makers. As an alumnus, you’ll continue to receive invitations to events, funding alerts, and collaborative opportunities.

Many previous alumni have gone on to launch organizations, secure additional grant funding, and participate in global conferences such as WSIS Forum, ITU Telecom World, and more.

If you’re seeking a Fellowship that will ignite your leadership journey, support your vision for digital development, and connect you with a global family of change makers—this is the program for you.