Deadline: 31-Aug-2025
The Young Civil Society Leadership Programme (YCSLP) has launched its third call to select 27 young leaders from the Mediterranean region. This initiative is part of the Med Dialogue for Rights and Equality II, funded by the EU through DG MENA, and implemented by the Anna Lindh Foundation with leadership from DAI Global Belgium. The programme aims to enhance the capacities of emerging youth leaders in civil society, particularly in the areas of policymaking, dialogue, and advocacy.
This cycle focuses on “Inclusive Growth and Job Creation for Social Impact,” encouraging actions that promote social and economic development. The programme’s goal is to identify and nurture youth leaders from ten EU Southern Neighbourhood countries—Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, Israel, and Syria—by building a strong network of empowered changemakers.
Applicants are invited to develop community-based actions within three key areas. The first focuses on transitioning to more circular and resilient local economies, such as repurposing materials, promoting cultural and creative industries, and educating stakeholders on sustainability. The second area supports the creation of inclusive job opportunities and enabling home-based start-ups, including training for vulnerable groups and enhancing fundraising for CSOs and CBOs. The third area promotes research and innovation, fostering cooperation between sectors and encouraging entrepreneurial growth in research and creative industries.
The programme consists of four phases. First is the ideation phase, where participants receive mentorship to shape their ideas. Then, capacity enhancement sessions are held online to provide practical knowledge. A four-day, in-person bootcamp follows, fostering collaboration and finalizing community action plans. Finally, participants implement their projects in real-world settings, applying what they’ve learned to create impact.
Selected participants will engage in a nine-month youth empowerment journey with both online and physical activities. They will join a regional network of young civil society leaders and may attend major Euro-Med events. Each participant will receive €1,400 in financial and technical support to implement their community-based action.
Participants are expected to actively engage in all stages of the programme, including training, mentoring, and peer collaboration. They must also deliver proof of project implementation and other required documentation as outlined in the agreement with the Anna Lindh Foundation.
Eligible candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old, fluent in English, and residents of one of the ten target countries. They should have experience in civic engagement and be involved with civil society organizations in any form. Applicants must also propose a feasible and impactful community-based action within the programme’s thematic focus.
The selection process includes three stages. First, applications will be screened based on criteria like originality and feasibility, and 54 candidates will be shortlisted. These applicants will participate in orientation sessions and 15-minute bilateral interviews to refine their proposals. After resubmitting their updated applications, the evaluation committee will select 27 final participants based on the quality of their submissions and overall suitability.
For more information, visit Anna Lindh Foundation.
