Request for Applications: Global Citizen Scholarship Program

The Ban Ki-moon Foundation has launched the 9th round of its Global Citizen Scholarship Program to empower young changemakers advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program offers a fully funded two-week summer school at Management Center Innsbruck, EUR 500 seed funding, mentorship, and project implementation support. Applications close on 4 March 2026, and the program runs from April 2026 for 8–9 months.

Program Overview

The Global Citizen Scholarship Program is an international leadership and entrepreneurship initiative designed to equip young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and funding needed to implement community-based sustainable development projects.

The program focuses on:

• Agenda 2030
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Entrepreneurship for sustainable development
• Community-based changemaker projects
• Peer-to-peer learning
• Expert-led training and workshops
• Global citizenship values

The objective is to transform young global citizens into action-oriented SDG advocates who can design and implement scalable impact projects.

Key Benefits and Funding

Selected scholars receive comprehensive support, including:

1. Fully Funded Summer School

• Two-week intensive training at Management Center Innsbruck
• Academic and practical training in sustainable development and entrepreneurship
• Exposure to global faculty and experts

2. Seed Funding

• EUR 500 project implementation grant
• Disbursed after successful project proposal submission
• Supports early-stage community-based changemaker initiatives

3. Mentorship and Peer Learning

• Structured guidance throughout the program
• Peer-to-peer collaboration within a 17-member cohort
• Access to international professional networks

4. Certification

• Certificate of achievement
• Signed by the Co-Chairs of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation
• Awarded upon successful completion of the changemaker project

Program Structure and Timeline

• Application Deadline: 4 March 2026
• Program Start: April 2026
• Duration: 8–9 months
• Cohort Size: 17 scholars

The cohort includes:

• 16 young changemakers (ages 20–35) from selected countries across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia
• 1 student from Management Center Innsbruck

The program combines academic training, mentorship, and real-world project implementation.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be between 20 and 35 years old
• Be from selected countries in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, or Southeast Asia
• Demonstrate commitment to the SDGs and sustainable development
• Propose a viable community-based changemaker project
• Be able to participate for the full 8–9 month program

Ideal candidates include social entrepreneurs, youth leaders, NGO founders, sustainability advocates, and community innovators.

What Is a Changemaker Project?

A changemaker project is a locally driven initiative designed to address one or more Sustainable Development Goals.

Examples include:

• Climate resilience initiatives
• Education access programs
• Women’s economic empowerment projects
• Youth employment and skills development
• Food security solutions
• Public health awareness campaigns

Projects must:

1. Address a clearly defined social or environmental issue

2. Align with specific SDGs

3. Include a realistic implementation plan

4. Demonstrate measurable impact potential

Why This Program Matters

The Global Citizen Scholarship Program matters because:

• It builds local leadership capacity in emerging regions
• It strengthens grassroots SDG implementation
• It connects young leaders to global networks
• It bridges policy-level SDGs with community-level action
• It promotes entrepreneurship as a development tool

By investing in young changemakers, the program contributes to long-term sustainable development outcomes aligned with Agenda 2030.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your Project Concept

Define:

• Project title
• Problem statement
• Target beneficiaries
• Relevant SDGs
• Implementation approach
• Expected outcomes

Step 2: Complete Online Application

Submit:

• Personal details
• Professional background
• Project information

Applications can be saved as drafts and completed later.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents (Final Stage)

Applicants must upload:

• Motivational statement
• Portrait photograph
• Short introduction video
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Detailed project outline

Step 4: Submit Before Deadline

All applications must be submitted by 4 March 2026.

Late submissions are typically not considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting vague project ideas without measurable outcomes

2. Failing to clearly link the project to specific SDGs

3. Uploading incomplete documentation

4. Ignoring eligibility age requirements

5. Submitting generic motivational statements without personal commitment

Strong applications demonstrate clarity, feasibility, alignment with SDGs, and authentic leadership motivation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the scholarship cover?

It covers full participation costs for the two-week summer school, mentorship support, and EUR 500 in seed funding for project implementation.

2. When does the program start and end?

The program begins in April 2026 and runs for approximately 8–9 months.

3. Is the EUR 500 provided upfront?

No. The seed funding is disbursed after successful submission and approval of the project proposal.

4. Can I apply if I already run an NGO?

Yes, provided you meet the age and geographic eligibility criteria and propose a project aligned with the SDGs.

5. Is the program fully funded?

Yes. The summer school participation is fully covered. Additional personal expenses may depend on individual circumstances.

6. How many scholars are selected?

A total of 17 scholars are selected: 16 international participants and 1 student from Management Center Innsbruck.

7. What happens after project completion?

Scholars who successfully complete their changemaker project receive a certificate signed by the Foundation’s Co-Chairs.

Conclusion

The Ban Ki-moon Foundation Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026 is a structured, fully funded leadership and entrepreneurship initiative designed to accelerate youth-led SDG action. With academic training, seed funding, mentorship, and international networking opportunities, it empowers young changemakers to transform community-based ideas into measurable impact.

For young leaders committed to Agenda 2030 and sustainable development, this program offers both the credibility and practical tools needed to drive meaningful change.