Deadline: 17-Jul-2026
The European Commission has launched the New Generation: Youth Leadership for Peace, Rights, and Democracy programme to strengthen the role of young people in promoting peace, human rights, democratic governance, and sustainable development in Timor-Leste. The initiative supports youth-led and civil society-driven actions that empower young people to become active participants in social, political, and economic life.
The programme seeks to build inclusive, resilient, and democratic communities by supporting innovative projects that enhance youth leadership, civic engagement, and human rights while addressing challenges faced by vulnerable and marginalized groups.
About the Programme
The programme is designed to increase the participation and leadership of young people in shaping the future of Timor-Leste.
The programme focuses on:
- Youth leadership and empowerment
- Peacebuilding initiatives
- Human rights promotion
- Democratic governance
- Civic participation
- Sustainable development
- Social inclusion
- Community resilience
- Youth engagement and advocacy
- Civil society strengthening
Projects should support young people as drivers of positive social change and democratic development.
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen youth participation in public life
- Promote peace, human rights, and democratic values
- Support youth-led community development
- Build resilient and inclusive societies
- Increase civic engagement among young people
- Strengthen local civil society organizations
- Encourage social transformation through youth action
- Promote sustainable and long-term community impact
Actions should demonstrate how young people will actively contribute to decision-making and community development processes.
Priority Areas
Projects should address one or more of the programme’s key priorities.
Youth Leadership and Ownership
Activities may focus on:
- Strengthening youth organizations
- Building leadership skills
- Supporting youth-led initiatives
- Increasing youth participation in governance
- Enhancing community engagement
Peace, Rights, and Democracy
Projects may promote:
- Human rights awareness
- Democratic participation
- Conflict prevention and peacebuilding
- Civic education
- Inclusive governance
Inclusion of Vulnerable Groups
Special attention is encouraged for initiatives benefiting:
- Women and girls
- LGBTIQ+ individuals
- Rural communities
- Persons with disabilities
- Marginalized and excluded populations
- Communities affected by discrimination or violence
Projects should ensure meaningful participation and inclusion of these groups.
Innovative Youth Engagement
Applicants are encouraged to use creative approaches such as:
- Digital technologies
- Social innovation
- Citizen journalism
- Arts and culture
- Sports-based engagement
- Community media initiatives
- Digital participation platforms
Innovation should help increase youth involvement and strengthen project impact.
Context in Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste has one of the world’s youngest populations, with a large proportion of citizens under the age of 30.
While this demographic presents significant opportunities, many young people continue to face challenges including:
- Poverty
- Unemployment
- Limited economic opportunities
- Restricted access to services
- Limited civic participation opportunities
The programme seeks to address these challenges by empowering youth to become active contributors to democratic and sustainable development.
Funding Information
Key funding details include:
- Total indicative budget: EUR 480,000
- Number of grants expected: One
- Maximum grant amount: EUR 480,000
European Union contribution:
- Between 75% and 95% of total eligible project costs
- Up to 99% financing may be available for eligible applicants established in specific locations identified in the programme guidelines
Applicants must ensure that remaining project costs are covered through eligible co-financing sources where required.
Eligible Applicants
Lead applicants must:
- Be non-profit civil society organizations
- Be legally established in Timor-Leste, an EU Member State, or another eligible country
- Meet the eligibility conditions outlined in the call guidelines
The programme places strong emphasis on the participation and leadership of Timorese civil society organizations.
Partnership Requirements
Applications must:
- Include at least one co-applicant
- Demonstrate meaningful collaboration among partners
- Comply with specific requirements regarding Timorese civil society participation
Additional entities may participate, including:
- Affiliated entities
- Associates
- Contractors
- Recipients of financial support
Participation must comply with programme rules and eligibility conditions.
Support for Third Parties
The programme allows applicants to provide financial support to third parties.
Such support must:
- Directly contribute to programme objectives
- Follow transparent selection procedures
- Use clearly defined eligibility criteria
- Include monitoring and implementation mechanisms
Applicants should explain how third-party support will strengthen project outcomes and youth engagement.
Sustainability and Long-Term Impact
Projects are expected to create lasting benefits by:
- Building local ownership
- Strengthening civil society networks
- Supporting institutional learning
- Developing reusable resources
- Expanding communities of practice
- Creating knowledge-sharing platforms
- Promoting long-term behavioural and structural change
The programme prioritizes sustainable solutions rather than short-term interventions.
Environmental Considerations
Applicants are encouraged to integrate environmentally responsible practices throughout project implementation.
Examples include:
- Using digital technologies where appropriate
- Reducing paper consumption
- Engaging local suppliers
- Minimizing waste generation
- Reducing single-use plastics
- Promoting environmentally sustainable event management
Environmental responsibility should be integrated wherever practical.
Why This Programme Matters
Young people represent a powerful force for democratic development, social innovation, and community resilience. In Timor-Leste, empowering youth to actively participate in governance, peacebuilding, and human rights initiatives can contribute significantly to long-term national development.
By supporting youth leadership, civil society engagement, and inclusive participation, the New Generation programme helps strengthen democratic institutions, promote social cohesion, and create opportunities for young people to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the programme?
- The programme supports youth leadership, human rights, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development in Timor-Leste.
How much funding is available?
- A total budget of EUR 480,000 is available, with one grant expected to be awarded.
Who can apply?
- Eligible non-profit civil society organizations established in Timor-Leste, EU Member States, or other eligible countries.
Are partnerships required?
- Yes. Applications must include at least one co-applicant and meet partnership requirements outlined in the guidelines.
Which groups should projects benefit?
- Projects are encouraged to support women, LGBTIQ+ individuals, rural communities, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized or vulnerable groups.
Can applicants provide grants to third parties?
- Yes. Financial support to third parties is permitted if it directly contributes to programme objectives and follows defined procedures.
What types of activities are encouraged?
- Youth leadership initiatives, civic participation projects, peacebuilding activities, human rights promotion, citizen journalism, digital engagement, sports, and cultural activities.
Conclusion
The New Generation: Youth Leadership for Peace, Rights, and Democracy programme provides significant support for initiatives that empower young people in Timor-Leste to become leaders in peacebuilding, human rights, democratic governance, and sustainable development. Through a EUR 480,000 funding opportunity, the programme seeks to strengthen youth participation, support local civil society leadership, and promote inclusive, innovative, and sustainable solutions that contribute to the country’s long-term democratic development.
For more information, visit European Commission.