Open Call for Global Youth Leadership Program

The Global Youth Leadership Program is accepting applications from outstanding young professionals in the Internet and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sectors. Selected participants will receive a Global Youth Leader Certificate, attend the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit, participate in international forums, research, and leadership training, and gain access to networking, internship, and career opportunities within the World Internet Conference (WIC).

About the Global Youth Leadership Program

The Global Youth Leadership Program is an international initiative established by the World Internet Conference (WIC) to identify, develop, and connect emerging leaders working in internet technology, digital governance, innovation, and ICT.

The programme creates a global platform where young professionals can exchange ideas, strengthen leadership skills, contribute to internet governance discussions, and collaborate on research addressing emerging digital challenges.

Participants become part of an international network committed to promoting innovation, cooperation, and responsible development of the global internet ecosystem.

Programme Benefits

Selected Global Youth Leaders will receive numerous professional development opportunities, including:

• Official Global Youth Leader Certificate issued by the WIC.
• Invitation to attend the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit.
• Opportunity to speak at the Global Youth Leadership Forum.
• Round-trip airfare (upon application).
• Accommodation.
• Meals and catering.
• Access to leadership training programmes.
• Participation in international research initiatives.
• Networking with global internet leaders.
• Opportunities to organize youth-led workshops and forums.
• Support from the WIC Secretariat for selected initiatives.
• Recognition through the Collection of Practical Outcomes for outstanding achievements.
• Priority consideration for internship and employment opportunities within the WIC international organization.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Develop future global internet leaders.
• Promote international cooperation in internet governance.
• Encourage youth participation in digital policy discussions.
• Strengthen leadership and professional skills.
• Support research on internet technology and governance.
• Foster collaboration among young ICT professionals worldwide.
• Contribute to international dialogue on cyberspace governance.

Focus Areas

The programme supports activities related to:

• Internet governance.
• Internet technology.
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
• Digital innovation.
• Internet industry development.
• Cyber policy.
• International digital cooperation.
• Leadership development.
• Youth engagement.
• Global internet research.
• Technology policy.
• Digital transformation.

Programme Components

Global Youth Leadership Forum

Participants will attend the Youth Forum held during the WIC Wuzhen Summit, where they will discuss emerging internet-related issues and share perspectives with international stakeholders.

Leadership Training

The programme includes specialized leadership training featuring:

• Lectures by global internet leaders.
• Professional capacity-building.
• International policy discussions.
• Leadership development sessions.

Research Activities

Participants are encouraged to conduct research on:

• Internet technology.
• Internet industry.
• Internet governance.
• Emerging digital challenges.

Research findings may contribute to WIC working groups and support international policy development.

International Networking

Participants will interact with:

• International organizations.
• Government representatives.
• Global technology companies.
• Internet governance experts.
• Academic scholars.
• Senior WIC officials.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be under 45 years of age.
• Demonstrate notable achievements in one or more internet-related or ICT-related fields.
• Support the mission of the World Internet Conference.
• Be willing to contribute to the vision of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.
• Be interested in international collaboration and digital innovation.

Ideal Applicant Profile

Competitive applicants may have experience in areas such as:

• Internet technology.
• Artificial intelligence.
• Cybersecurity.
• Digital policy.
• ICT innovation.
• Telecommunications.
• Internet governance.
• Technology entrepreneurship.
• Digital research.
• Academic or policy work related to the internet.

Why This Programme Matters

Digital technologies increasingly shape economies, societies, and international relations.

The Global Youth Leadership Program helps:

• Develop future leaders in internet governance.
• Encourage international collaboration.
• Strengthen youth participation in digital policymaking.
• Promote responsible technology development.
• Support global dialogue on emerging digital challenges.
• Build long-term international professional networks.

How the Programme Works

The programme combines leadership development, research, networking, and international engagement.

Participants will:

1. Join the Global Youth Leadership network.
2. Attend the WIC Wuzhen Summit.
3. Participate in the Global Youth Leadership Forum.
4. Receive leadership and professional training.
5. Conduct internet-related research.
6. Engage with international experts and policymakers.
7. Organize or participate in WIC youth activities.
8. Access internship and career opportunities within the WIC.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Confirm they meet the age and eligibility requirements.
2. Prepare evidence of achievements in internet or ICT-related fields.
3. Demonstrate alignment with the WIC mission and vision.
4. Complete the application according to programme guidelines.
5. Submit all required documents before the application deadline.
6. If selected, actively participate in programme activities and international events.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your chances of selection:

• Highlight measurable achievements in internet or ICT fields.
• Demonstrate leadership experience.
• Explain your contributions to digital innovation or internet governance.
• Show commitment to international cooperation.
• Describe your long-term vision for the digital ecosystem.
• Provide evidence of professional accomplishments.
• Clearly articulate how you will contribute to the Global Youth Leaders Initiative.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Providing vague descriptions of achievements.
• Failing to demonstrate leadership experience.
• Not showing relevance to internet or ICT sectors.
• Ignoring the programme’s international cooperation objectives.
• Submitting incomplete application materials.
• Failing to explain alignment with the WIC mission.
• Overlooking opportunities to highlight research or innovation experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Global Youth Leadership Program?

It is an international leadership development programme organized by the World Internet Conference (WIC) to support outstanding young professionals working in internet technology, ICT, and internet governance.

2. What benefits do selected participants receive?

Participants receive a Global Youth Leader Certificate, opportunities to attend and speak at the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit, leadership training, research opportunities, networking, travel support (upon application), and access to internship and employment opportunities within the WIC.

3. Who can apply?

Applicants must be under 45 years of age and have significant achievements in one or more internet-related or ICT-related fields.

4. What topics does the programme focus on?

The programme focuses on internet technology, internet governance, ICT, digital innovation, leadership development, international cooperation, and research related to the digital ecosystem.

5. Is travel support available?

Yes. Upon application, selected participants may receive round-trip airfare, accommodation, and catering for participation in the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit.

6. What networking opportunities are available?

Participants can engage with representatives from international organizations, governments, leading technology companies, academic experts, policymakers, and senior WIC officials.

7. What opportunities are available after the programme?

Participants may organize WIC youth activities, contribute to international research, receive recognition for outstanding achievements, and gain priority access to internship and employment opportunities within the World Internet Conference international organization.

Conclusion

The Global Youth Leadership Program 2026 offers emerging leaders in internet technology and ICT an exceptional opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, contribute to global internet governance discussions, and build an international professional network. Through leadership training, research, participation in the WIC Wuzhen Summit, and ongoing engagement with global stakeholders, the programme empowers young professionals to shape the future of the digital world while advancing international cooperation and innovation.