The Global Majority AI Fellowship is a new initiative of the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC to support civil-society experts from the Global South in taking part in the first session of the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance. Fellows join the inaugural meeting in Geneva (6–7 July 2026) and a follow-up session in New York (May 2027), engaging with thematic clusters on AI opportunities and implications, bridging AI divides, safe and trustworthy AI, and human rights, transparency and accountability. The aim is to strengthen Global Majority voices in international AI governance and connect fellows with a network of civil-society leaders.
Benefits & funding
- International flight costs covered for the Geneva session
- Airport transfer reimbursement
- Up to three nights of accommodation in Geneva
- Conference registration and accreditation facilitated
- Promotion of fellows’ work through the Foundation’s channels
- Networking and learning alongside global civil-society leaders
- No salary or living stipend is paid
Eligibility
- Based in a country eligible for Official Development Assistance (Global Majority / Global South focus)
- Emerging or experienced leaders working on AI governance, digital rights, data justice, or environmental and climate justice
- Open to activists, local officials, students, researchers and technologists
- Available to travel to Geneva on 6–7 July 2026
- Applicants must apply through both the official UN Call for Participation Support form and the Foundation’s own materials
Application process
- 1Apply through the official UN AI Dialogue 2026 Call for Participation Support form.
- 2Submit a CV (max 2 pages, stating country of residence and gender) and a motivational statement (max 300 words) to the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC.
- 3Selected fellows are confirmed and supported to attend the Geneva session.
Program timeline
Application deadline (now closed)
May 18, 2026
First session, Geneva, Switzerland
Jul 6, 2026 to Jul 7, 2026
Second session, New York, USA
May 2027