The Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme is a one-year initiative run by the International Telecommunication Union in partnership with Huawei. Each annual cohort brings together 30 young people from around the world to develop or expand community-based digital development projects.
Fellows take part in virtual leadership activities and an in-person Development Week in Geneva while implementing their projects in their own communities. The 2026–2027 application cycle is closed.
Benefits & funding
- Each of the 30 fellows receives an initial USD 5,000 grant to implement a youth-led digital development project.
- The most impactful projects may receive an additional USD 5,000 for scaling, bringing the potential total to USD 10,000.
- Fellows receive year-long virtual leadership training and mentorship from ITU and Huawei.
- The programme includes a one-week in-person global Development Week in Geneva, Switzerland; the official pages reviewed do not state whether travel or accommodation is covered.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be 18 to 28 years old by the application deadline.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a tertiary STEM or demonstrably STEM-related programme.
- Applicants must be able to communicate in English, the programme language.
- Applicants must apply as individuals and propose either a new or existing digital development project that they will lead and implement.
- No nationality or residency restriction is published; ITU describes the programme as supporting young people from around the world.
- Gender balance and representation across ITU regions are cohort goals, while applicants from least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, small island developing states, and economies in transition are especially encouraged rather than required.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor · Master Enrolled · Master · PhD Enrolled · PhD
Age requirement
18–28 yrs
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Application process
- 1Submit the online application for the relevant cohort by the stated deadline.
- 2ITU and Huawei review the first round of applications.
- 3Shortlisted applicants provide identity documents, a video, and two different references within approximately one week of invitation.
- 4The GCYLP jury selects 30 fellows for the cohort.
Program timeline
Applications closed for the 2026–2027 cohort.
Mar 31, 2026 at 23:59 CET
Shortlisted applicants were expected to receive requests for additional materials.
By 2026-05
Fellows for the 2026–2027 cohort were announced.
Aug 12, 2026