World Internet Conference (WIC) Global Youth Leaders Program 2026 (Fully-funded)
Applications are now open for the World Internet Conference (WIC) Global Youth Leaders Program 2026 (Fully-funded). This opportunity is designed for outstanding young leaders working across internet-related and ICT-related fields, including digital governance, technology innovation, artificial intelligence, big data, public interest technology, digital inclusion, digital literacy, internet policy, research, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
The Global Youth Leadership Program, also known as GYLP, is a flagship initiative of the World Internet Conference. It was launched in 2023 to recognise and connect exceptional young people who are contributing to the future of the internet. Through the programme, selected young leaders are given access to high-level international platforms, global networking opportunities, youth-led forums, training, research engagement and participation in major WIC activities.
The World Internet Conference (WIC) Global Youth Leaders Program 2026 (Fully-funded) offers selected candidates the opportunity to attend the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit and speak at the Youth Forum. Round-trip airfare, complimentary catering and accommodation are available upon application.
Key Programme Areas
The Global Youth Leadership Program is structured around three major areas: Forum, Training and Research.
Forum: The programme organises the Global Youth Leadership Forum annually at the Wuzhen Summit. This provides a platform for youth leaders to speak on pressing internet topics and share young people’s perspectives on digital development, governance, innovation and global cooperation.
Selected youth leaders will have the opportunity to participate in high-level conversations and contribute to discussions that shape the international internet agenda.
Training: The programme also organises high-end field research and training programmes in different countries and regions. These activities invite global internet leaders to give lectures and share practical insights.
Through this training component, young participants can strengthen their skills, improve their leadership capacity, expand their global vision and grow as future leaders in internet-related fields.
Research: The research component focuses on internet technology, industry and governance. The programme designs research topics and organises youth-led studies. Through the WIC working group mechanism, youth insights may contribute to international consensus-building and the development of international regulations.
This makes the programme especially valuable for young researchers, policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs and public interest leaders who want to contribute to the future of digital governance.
Benefits of the Programme
Selected Global Youth Leaders will receive several important benefits.
- They will receive an official Global Youth Leader certificate from the World Internet Conference. This certificate recognises their selection and contribution as part of the WIC youth leadership community.
- They will also attend the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit and speak at the Youth Forum. Round-trip airfare, complimentary catering and accommodation are available upon application. This means selected candidates may receive funded support to participate in one of the world’s most important internet governance and digital development gatherings.
- In addition, participants will engage in in-depth exchanges with high-level representatives of international organisations, governments, leading global internet companies, recognised experts, scholars and senior officials of the WIC international organisation.
- Selected youth leaders will also gain opportunities to organise workshops or activities at other WIC summits, thematic forums and regional forums. This allows them to extend their leadership beyond a single event and contribute continuously to the WIC youth community.
- Youth-led forums and activities initiated by Global Youth Leaders, if aligned with the WIC Global Youth Leaders Initiative, may be included in the programme and may receive support from the WIC Secretariat. Outstanding outcomes may also be featured in the programme’s Collection of Practical Outcomes.
- Another major benefit is priority access to internship and job opportunities within the WIC international organisation. This can be valuable for young leaders seeking global career pathways in digital governance, technology policy, internet cooperation or international development.
- Outstanding candidates who advance to the final review stage but are not ultimately selected will still receive a Nominee Certificate of the WIC Global Youth Leadership Program. They will also be invited to join the WIC youth community, where they can participate in discussions, contribute ideas to conference activities and enjoy priority access to WIC internship opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must embrace the mission of the World Internet Conference international organisation. They should be willing to engage with the vision of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace and contribute ideas or perspectives that support this vision.
- Applicants must be under the age of 45.
- They must also have notable accomplishments in one or more internet-related or ICT-related fields. These fields may include policy, business, research or public interest work.
- In the policy field, applicants may hold positions in government or international organisations involved in digital governance or internet policymaking.
- In the business sector, applicants may serve as senior executives in established internet companies or as founders or leaders of innovative start-ups. They should demonstrate strong leadership, innovation and influence.
- In the research field, applicants may have contributed to artificial intelligence, big data or other internet-related technologies, industries or governance areas. These contributions may be shown through publications, awards, patents or recognised academic achievements.
- In the public interest field, applicants may lead NGOs or social organisations with expertise in digital inclusion, digital literacy or the application of technology for public welfare and sustainable development.
- Applicants should possess an international perspective and be willing to contribute to the growth of the WIC youth community. They should also demonstrate interdisciplinary and diverse thinking.
- Strong public speaking and presentation skills are also required, as selected candidates may speak at the Youth Forum and participate in high-level exchanges.
Application Deadline: July 24, 2026
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