UNESCO APCEIU 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED 2026 is fully funded to Seoul, South Korea. 40 slots for youth from ODA countries. Deadline: 26 March 2026.
What Is the UNESCO MGIEP/APCEIU 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED 2026?
The 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on Global Citizenship Education (GCED) 2026 is a fully funded international programme for young leaders from developing countries. It is co-hosted by the Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) and the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP), in partnership with the GCED Youth Network. Applications are open and will close on 26 March 2026.
The workshop will bring together 40 youth leaders in Seoul, Republic of Korea, under the theme “Translating Peace into Action: Leveraging Media and the Arts for Youth Advocacy.” It is designed to equip participants with practical skills in peacebuilding, creative advocacy, and global citizenship education. The programme runs in a hybrid format — an online pre-workshop from 12 to 14 May 2026, followed by a five-day in-person main workshop from 8 to 12 June 2026 in Seoul.
All costs are covered for selected participants. This includes round-trip international airfare to and from Seoul, accommodation, meals, and local transportation during the in-person workshop. There is no application fee, and IELTS is not required. Successful participants who complete the workshop will also be eligible to apply for an exclusive mentorship programme to further develop their community initiatives.
The workshop is open to youth from Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries. Nigeria is on the ODA recipient list, making Nigerian youth leaders eligible to apply. If you have been actively engaged in GCED activities and meet the eligibility requirements, this is a strong opportunity to gain international training, build a global network, and develop actionable plans for your community.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Workshop Name | 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED |
| Organisers | UNESCO APCEIU, UNESCO MGIEP, GCED Youth Network |
| Theme | Translating Peace into Action: Leveraging Media and the Arts for Youth Advocacy |
| Location | Seoul, Republic of Korea |
| Pre-Workshop (Online) | 12–14 May 2026 |
| Main Workshop (In-Person) | 8–12 June 2026 |
| Number of Participants | 40 youth leaders |
| Funding | Fully funded (airfare, accommodation, meals, local transport) |
| Application Deadline | 23:59, 26 March 2026 (KST) |
About APCEIU and the GCED Youth Programme
The Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) is a UNESCO Category II centre established in 2000 in the Republic of Korea. It has been promoting Global Citizenship Education since 2008 through training programmes, research, curriculum development, and international partnerships. The Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED is one of APCEIU’s flagship initiatives.
UNESCO MGIEP, based in New Delhi, India, focuses on education for peace and sustainable development. It works on developing social and emotional learning (SEL) approaches and integrating them into GCED frameworks. The partnership between APCEIU and UNESCO MGIEP brings together complementary expertise in global citizenship education, peacebuilding, and youth empowerment.
The GCED Youth Network connects young leaders from around the world who have participated in previous workshops and GCED programmes. Through this network, past participants continue to collaborate, share resources, and support each other’s initiatives. Joining the 12th cohort gives you entry into this growing global community of youth advocates.
Workshop Theme: Media, Arts, and Youth Advocacy for Peace
The 2026 workshop focuses specifically on how young people can use media and the arts as tools for peace advocacy. The theme aligns with UNESCO’s 2023 Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development, which emphasises transformative education that goes beyond knowledge acquisition to focus on values, socio-emotional skills, and practical action.
The idea behind this year’s theme is that peace must extend beyond policy declarations and be experienced in daily life. The workshop provides participants with practical skills to translate abstract concepts like peace, human rights, and sustainability into tangible messages and creative actions. Through media literacy, storytelling, and artistic expression, participants learn how to create advocacy campaigns that resonate with their communities and drive real change.
The programme deepens engagement with both GCED and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). SEL provides the socio-emotional foundation — empathy, intercultural communication, self-awareness — while GCED provides the cognitive and behavioural framework for understanding global issues and taking action. Together, they equip participants with a comprehensive set of competencies for effective youth advocacy.
What the Workshop Covers: Programme Structure
The workshop is structured in two phases — an online pre-workshop and an in-person main workshop in Seoul. Both phases are mandatory for selected participants.
Phase 1: Online Pre-Workshop (12–14 May 2026)
The online pre-workshop introduces participants to core GCED and SEL concepts before they travel to Seoul. This phase allows participants to begin building connections with each other and the facilitators while still in their home countries. It sets the foundation for the deeper engagement that takes place during the in-person workshop.
Phase 2: Main Workshop in Seoul (8–12 June 2026)
The five-day in-person programme in Seoul follows a structured daily format designed to build skills progressively.
Day 1 focuses on connecting and grounding. This includes a keynote address, introductions, and youth perspectives on UNESCO’s recommendations for education. Day 2 centres on SEL workshops, where participants cultivate empathy, intercultural communication skills, and creative arts techniques. Day 3 addresses critical thinking through sessions on global issues, media literacy, hate speech, and group-based learning labs. Day 4 shifts to local initiatives, including study visits within Seoul, case sharing from participants, and the development of actionable community plans. The final day focuses on synthesis, reflection, and next steps.
By the end of the workshop, participants will have developed community-based action plans that integrate GCED and SEL principles. They will also have expanded their global networks through engagement with 39 other youth leaders from around the world.
What Successful Participants Will Receive
The workshop is fully funded. Selected participants receive a comprehensive support package that covers all costs associated with attending the programme.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| International Airfare | Round-trip flight to and from Seoul, Republic of Korea |
| Accommodation | Covered for the duration of the in-person workshop |
| Meals | Covered throughout the main workshop |
| Local Transportation | Covered during the workshop period in Seoul |
| Mentorship Programme | Eligible to apply after completing the workshop |
| Global Network | Access to the GCED Youth Network of past and current participants |
| Certificate | Issued upon completion of the workshop |
The mentorship programme available after the workshop is a significant additional benefit. It allows participants to receive continued guidance as they implement their community initiatives, ensuring that the skills and plans developed in Seoul translate into real impact back home.
Eligibility Requirements for Applicants
The workshop targets a specific group of youth leaders. You must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible.
You must be born between 1998 and 2007, meaning you should be between 18 and 27 years old at the time of the workshop. You must be proficient in spoken and written English, as all sessions will be conducted in English. You must have a minimum of two years of active experience in youth activities. This could include community projects, advocacy campaigns, youth organisations, or similar engagement.
You must be a citizen of an Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient country. Nigeria and most African countries are on the ODA list. You must demonstrate commitment and capacity to implement GCED training programmes within three months after attending the in-person workshop. This means you should have a realistic plan for how you will apply what you learn when you return home.
You must also complete a designated prerequisite online course on the GCED Online Campus before submitting your application. The course is available at gcedonlinecampus.org (opens in a new tab). You will need to upload the course completion certificate as part of your application. Applications from youth of all backgrounds are encouraged, and accommodations for disabilities are available.
Required Application Documents
Your application must include several components. Prepare all of them before you start filling out the form.
| S/N | Document | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Completed Application Form | Personal information, contact details, and motivation responses |
| 2 | Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume | Your academic and professional background |
| 3 | One-Minute Self-Introduction Video | A brief video introducing yourself |
| 4 | Prerequisite Course Certificate | From the GCED Online Campus |
All documents are uploaded directly within the application form. Make sure your video is clear, concise, and within the one-minute limit. Your CV should highlight your youth engagement experience, community projects, and any GCED-related activities.
How to Apply for the UNESCO Youth Leadership Workshop 2026
The application is submitted through a Google Form. Follow these steps to complete your submission.
Step 1: Complete the prerequisite GCED course on the GCED Online Campus at gcedonlinecampus.org (opens in a new tab). Download your completion certificate once you finish the course.
Step 2: Prepare your CV, one-minute self-introduction video, and prerequisite course certificate.
Step 3: Visit the application form at forms.gle/wAJnM5bj5J9isMNdA (opens in a new tab).
Step 4: Complete all required fields, including your personal information, contact details, and motivation responses.
Step 5: Upload your CV, video, and course certificate within the form.
Step 6: Submit the form on or before 23:59, 26 March 2026 (Korea Standard Time).
Note that no confirmation email is sent after submission. If you want to verify your submission, take a screenshot of the confirmation page. Successful applicants will receive invitation letters by 23:59, 8 April 2026 (KST). Upon receiving the invitation, you must complete registration by 23:59, 12 April 2026 (KST). Late registration is treated as a cancellation, and the slot will be offered to the next applicant on the waiting list.
Application Timeline and Key Dates
| Activity | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 23:59, 26 March 2026 (KST) | Open |
| Selection Notification | 8 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| Registration Deadline | 12 April 2026 | Upcoming |
| Online Pre-Workshop | 12–14 May 2026 | Upcoming |
| Main Workshop (Seoul) | 8–12 June 2026 | Upcoming |
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
The workshop selects only 40 participants from ODA countries worldwide, so the competition is intense. Here is how to make your application stand out.
Complete the prerequisite GCED course early. Do not wait until the last few days before the deadline. The course takes time to finish properly, and you need the certificate before you can submit your application. Starting the course late could mean missing the deadline entirely.
Your motivation responses should be specific and personal. Explain exactly what GCED activities you have been involved in, what impact you have made, and how the workshop will help you take your work further. Avoid generic statements about wanting to make the world a better place. The review panel wants to see concrete examples of your engagement and a clear plan for what you will do after the workshop.
Your one-minute video is an opportunity to show your personality and communication skills. Speak clearly, introduce yourself briefly, and explain why you are passionate about global citizenship education. Keep it simple — you do not need professional production quality, but the audio and video should be clear enough for reviewers to understand you.
Contact Information for Enquiries
If you have questions about the workshop or the application process, you can reach the organisers directly.
Email: ylw@unescoapceiu.org (copy ggomez@unesco.org)
Official Website: unescoapceiu.org (opens in a new tab)
GCED Online Campus: gcedonlinecampus.org (opens in a new tab)
Final Thoughts
The UNESCO MGIEP/APCEIU 12th Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED 2026 is a fully funded opportunity for young leaders from developing countries to gain practical skills in peacebuilding, media-based advocacy, and global citizenship education. With all travel, accommodation, and meal costs covered, 40 selected participants will travel to Seoul for five days of intensive training, networking, and action planning. The post-workshop mentorship programme adds further value by supporting participants as they implement their initiatives back home.
If you are a young Nigerian or African leader between 18 and 27 years old with at least two years of youth engagement experience and a genuine commitment to global citizenship, this workshop is designed for you. The deadline is 26 March 2026, and you must complete the prerequisite GCED online course before you can apply. Start the course now, prepare your documents, and submit early. Share this opportunity with young leaders in your network who are actively working on peace, advocacy, and community development.
FAQs About the UNESCO Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED 2026
What is the Youth Leadership Workshop on GCED?
It is a fully funded international workshop organised by UNESCO APCEIU and UNESCO MGIEP that brings together 40 youth leaders from ODA recipient countries in Seoul, South Korea. The programme focuses on global citizenship education, peacebuilding, and youth advocacy through media and the arts.
Is the workshop fully funded?
Yes. All costs are covered for selected participants, including round-trip international airfare to Seoul, accommodation, meals, and local transportation during the workshop.
Who is eligible to apply?
Youth born between 1998 and 2007 from ODA recipient countries (including Nigeria) who are proficient in English, have at least two years of youth activity experience, and have completed the prerequisite GCED online course.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 23:59, 26 March 2026 (Korea Standard Time). No late applications will be accepted.
Do I need to complete a course before applying?
Yes. You must complete a prerequisite online course on the GCED Online Campus at gcedonlinecampus.org and upload the completion certificate as part of your application.
When and where will the workshop take place?
The online pre-workshop runs from 12 to 14 May 2026. The in-person main workshop takes place in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 8 to 12 June 2026.