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Ban Ki-moon Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026 (USD 500 Seed Grant)

Ban Ki-moon Global Citizen Scholarship

Applications are now open for the 2026 Ban Ki-moon Global Citizen Scholarship Program, an initiative by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation designed to support young leaders committed to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Now in its 9th edition, the program aims to empower passionate changemakers with the tools, mentorship, and funding needed to turn their ideas into impactful community projects aligned with the SDGs.

About the Scholarship

The Global Citizen (GC) Scholarship is a fully virtual program that supports young innovators in designing and implementing localized projects that tackle one or more of the SDGs.

Participants will:

  • Develop and execute a community-based changemaker project

  • Take part in a two-week summer school

  • Receive peer-to-peer mentoring

  • Join expert-led workshops and training sessions

  • Engage with a diverse international network of leaders

The program combines leadership development, sustainability education, and practical entrepreneurship training to equip participants for long-term impact.

Who Can Apply?

The program will select 16 young changemakers (ages 20–35) from the following regions and countries:

Africa

Cameroon, Ethiopia, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Middle East

Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

South Asia

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Southeast Asia

Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Vietnam

In addition, one student from the Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) will join the selected participants, forming a cohort of 17 scholars.

What Scholars Will Receive

Over an 8–9 month period, selected participants will benefit from:

  • Advanced knowledge of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals

  • Training in entrepreneurship for sustainable development

  • Access to professional and international networks

  • Fully funded participation in a two-week summer school at MCI

  • Access to expert workshops and structured mentoring

  • A EUR 500 seed grant to implement their approved changemaker project

  • An official certificate of achievement signed by

    • Ban Ki-moon

    • Heinz Fischer

The seed funding is disbursed after the successful submission and approval of a detailed project proposal.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the online nomination form and provide detailed information including:

Personal Information

  • Name and contact details

  • Date of birth

  • Citizenship and address

  • Education background

  • Language proficiency

  • Short personal profile

Professional Information

  • Academic qualifications

  • Current organization (if applicable)

  • Role or function

Changemaker Project Details

  • Project title

  • SDGs addressed

  • Key issues tackled

  • Implementation plan and approach

Required Attachments

At the final stage of the application, candidates must upload:

  • A motivational statement

  • A recent portrait photo (JPEG or PNG)

  • A short introduction video (maximum 60 seconds, MP4 or MOV)

  • An updated CV

  • A project outline describing their proposed changemaker initiative

Application Deadline

March 4, 2026

Click here to apply Here

To apply for this job please visit bankimooncentre.submit.com.

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