WIC Global Youth Leadership Program 2026
The WIC Global Youth Leadership Program 2026 is a flagship initiative of the World Internet Conference for young people working in internet-related and ICT-related fields. Selected Global Youth Leaders may attend the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit, speak at the Youth Forum, and receive support including airfare, catering, and accommodation upon application.
Quick Overview
Programme: Global Youth Leadership Program
Opportunity Type: Youth leadership programme
Host Organization: World Internet Conference
Country: China
Location: Wuzhen Summit
Programme Format: Forum, training, and research activities
Deadline: 17:00 (GMT+8), July 24, 2026
Eligibility: Applicants under the age of 45 with accomplishments in internet-related or ICT-related fields
About the WIC Global Youth Leadership Program
The Global Youth Leadership Program is a flagship initiative launched by the World Internet Conference in 2023. It aims to select outstanding young people in the global Internet field on a regular basis.
The programme focuses on Internet technology, industry, and governance. It creates youth activities around forum participation, training, and research.
Over the past three years, 56 Global Youth Leaders from 38 countries and regions have been invited to attend the Youth Forum at the Wuzhen Summit. The programme gives young people a platform to exchange ideas with leaders from the global internet community.
Programme Focus
The programme is structured around three main areas: Forum, Training, and Research.
The Forum component includes the Global Youth Leadership Forum at the Wuzhen Summit. It invites youth leaders to speak on pressing internet topics and share youth perspectives.
The Training component includes high-end field research and training programmes in different countries and regions. It also invites global Internet leaders to give lectures and support young people’s leadership skills.
The Research component focuses on internet technology, industry, and governance. Youth-led studies may contribute insights through the WIC working group mechanism.
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What Selected Participants Can Gain
Selected Global Youth Leaders receive access to WIC activities and professional development opportunities.
Confirmed benefits include:
✓ Official Global Youth Leader certificate from the WIC
✓ Attendance at the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit
✓ Opportunity to speak at the Youth Forum
✓ Round-trip airfare available upon application
✓ Complimentary catering and accommodation available upon application
✓ In-depth exchanges with representatives from international organizations, governments, Internet companies, experts, scholars, and WIC officials
✓ Opportunities to organize workshops or activities at other WIC summits and thematic or regional forums
✓ Priority access to internship and job opportunities within the WIC international organization
Youth-led forums and activities aligned with the WIC Global Youth Leaders Initiative may also receive support from the WIC Secretariat. Outstanding outcomes may be featured in the programme’s Collection of Practical Outcomes.
Support for Nominees
The programme also provides recognition for outstanding candidates who reach the final review stage but are not ultimately selected.
These candidates will receive a Nominee Certificate of the WIC Global Youth Leadership Program. They will also be invited to join the WIC youth community.
Nominees may participate in discussions, contribute ideas to conference activities, and receive priority access to WIC internship opportunities.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the official requirements listed by the World Internet Conference.
Applicants should:
• Embrace the mission of the WIC international organization
• Be willing to engage with the vision of building a community with a shared future in cyberspace
• Be under the age of 45
• Have notable accomplishments in one or more internet-related or ICT-related fields
• Possess an international perspective
• Be willing to contribute to the growth of WIC’s youth community
• Demonstrate interdisciplinary and diverse thinking
• Exhibit strong public speaking and presentation skills
Applicants may come from policy, business, research, or public interest backgrounds, if their work is connected to internet-related or ICT-related areas.
Eligible Backgrounds
The official page lists several types of professional backgrounds that may match the programme.
Eligible backgrounds may include:
• Policy professionals involved in digital governance or internet policymaking
• People working in government or international organizations connected to digital governance
• Senior executives in established internet companies
• Founders or leaders of innovative startups
• Researchers contributing to artificial intelligence, big data, or other internet-related technologies, industries, or governance
• NGO or social organization leaders working on digital inclusion, digital literacy, technology for public welfare, or sustainable development
Applicants should be able to show accomplishments, influence, or contributions in one or more relevant areas.
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Required Documents
Applicants must complete their personal information and submit the required materials through the online system.
Required materials include:
• Recommendation letter from a relevant institution or recognized professional
• Supporting documents such as research achievements or awards
• Introduction video presenting views on the WIC Global Youth Leaders Initiative
• Written transcript for the introduction video
The introduction video should also outline proposed activities or projects.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the official online application and upload all required documents before the deadline.
The selection process includes four phases:
• Phase I: Application by July 24
• Phase II: Review by the end of August
• Phase III: Notification by the end of September
• Phase IV: Participation, tentatively set for early November
During the review phase, the WIC Secretariat conducts an initial screening based on eligibility and document completeness. Qualified applicants are then reviewed by an expert panel.
Selected candidates will be contacted about participation in the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit and speaking arrangements for the Youth Forum.
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Important Dates
Applicants should follow the official timeline carefully.
• Application deadline: 17:00 (GMT+8), July 24, 2026
• Review: by the end of August
• Notification: by the end of September
• Participation: tentatively set for early November
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the WIC Global Youth Leadership Program 2026 is 17:00 (GMT+8), July 24, 2026.
Applicants should complete the online application and upload all required documents before the deadline.
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
