Call for Applications: Ban Ki-moon Global Citizen Scholarship Program 2026 for Young Changemakers | USD 500 Seed Grant
Applications are now open for the 2026 Ban Ki-moon Global Citizen Scholarship Program.
After several successful cycles, the Ban Ki-moon Foundation has launched the 9th round of the Global Citizen (GC) Scholarship Program.
The initiative aims to empower young global citizens who are passionate about taking meaningful action toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The GC Scholarship is a fully virtual program designed to support young changemakers in developing and implementing localized projects that address one or more SDGs within their communities.
Scholars will also benefit from a summer school experience, peer-to-peer mentoring, and expert-led trainings and workshops on key thematic areas.
Eligibility Criteria
The program targets 16 young changemakers aged 20 to 35 from the following regions:
- 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
Selected participants will be joined by one student from Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) University, forming a cohort of 17 changemakers for the 2026 scholarship year.
Also Apply:Â Call for Applications: Resilience Technologies Graduate Trainee Program | Monthly stipend of NGN150,000.00
Program Benefits
Over a period of 8–9 months, selected scholars will:
- Strengthen their knowledge of the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs
- Gain practical skills in entrepreneurship for sustainable development
- Expand their professional and global networks
Additional benefits include:
- Full cost coverage for a two-week summer school training at Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) University
- Access to expert workshops and peer-to-peer mentoring
- Seed funding of €500 to support the implementation of their changemaker project (disbursed after successful submission of a project proposal)
- A Certificate of Achievement, signed by the Co-Chairs of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation, H.E. Ban Ki-moon and H.E. Dr. Heinz Fischer, upon successful completion of the program
Also Apply:Â Call for Applications: FMN Prize for Innovation 5.0 For MSMEs and Students | Up to N10 Million
Application Procedure
During the nomination process, applicants will be required to provide:
Personal Details
- Name, contact information, date of birth
- Address, citizenship, gender
- Education background
- Language proficiency
- Short profile description
Professional Details
- Academic titles
- Name of organization
- Current role/function
Changemaker Project Information
- Project title
- Issues addressed and relevant SDGs
- General implementation plan and process
At the final stage of the application, candidates must upload:
- A motivational statement
- A portrait photograph (JPEG or PNG format)
- A self-introduction video (maximum 60 seconds, MP4 or MOV format)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A project outline detailing the proposed changemaker idea
