The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme offers a unique opportunity for emerging leaders to engage in peacebuilding and humanitarian diplomacy. This residential program, based in Geneva, Switzerland, provides hands-on experience within a global diplomatic hub. It aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in peacebuilding, humanitarian diplomacy, mediation, and inclusive international cooperation.
Programme Overview
The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme is a nine-month, full-time residential initiative running from September 2026 to June 2027. It combines practical work within global organizations, collaborative learning, applied research, and professional mentorship. This program is designed as a hands-on professional immersion rather than a purely academic pursuit. It addresses critical global issues such as the fragmentation of conflicts, weakening multilateral cooperation, and the need for innovative leadership in peace and diplomacy.
The core objectives of the fellowship include training emerging global peace leaders, strengthening humanitarian diplomacy capacities, building cross-regional leadership networks, supporting innovation in peacebuilding practices, reinforcing Geneva’s role as a peace hub, and bridging the gap between research, policy, and field operations.
Programme Structure
The fellowship is built around three main pillars:
1. Residential Programme in Geneva
Fellows reside together at Domaine Barton on Lake Geneva, fostering a collaborative environment. This pillar involves participation in intensive professional development activities, peace and diplomacy projects, study visits to International Geneva institutions, and collaborative research and policy work. The immersive residential setting is key to developing strong global collaboration and leadership skills.
2. Institutional Collaboration & Placements
Each fellow is placed within a leading international organization in Geneva. This provides direct, hands-on experience working on real-time peace and humanitarian projects. Fellows support institutional programs, engage in diplomatic and research activities, receive mentorship from senior professionals, and build long-term career networks. Key partner institutions include the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, the Kofi Annan Foundation, and the International Federation of the Red Cross, among others. This ensures exposure to practical humanitarian diplomacy and peace operations.
3. Co-Creation, Research & Leadership Development
This pillar focuses on fostering innovation, research, and strategic leadership. It includes an intensive one-week training program at the start, advanced learning in peace and humanitarian diplomacy, and the development of applied research projects. Fellows also participate in policy innovation work and continuous mentorship. A significant component is the development of independent strategic projects, encouraging fellows to create innovative peacebuilding solutions that can influence global policy and practice.
Thematic Focus Areas
For the 2026 cohort, fellows will be selected based on one of six thematic tracks, each addressing specific global peace challenges:
New Frontiers of Peacemaking
This track explores modern conflict environments and innovative mediation techniques. It covers topics such as addressing neglected conflicts, building inclusive peace processes, understanding climate-related conflict risks, navigating digital and technological conflict dynamics, and implementing gender-inclusive mediation approaches.
Health and Peace
This area examines the connections between health systems and peacebuilding efforts. It includes studying health systems in conflict zones, climate and environmental health risks, integrated peace-health frameworks, and strengthening global health governance.
Ecumenical Peacebuilding and Faith-Based Diplomacy
This track focuses on the contributions of religious and interfaith communities to peace. It delves into faith-based mediation, interreligious dialogue, the role of faith leaders in diplomacy, and community-level peacebuilding initiatives.
Youth Leadership, Participation & Peacebuilding
This area emphasizes empowering young people in peace processes. It involves youth leadership development, civic engagement in conflict prevention, peace education and advocacy, and promoting youth participation in policy-making.
Protection of Civilians & Modern Conflict Dynamics
This track addresses civilian safety in evolving conflict scenarios. Topics include civilian protection strategies, urban warfare, the risks associated with AI and drone warfare, forced displacement, humanitarian access, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Women, Peace & Security (WPS) and Inclusive Peacebuilding
This focus area centers on gender equality within peace processes. It covers women’s participation in negotiations, gender-responsive peacebuilding policies, local women-led peace initiatives, and addressing structural barriers to inclusion.
Eligibility Criteria and Qualifications
The fellowship is open to applicants who fall into one of three categories: recent graduates (Master’s degree holders or advanced PhD candidates who graduated within the last 12 months), junior professionals (1-4 years of experience), or mid-career professionals (5-10 years of experience).
Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership potential in peace or humanitarian work, possess a background in international relations, law, development, social sciences, or relevant policy experience, and have excellent English or French communication skills. They should also be adaptable to multicultural environments and international settings, and be fully available for the nine-month residency in Geneva. It is important to note that this is a practice-based leadership program, not an academic research fellowship.
Application Requirements
To apply, candidates must submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) of no more than two pages and a cover letter, limited to 500 words or one page. The cover letter should specify the preferred thematic area, highlight relevant leadership experience, explain the motivation for joining the fellowship, and present a strategic idea or initiative to be developed during the program. The application deadline is June 7, 2026, at 11:59 pm CET.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme?
It’s a nine-month residential program in Geneva for emerging leaders to gain hands-on experience in peacebuilding and humanitarian diplomacy.
What does the fellowship involve?
It includes professional development, working with international organizations in Geneva, applied research, and mentorship.
Who is eligible to apply?
Recent graduates, junior professionals (1-4 years experience), or mid-career professionals (5-10 years experience) with leadership potential are eligible.
What are the application requirements?
You need to submit a CV and a cover letter detailing your preferred thematic area, experience, motivation, and a strategic idea.
