International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme: Cultivating Future Peace Leaders

The pursuit of global peace and humanitarian diplomacy faces complex challenges in today’s world. To address this, the International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme offers a unique opportunity for emerging and mid-career professionals. This program aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills, connections, and practical experience to drive innovative solutions for peace. By fostering a new generation of leaders, the fellowship strengthens Geneva’s role as a central hub for peacebuilding efforts.

Program Overview and Goals

The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme is a collaborative effort between Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute. Generously supported by the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva, this initiative is designed to cultivate the next wave of leaders in peace and humanitarian diplomacy. Recognizing the increasing difficulties facing multilateralism, the program focuses on empowering fellows to develop and implement creative approaches to peace.

In its initial phase, the fellowship will support ten individuals. These fellows will be selected from recent graduates and professionals in the early to mid-stages of their careers. The program involves a nine-month residential period in Geneva. The overarching goal is to enhance Geneva’s capacity to support peace initiatives. It also aims to build a network of peacebuilding leaders and reinforce the city’s status as a global center for peace. The program connects Geneva with key international centers by bringing together a diverse group of fellows. They gain access to research and field operations related to peace and humanitarian diplomacy. This is facilitated through a supportive environment within International Geneva, involving various partners and networks.

Thematic Areas of Focus

The fellowship is structured around six distinct thematic areas. These areas are shaped by partner institutions and reflect current priorities in peace and humanitarian diplomacy. Each fellow is chosen based on a specific thematic focus, ensuring a match between their expertise, the program’s needs, and the bridging of policy and practice. Fellows are expected to work on practical projects with partner organizations and develop their own strategic ideas within one of these themes.

The New Frontier of Peacemaking

This area highlights under-addressed conflicts and improves mediation strategies for contemporary challenges. It focuses on identifying opportunities for dialogue, ceasefires, and inclusive peace processes in long-standing conflicts. The theme promotes approaches that consider climate change, environmental issues, illicit economies, and digital dynamics. It also ensures that gender and inclusion are central to mediation efforts.

Health and Peace

This theme views health as interconnected with environmental, social, and security factors, acknowledging that isolated approaches are insufficient. It examines how health intersects with peace and security in conflict-affected regions, considering climate pressures and technological changes. By connecting health and peace within broader multilateral efforts, this theme addresses gaps in siloed knowledge production.

Ecumenical Peacebuilding and Faith-Based Diplomacy

This area advances ecumenical peacebuilding by engaging global church networks and interfaith partners. The goal is to support dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion in various countries. It explores how religious actors contribute to peace processes through mediation, community engagement, and moral leadership. The theme also looks at the role of faith-based diplomacy in shaping international policy discussions in Geneva. It connects local peacebuilding experiences with multilateral processes, using the influence of religious leaders to promote inclusive peace.

Youth Leadership, Participation, and Peacebuilding

This theme focuses on creating pathways for meaningful youth involvement in peacebuilding, policy, and civic processes. It positions young people as agents of change and partners in dialogue, conflict prevention, and social cohesion, especially in areas affected by conflict and political instability. The theme promotes youth-led and youth-inclusive approaches through community engagement and policy innovation. It also supports humanitarian values through education and understanding of International Humanitarian Law.

Protection of Civilians and Contemporary Conflict Dynamics

This area aims to strengthen efforts in programmatic, policy, and humanitarian diplomacy for civilian protection. It involves program assistance, management, and field-informed analysis of evolving conflict risks. The theme addresses key issues in conflict dynamics, such as the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, new technologies like drones and AI, humanitarian access challenges, displacement, and civilian harm mitigation. Special attention is given to risks affecting vulnerable groups, including women and children.

Women, Peace, and Security, and Inclusive Peacebuilding

This theme promotes gender-responsive peacebuilding by increasing women’s participation and leadership in conflict prevention, mediation, and peace processes. It explores how inclusive and gender-sensitive strategies can lead to more sustainable and equitable peace outcomes. This includes supporting women-led initiatives and local peace structures. The theme also examines barriers to women’s participation and ways to improve their protection, representation, and access to decision-making.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to several groups of candidates. This includes MA program graduates who finished their studies within the last 12 months, or advanced PhD candidates looking to move into policy or practice-oriented careers. It also welcomes junior professionals at the beginning of their careers and mid-career professionals preparing for leadership roles in peace and humanitarian fields.

Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership potential in policy and/or practice, particularly in areas like peace and humanitarian diplomacy, international affairs, or social movements. A balance of analytical and practical experience, or strong research skills, is considered an advantage. Excellent writing and communication skills in English and/or French are required, with additional languages being a plus. Candidates should also show a proven ability to work in multicultural teams and be flexible and adaptable to different work environments. Finally, availability for the full nine-month residency program in Geneva, from September 2026 to June 2027, is essential.

Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must submit specific documents through the application portal. These include a curriculum vitae, which should not exceed two pages. Applicants also need to provide a cover letter, approximately 500 words, clearly stating their preferred thematic area. The cover letter should also explain their relevant leadership experience and why they are a good fit for the fellowship. Additionally, candidates should outline a strategic idea or initiative they would aim to develop during the fellowship.

Frequently Asked Questions