Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS) 2026 – YOA

Deadline: August 5, 2026

Applications are open for the Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS) 2026. The Horn of Africa (HoA) is home to one of many world’s youngest populations which can be aspiring to form political dialogue, civic motion, and democratic change throughout the area. Yet regardless of their demographic power, many stay excluded from significant engagement in governance, face shrinking civic house within the nationwide panorama, and have restricted alternatives to collaborate throughout borders.

To contribute to addressing these challenges, the Horn Center for Democracy (HCD) is launching the Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS)-a regional management initiative that brings collectively rising youth leaders dedicated to selling democratic governance and cross-border cooperation.

This initiative is part of HCD’s multiyear technique-youth growth program-composed of digital civic training and youth management cohorts. This program goals to advance youth engagement in democracy, foster cross-border collaboration, and improve the resilience of professional-democracy actors all through the HoA area. Through intensive studying, peer change, management growth, and collaborative motion, this system will assist a brand new era of younger leaders outfitted to steer democratic transformation throughout the area.

About the Youth Cohort

The inaugural cohort will convey collectively 15 rising youth leaders from throughout the HoA area and will happen in Addis Ababa from October 11-18^th, 2026. Participants will interact in:

• Per week-lengthy intensive residential management coaching;
• Immersive on-line studying classes (Hybrid guided mannequin)
• Interactive workshops led by regional consultants, democracy practitioners, and lecturers
• Peer studying and dialogue, collaborative drawback-fixing, and innovation labs
• Continued mentorship, networking alternatives, and engagement via an alumni community

The program is designed not solely as a coaching OPPORTUNITY however as the inspiration of a regional community of democratic leaders dedicated to lengthy-time period collaboration and solidarity.

Benefits

• Participants will deepen their understanding of political and governance dynamics throughout the Horn of Africa
• Strengthen their management and democratic governance abilities
• Exchange experiences with friends from throughout the area
• Build lasting skilled relationships and regional networks
• Co-design modern responses to shared democratic challenges
• Join a rising alumni community of younger democratic leaders

Eligibility

Applicants ought to (be):

• A citizen of one of many IGAD member international locations
• Between the ages of 18 and 35
• Demonstrate management potential and a dedication to democratic values, and adhere to non-violent approaches to political discourse
• Have expertise in civic engagement, youth management, group organizing, advocacy and coverage engagement, social innovation and activism, actions, and political participation
• Interested in working throughout borders to advance democratic governance and democratic values
• Available to take part totally in all on-line and in-particular person program actions, and actively interact in group discussions and collaborative actions
• Contribute to cross-border and group venture growth
• Participate in program evaluations
• Demonstrate a willingness to contribute actively to this system alumni community

Application

Applicants ought to submit a:

• Completed on-line application kind
• Current CV (most two pages)
• Motivation letter outlining their curiosity in this system, any related expertise in group organizing, growth, and dedication to democratic management
• Any extra supporting paperwork requested within the application kind
• A 3-5 minute Video Showcasing or explaining your related work and expertise in relation to this name, Upload to youtube and connect the video URL solely

Click here to apply

For extra info, go to Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity.