The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme offers a unique opportunity for emerging and mid-career professionals to deepen their expertise in peace and humanitarian diplomacy. This 9-month residential program in Geneva aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in this critical field. By fostering collaboration and providing access to research and practical experience, the fellowship strengthens Geneva’s role as a global hub for peace. The program is a partnership between Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute, supported by the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva.
Thematic Areas of Focus
The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme is structured around six key thematic areas, each addressing pressing issues in peace and humanitarian diplomacy. Fellows are selected based on their alignment with one of these specific focuses, ensuring a blend of individual expertise and institutional needs. This approach bridges the gap between policy and practice, allowing fellows to contribute to real-world projects and develop their own strategic ideas.
The New Frontier of Peacemaking
This area concentrates on bringing attention to overlooked conflicts and improving mediation strategies for today’s evolving challenges. It explores entry points for dialogue and peace processes in long-standing conflicts. The theme emphasizes context-sensitive mediation that considers factors like climate change, environmental pressures, illicit economies, and digital dynamics, while keeping gender and inclusion at the forefront.
Health and Peace
Grounded in a holistic view of health, this thematic area recognizes its deep connection to environmental, social, and security factors. It examines how health can serve as a central point of intersection with peace and security, especially in areas affected by conflict, climate challenges, and technological shifts. The theme promotes an integrated approach that links health and peace within broader multilateral efforts, addressing the current silos in knowledge production.
Ecumenical Peacebuilding and Faith-Based Diplomacy
This focus advances ecumenical peacebuilding by engaging with global church networks and interfaith partners. The goal is to support dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion in various countries. It investigates 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 and connects local peacebuilding experiences with global processes.
Youth Leadership, Participation, and Peacebuilding
This thematic area is dedicated to strengthening pathways for meaningful youth involvement in peacebuilding, policy, and civic processes. It positions young people as key agents of change and partners in dialogue, conflict prevention, and social cohesion, particularly in conflict-affected regions. The theme promotes youth-led and youth-inclusive approaches through community engagement, policy innovation, and advocacy, while also reinforcing humanitarian values through education and understanding of International Humanitarian Law.
Protection of Civilians and Contemporary Conflict Dynamics
This focus aims to enhance programmatic, policy, and humanitarian diplomacy efforts for civilian protection. It involves providing program assistance and management, alongside field-informed analysis of changing conflict risks. The theme addresses critical issues in conflict dynamics, such as the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, emerging technologies like drones and AI, humanitarian access limitations, displacement, and civilian harm mitigation, with a special emphasis on vulnerable populations like women and children.
Women, Peace, and Security, and Inclusive Peacebuilding
This area promotes gender-responsive peacebuilding by increasing the meaningful participation and leadership of women in conflict prevention, mediation, and peace processes. It explores how inclusive and gender-sensitive strategies can lead to more sustainable and equitable peace outcomes. The theme supports women-led initiatives, local peace infrastructures, and community engagement, while also examining the structural barriers that limit women’s participation and identifying ways to improve their protection, representation, and access to decision-making.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme is open to a range of candidates, including recent MA graduates, advanced PhD candidates looking to transition into policy-oriented careers, and junior to mid-career professionals. Applicants must demonstrate strong leadership potential in peace and humanitarian diplomacy, international affairs, or social movements. A balance of analytical and practical experience, or strong research skills, is considered an advantage.
Candidates need excellent written and spoken communication skills in English and/or French, with additional languages being a plus. The ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and adapt to different working environments is essential. Crucially, applicants must be available to commit to the full 9-month residency program in Geneva, running from September 2026 to June 2027.
To apply, candidates must submit a curriculum vitae (maximum two pages) and a cover letter (maximum one page or approximately 500 words). The cover letter should clearly state the applicant’s preferred thematic area, their relevant leadership experience and why they are a good fit for the fellowship, and a strategic idea or initiative they would aim to develop during the program. Applications are submitted through an online portal. The deadline for applications is June 7, 2026.
Conclusion
The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme represents a significant investment in fostering global peace and humanitarian leadership. By offering a structured environment for learning, practical engagement, and strategic development, it equips fellows with the necessary tools to address complex global challenges. The program’s diverse thematic areas ensure that a wide range of critical issues are explored, from peacemaking in neglected conflicts to the protection of civilians and the empowerment of women and youth. This initiative not only benefits the individual fellows but also contributes to strengthening Geneva’s position as a vital center for peacebuilding efforts worldwide.
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