Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS) 2026: Regional Leadership Initiative

Applications are now open for the Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS) 2026 program. This regional initiative is designed for young leaders from the Horn of Africa who are committed to promoting democratic governance and cross-border cooperation. The program offers intensive training, peer exchange, and networking opportunities to equip participants for leadership in democratic transformation.

Application Closing Date: August 5, 2026
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Programme Duration: October 11-18, 2026 (in-person) with online sessions
Stipend: Not specified
Minimum Qualification: Not specified

About the Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS) 2026

The Youth Leadership for Democracy and Solidarity (YLDS) program is a regional leadership initiative launched by the Horn Center for Democracy (HCD). It aims to address the challenges faced by young people in the Horn of Africa, who often have limited opportunities for meaningful engagement in governance and civic action. The program is part of HCD’s broader youth development strategy, which includes digital civic education and leadership cohorts.

This initiative seeks to advance youth engagement in democracy, foster cross-border collaboration, and strengthen the resilience of pro-democracy actors across the region. Through a blend of intensive learning, peer exchange, leadership development, and collaborative action, the YLDS program will support a new generation of young leaders