The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency for digital technologies, is opening applications for the ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027. Up to four young women aged 18 to 25 will be selected for its inaugural cohort. The deadline is 15 November 2026. For young women in MENA starting out in tech, it is a rare route to a global stage.
At a glance
| Deadline | 15 November 2026 (the page gives no time of day or time zone) |
| Who can apply | Young women aged 18 to 25 using technology to create positive change in their community, country or region |
| Places | Up to four young women in the inaugural cohort |
| Benefits | Participation in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027, a global network, and possible project support |
| Location | Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, 21 to 25 June 2027 |
| Cost to apply | None stated on the programme page |
| Official link | itu.int Gender Champions Programme |
Who can apply
ITU is looking for outstanding young women leaders aged 18 to 25 who use technology to bring positive change to their community, country or region. The programme focuses on women’s online inclusion, access, skills and empowerment. The page lists no country restriction. Read the programme terms of reference before you apply.
What you get
- Participation in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, from 21 to 25 June 2027.
- Access to a global network of experts, policymakers and innovators.
- Possible support to implement or strengthen a community-level project on women’s online inclusion, access, skills or empowerment. ITU says this depends on available funding, and no amount is published.
- Selection as one of the programme’s Gender Champions. The cohort is announced on 8 March 2027.
The page does not say whether travel or accommodation to Geneva is covered. Do not plan around it until ITU confirms it in writing.
How to apply
- Confirm you are a woman aged 18 to 25 working on online inclusion, skills or technology for community benefit.
- Read the programme terms of reference, linked from the ITU Gender Champions Programme page.
- Complete the official ITU application form before 15 November 2026.
- Wait for ITU. Review runs from 16 November 2026 to 7 March 2027, and only pre-selected candidates are contacted.
- The cohort is announced on 8 March 2027.
Advice from the bahiyat team
- Be specific about your community. The call asks about positive change where you live. Name the place, the group of women and the gap you are working on.
- Show the digital angle. The page names digital skills, connectivity, innovative solutions, online safety, AI for social good and inclusive digital policy. Pick the one where your work is real.
- Describe a project you could carry out. Support for projects is possible, so outline a community-level idea with a clear first step.
- Be realistic about the odds. Four places is a very small number, and applications are global. Apply anyway, and keep your project going whatever the result.
- Submit early. The form is hosted outside the ITU site, so test it well before 15 November 2026.
FAQ
Is there a fee to apply? The programme page states none.
Can I apply if I am 26 or older? No. The programme is for young women aged 18 to 25.
Will ITU pay for travel to Geneva? The page does not say. Treat it as not covered unless ITU confirms.
When will I hear back? Only pre-selected candidates are contacted. The cohort is announced on 8 March 2027.
Sources
- ITU Gender Champions Programme page
- ITU Gender Champion Programme terms of reference (PDF)
- official ITU application form
