If you’re a young professional working in technology, digital policy, or the ICT sector and want to participate in one of the world’s leading internet governance events, the WIC Global Youth Leadership Program (GYLP) 2026 is an opportunity worth exploring. Selected participants receive a fully funded trip to China, where they’ll join global discussions on the future of the internet while networking with leaders from governments, international organizations, academia, and major technology companies.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the programme, based on information published by the World Internet Conference (WIC).
What Is the WIC Global Youth Leadership Program?
The World Internet Conference (WIC) is an international organization headquartered in Beijing. Officially established in 2022, it grew from the annual Wuzhen Summit, which has been bringing together global leaders in internet governance since 2014. Each year, the summit welcomes representatives from governments, international organizations, universities, and leading technology companies to discuss the future of digital development and internet governance.
The Global Youth Leadership Program (GYLP) was launched in 2023 to involve outstanding young professionals in these conversations. Instead of limiting discussions to senior policymakers and industry leaders, the programme gives emerging voices the opportunity to contribute ideas and participate in shaping the future of the digital world.
WIC Global Youth Leadership Program 2026 – Quick Overview
Host Organization: World Internet Conference (WIC)
Host Country: China
Programme Venue: Wuzhen, China
Programme Type: Fully Funded Youth Leadership Programme
Event Dates: Tentatively scheduled for early November 2026
Age Limit: Under 45 years
Application Deadline: July 24, 2026 (17:00 GMT+8)
Application Fee: None
Benefits of the Programme
Selected participants receive a range of benefits, including:
An official WIC Global Youth Leader Certificate.
The opportunity to speak during the Youth Forum at the 2026 WIC Wuzhen Summit.
Round-trip international airfare, accommodation, and meals.
Opportunities to engage directly with senior representatives from governments, international organizations, and major technology companies.
Invitations to organize workshops and participate in future WIC regional events and summits.
Potential support from the WIC Secretariat for youth-led initiatives aligned with the programme’s objectives.
Priority consideration for internship and career opportunities within WIC.
An interesting feature of this programme is that applicants who reach the final review stage but are not ultimately selected still receive a Nominee Certificate and are invited to join WIC’s youth community, giving them continued access to networking activities and future opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
Unlike many scholarships that focus mainly on academic performance, GYLP emphasizes professional achievements and leadership.
Applicants are generally expected to:
Be under 45 years of age.
Support WIC’s mission of promoting international cooperation in cyberspace.
Have meaningful accomplishments in an internet- or ICT-related field.
The programme recognizes achievements across several areas, including:
Policy: Government officials or professionals involved in internet governance or digital policy.
Business: Founders, entrepreneurs, or senior executives working in technology companies.
Research: Researchers with recognized work in artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, or related fields.
Public Interest: Leaders working in NGOs or organizations promoting digital inclusion, digital literacy, or technology for social good.
Applicants should also demonstrate an international outlook, strong communication skills, interdisciplinary thinking, and a willingness to contribute to WIC’s global youth community.
Overall, the programme is primarily intended for professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policy experts who already have measurable achievements rather than individuals just beginning their careers.
How Competitive Is It?
The programme is highly selective.
According to WIC, the 2025 edition received applications from candidates representing nearly 120 countries and regions. Following a multi-stage review process conducted by an international panel of experts, only 20 participants from 20 different countries and regions were selected.
Because of this level of competition, applicants should focus on demonstrating concrete achievements—such as published research, successful projects, leadership roles, patents, or entrepreneurial accomplishments—rather than relying on general statements of interest.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following materials:
A recommendation letter from an organization or recognized professional in their field.
Supporting evidence of achievements, such as publications, awards, patents, research work, or similar accomplishments.
An introduction video explaining their views on the WIC Global Youth Leaders Initiative and describing their proposed activities or ideas.
A written transcript of the introduction video.
How to Apply
The application process includes the following steps:
Visit the official WIC application portal.
Create an account and log in.
Complete the online application form with your personal and professional information.
Upload your recommendation letter and supporting documents.
Submit your introduction video together with its written transcript.
Carefully answer the application questions.
Review your application and submit it before July 24, 2026 (17:00 GMT+8).
Since recommendation letters often take time to obtain, applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their materials well before the deadline.
What Happens After You Apply?
According to the official recruitment schedule, the selection process follows four stages:
Phase 1: Application submission (until July 24, 2026).
Phase 2: Review process, including an initial screening by the WIC Secretariat followed by evaluation from an international expert panel (completed by the end of August 2026).
Phase 3: Notification of successful applicants (expected by the end of September 2026).
Phase 4: Participation in the programme during the Wuzhen Summit, tentatively scheduled for early November 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the programme free?
Yes. There is no application fee, and selected participants receive funding for travel, accommodation, and meals.
Is this programme only for students?
No. The programme mainly targets young professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and technology experts with demonstrated achievements in internet or ICT-related fields.
What happens if I’m not selected?
Applicants who reach the final review stage but are not chosen receive a Nominee Certificate and an invitation to remain involved in WIC’s youth community, where future opportunities may become available.
Who organizes the programme?
The programme is organized by the World Internet Conference (WIC), an international organization headquartered in Beijing that works with governments, academic institutions, and leading technology companies to promote dialogue on internet governance and digital development.
Should You Apply?
If you’ve already built experience in technology, digital policy, research, entrepreneurship, or another ICT-related field, the WIC Global Youth Leadership Program offers a unique opportunity to engage with global decision-makers while attending one of the world’s most influential internet governance events.
Competition is strong, but applicants with meaningful accomplishments and a clear vision for contributing to the digital future will find this programme to be an excellent platform for expanding their international network and professional impact.
Official Programme Page: WIC Global Youth Leadership Program – Official Announcement