The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme is a prestigious opportunity for emerging leaders focused on peacebuilding and humanitarian diplomacy. This 9-month residential program, based in Geneva, Switzerland, offers a unique blend of practical experience within global organizations, intensive learning, and applied research. It aims to cultivate the next generation of experts in mediation, inclusive international cooperation, and peace processes, addressing critical global challenges like conflict fragmentation and weakening multilateral systems.
About the Fellowship
The International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme is a collaborative effort between Interpeace and the Geneva Graduate Institute, supported by the Foundation for the Adaptation of International Geneva (FAGI). It is designed as a hands-on professional immersion, not a purely academic pursuit. The program runs from September 2026 to June 2027, placing selected fellows within the influential diplomatic environment of International Geneva. With only 10 spots available worldwide, it stands as one of the most selective fellowships in its field.
Core Purpose and Objectives
This fellowship was created to tackle pressing global issues, including the increasing complexity of conflicts, the decline in international cooperation, and the need for more accessible pathways into peace and diplomacy careers. Its key objectives are to train new global peace leaders, enhance capacity in humanitarian diplomacy, foster cross-regional leadership networks, promote innovation in peacebuilding, strengthen Geneva’s role as a peace hub, and bridge the gap between research, policy, and on-the-ground operations.
Programme Structure
The fellowship is built around three core pillars, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful experience for each participant.
1. Residential Programme in Geneva
Fellows will reside together at Domaine Barton on Lake Geneva, engaging in intensive professional development. This immersive environment includes participation in peace and diplomacy projects, study visits to key International Geneva institutions, collaborative research, and policy work. The goal is to foster strong global collaboration and leadership skills through shared living and working experiences.
2. Institutional Collaboration & Placements
Each fellow will be placed within a leading international organization in Geneva, gaining direct, hands-on experience. This involves working on real-time peace and humanitarian projects, supporting institutional programs and policy development, and engaging in diplomatic and research activities. Fellows receive mentorship from senior professionals and build valuable long-term career networks, offering direct exposure to humanitarian diplomacy and peace operations. Key partner institutions include the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, the Kofi Annan Foundation, and the International Federation of the Red Cross.
3. Co-Creation, Research & Leadership Development
This pillar emphasizes innovation, research, and strategic leadership. It includes an intensive one-week training program at the start, advanced learning in peace and humanitarian diplomacy, and the development of applied research projects. Fellows also participate in policy innovation work, receive continuous mentorship, and engage in peer exchange. A significant component is the development of an independent strategic project, encouraging fellows to devise innovative peacebuilding solutions that can influence global policy and practice.
Thematic Focus Areas
The 2026 cohort will focus on six thematic tracks, each addressing critical global peace challenges.
1. New Frontiers of Peacemaking
This track explores modern conflict environments and innovative mediation techniques. It covers topics such as addressing neglected conflicts, building inclusive peace processes, understanding climate-related conflict risks, navigating digital and technological conflict dynamics, and implementing gender-inclusive mediation approaches.
2. Health and Peace
This area investigates the connections between health systems and peacebuilding efforts. It includes studying health systems in conflict zones, examining climate and environmental health risks, developing integrated peace-health frameworks, and strengthening global health governance.
3. Ecumenical Peacebuilding and Faith-Based Diplomacy
This track focuses on the contributions of religious and interfaith communities to peace. It examines faith-based mediation, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, the role of churches and faith leaders in diplomacy, and community-level peacebuilding initiatives.
4. Youth Leadership, Participation & Peacebuilding
This focus area is dedicated to empowering young people in peace processes. It includes developing youth leadership skills, promoting civic engagement in conflict prevention, advancing peace education and advocacy, and increasing youth participation in policy-making.
5. Protection of Civilians & Modern Conflict Dynamics
This track addresses civilian safety in the context of evolving conflicts. Topics include civilian protection strategies, urban warfare and the use of explosive weapons, risks associated with AI and drone warfare, forced displacement, humanitarian access, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
6. Women, Peace & Security (WPS) and Inclusive Peacebuilding
This focus area centers on gender equality within peace processes. It covers women’s participation in peace negotiations, developing gender-responsive peacebuilding policies, supporting local women-led peace initiatives, and addressing structural barriers to inclusion.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet one of the following category requirements:
Recent Graduates
Master’s degree holders or PhD candidates at an advanced stage, who have graduated within the last 12 months.
Junior Professionals
Individuals with 1 to 4 years of professional experience.
Mid-Career Professionals
Individuals with 5 to 10 years of professional experience.
Required Qualifications
All applicants must demonstrate strong leadership potential in peace or humanitarian work. A background in international relations, law, development, or social sciences, or equivalent relevant field or policy experience, is necessary. Excellent English or French communication skills are required, along with the ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and adapt to international field and institutional settings. Full availability for the 9-month residency in Geneva is mandatory. It is important to note that this is a practice-based leadership program, not a PhD or academic research fellowship.
Application Requirements
To apply, candidates must submit a curriculum vitae (CV) of no more than two pages. Additionally, a cover letter, limited to 500 words or one page, is required. This letter should clearly state the applicant’s preferred thematic area, highlight relevant leadership experience, explain their motivation for joining the fellowship, and present a strategic idea or initiative they plan to develop during the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Geneva Peace Fellowship Programme?
It’s a 9-month residential program in Geneva for emerging leaders focused on peacebuilding and humanitarian diplomacy, offering practical experience and research opportunities.
Who is eligible for the fellowship?
Eligibility includes recent graduates with a Master’s degree, junior professionals with 1-4 years of experience, and mid-career professionals with 5-10 years of experience, all demonstrating leadership potential in peace or humanitarian work.
What are the main components of the fellowship?
The program includes a residential component in Geneva, institutional collaboration and placements in international organizations, and co-creation, research, and leadership development.
What thematic areas does the fellowship cover?
The 2026 cohort focuses on areas like peacemaking, health and peace, ecumenical peacebuilding, youth leadership, protection of civilians, and women, peace, and security.
