ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is selecting up to four young women for the inaugural ITU Gender Champions Programme. The programme recognises emerging leaders who are using technology and digital innovation to advance digital inclusion, equitable access, online safety, digital skills, artificial intelligence for social good or inclusive digital policy. Selected Champions will join an international network of experts, policymakers, innovators and fellow changemakers. They will receive support to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, Switzerland, from 21 to 25 June 2027. Subject to available funding, ITU may also support a community-level project that advances women’s and girls’ digital access, skills, inclusion or empowerment. Applicants must complete the official online form in English. ITU will assess applications for their relevance to gender equality in digital transformation, leadership in closing the gender digital divide, measurable impact and potential to scale, originality, innovation, collaboration and sustained engagement. Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. The review and selection period runs from 16 November 2026 to 7 March 2027, with the cohort announcement scheduled for 8 March 2027. Applications close at 23:59 CET on 15 November 2026.

Applicants must: • be women aged 18–25; • be nationals of a country in one of the eligible ITU regions: Africa, the Americas, Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, or the Commonwealth of Independent States; • already be using digital technology to advance inclusive development or create positive change; • demonstrate relevant leadership, measurable impact, originality and the ability to collaborate; • submit the application in English and provide information that can be verified. The first cohort is limited to up to four Champions. Support for a community project is subject to sufficient available funds and is not guaranteed.