What if your work in technology could take you to Geneva to connect with global experts and help shape a more inclusive digital future?
The ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027 is inviting young women who use technology and digital innovation to create positive change in their communities. Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with support from Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4), the programme will select up to four young leaders for its inaugural cohort.
Selected champions will attend the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva, Switzerland, with support for flights, accommodation and daily living expenses during their stay.
Applications close on 15 November 2026. If you are between 18 and 25 and working to make technology more accessible and inclusive, this opportunity is worth exploring.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: Leadership Programme / International Summit
- Host Organisation: International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Supporting Partners: Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4)
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Programme Dates: 21–25 June 2027
- Mode: In-person summit
- Age Requirement: 18–25 years at the time of application
- Nationality: Worldwide
- Minimum Degree Required: Not specified on the official programme page
- Work Experience: No specific employment-duration requirement is stated
- Funding: Round-trip economy airfare, accommodation and a per diem subsistence allowance for the summit, subject to the programme terms
- Stipend / Salary / Financial Support: Per diem subsistence allowance during the stay; no salary or separate stipend amount is specified
- Gender: Female
- Application Fee: No fee is stated
- Application Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Official Website: https://www.itu.int/initiatives/gender-equality/gender-champions/
What Is the ITU Gender Champions Programme?
The ITU Gender Champions Programme recognises emerging women leaders who are using technology to advance digital transformation, expand digital access and make the digital world more inclusive.
The initiative aims to connect young changemakers with a wider network of experts, policymakers and innovators. It is particularly relevant to women working on issues such as digital skills, online safety, inclusive technology, artificial intelligence for social good and technology access for women and girls.
For the 2027 cohort, ITU plans to select up to four young women leaders. Those selected will have the opportunity to participate in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027 in Geneva.
What Does the Programme Offer?
1. Attend the AI for Good Global Summit 2027
Selected Gender Champions will attend the international summit in Geneva from 21 to 25 June 2027. The event offers an opportunity to engage with people working on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and technology for social impact.
2. Round-Trip Economy Airfare
ITU will provide a round-trip economy flight ticket to and from the summit location for selected champions, in accordance with the programme terms.
3. Accommodation and Daily Living Support
The programme provides accommodation and a per diem subsistence allowance for the duration of the stay. The amount of the allowance is determined by the organiser.
4. Connect with Global Experts
Participants can connect with experts, policymakers, innovators and other people working to make digital transformation more inclusive.
5. Potential Support for a Community Project
Depending on the availability of funds, selected champions may receive support to implement or strengthen a community-level project focused on improving digital inclusion, access, skills or empowerment for women and girls.
Important: Project funding is conditional and is not a guaranteed benefit for every selected participant.
Is the ITU Gender Champions Programme Fully Funded?
The programme provides substantial travel and participation support, but it is important to understand what is and is not covered.
Covered under the published terms:
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Accommodation during the summit stay
- A per diem subsistence allowance
Expenses you may still need to cover:
- Visa application and related expenses
- Travel, accommodation, insurance or other costs not covered by the programme
- Any additional personal expenses
The official terms make participants responsible for obtaining the necessary visa and travel documents, as well as paying other costs that are not covered.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is intended for young women who are using technology to create meaningful change in their communities, countries or regions.
Applicants should review the official terms and application form carefully before applying.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 18 and no older than 25 at the time of application.
Relevant Work or Community Impact
Your work should demonstrate how you are using technology, digital innovation or related initiatives to create positive change. Relevant areas may include:
- Expanding digital skills and technology access
- Promoting online safety
- Developing technology-based solutions for social challenges
- Advancing artificial intelligence for social good
- Supporting women’s and girls’ participation in the digital economy
- Advocating for inclusive digital policies
The official programme page does not specify a minimum number of years of work experience or a minimum educational degree.
Nationality
The official programme page does not state a specific nationality restriction. Review the current application form and programme terms to confirm your eligibility before submitting an application.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official ITU programme page.
- Read the official programme information. Understand the eligibility requirements, benefits and conditions.
- Review the terms and conditions. Check the age requirement, eligibility rules and responsibilities of selected participants.
- Complete the application form. Provide accurate information about your background and your work using technology to create positive change.
- Explain your impact clearly. Describe the problem you are addressing, the people or communities you support and how your work advances digital inclusion or transformation.
- Submit before the deadline. The closing date is 15 November 2026. Check the application form for the exact submission time and any document requirements.
Apply through the official website:
https://www.itu.int/initiatives/gender-equality/gender-champions/
Important Dates
- Applications opened: 21 September 2026
- Application deadline: 15 November 2026
- Review and selection: 16 November 2026 – 7 March 2027
- Cohort announcement: 8 March 2027
- AI for Good Global Summit: 21–25 June 2027, Geneva, Switzerland
Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted during the selection process, according to ITU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an application fee?
The official programme terms state that participation is free of charge. No application fee is listed.
Will ITU pay for flights and accommodation?
Yes. The published terms provide selected champions with round-trip economy airfare, accommodation and a per diem subsistence allowance for the summit stay.
Are visa expenses covered?
Visa costs are not explicitly included among the stated benefits. Participants are responsible for meeting visa requirements and arranging the necessary travel documents.
How many applicants will be selected?
The first cohort will include up to four young women leaders.
Can students apply?
The official programme page does not specify a minimum degree or require a particular employment history. Students who meet the age and other applicable eligibility requirements and can demonstrate relevant work or community impact should review the application terms.
Will participants receive project funding?
Possibly. Support for a community-level project may be provided subject to available funding and ITU’s decision. It is not guaranteed.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on 15 November 2026. The official programme page does not state an exact closing time, so applicants should check the application form.
Final Thoughts
The ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027 offers young women an opportunity to bring their work in digital inclusion and technology-driven social impact to an international platform.
If you are already working on a project that helps women and girls access technology, builds digital skills or uses innovation to solve community challenges, consider whether your experience aligns with the programme’s objectives.
With only up to four champions planned for the inaugural cohort, make sure your application clearly explains what you are doing, whom it benefits and how your work contributes to a more inclusive digital future.
Looking for more opportunities that match your goals? Subscribe to Potenue to discover scholarships, fellowships, leadership programmes and funded international opportunities—without having to search across dozens of websites.
