Applications are open for the third cohort of the Young Civil Society Leadership Programme (YCSLP), a key initiative under the Med Dialogue for Rights and Equality II, funded by the European Union through the Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA). The programme is led by DAI Global Belgium and carried out by the Anna Lindh Foundation. This new cycle seeks to bring together 27 promising young leaders from across the Mediterranean region, with the aim of strengthening their capacity in policy engagement, advocacy, and dialogue.

The central theme for this edition revolves around advancing “Inclusive Growth and Job Creation for Social Impact,” with a focus on innovative approaches that promote both economic and social development. Through this initiative, young leaders will be empowered to design and implement solutions that tackle unemployment and create meaningful opportunities in their communities, while contributing to broader regional development.

Running over a period of nine months, the programme combines both online and face-to-face activities designed to enhance the leadership and advocacy skills of participants. Selected individuals will gain access to a vibrant network of civil society actors across the Southern Mediterranean, benefit from mentorship by experienced practitioners, and receive financial and technical support of €1,400 to develop and execute local community-based projects. Outstanding participants may also be given the chance to showcase their work and engage in significant platforms and events within the Euro-Mediterranean space.

Participants are expected to commit to every stage of the programme, including a series of online training modules, mentoring sessions, and a four-day in-person bootcamp that will bring together facilitators, experts, and peers to refine ideas and foster collaboration. Each selected leader will be responsible for proposing and carrying out a project that directly aligns with the programme’s focus on inclusive economic growth, while also actively contributing to peer learning and the exchange of knowledge within the cohort.

This initiative responds to pressing challenges in the Southern Euro-Mediterranean region, where high youth unemployment and limited opportunities drive many young people to migrate, depriving local economies of fresh ideas and innovation. By equipping youth with the skills, resources, and support to design inclusive solutions, the programme aims to retain talent within the region and encourage projects that generate social and economic impact at the community level.

Young leaders are invited to put forward creative proposals in areas such as promoting resilient and circular local economies, creating new opportunities for inclusive employment and entrepreneurship—including home-based ventures—and advancing research and innovation. The programme unfolds in three main phases: ideation and project design, capacity building through online learning, and the practical implementation of community-driven initiatives, all designed to inspire collaboration and maximize impact.

Applications are welcome from candidates aged between 18 and 35 who are nationals of Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Tunisia, Israel, or Syria. Applicants should have a demonstrated history of civic engagement, be actively involved in civil society, and show strong commitment to their communities. Proficiency in English is required, along with the ability to develop and implement a locally relevant action project. Experience with civil society organizations, whether formal or informal, will be considered a strong advantage.

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