The Common Futures Conversations (CFC) initiative, organized by Chatham House’s QEII Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation, invites young leaders from around the world to engage in international dialogue, share ideas, and participate in shaping global policy discussions. Building on a decade of work connecting youth with decision-makers, CFC empowers young people to contribute meaningfully to conversations on the major challenges and opportunities facing societies today. The initiative was created in response to the observation that young people are often underrepresented in decision-making and rarely recognized as experts in their own right. Since its inception, CFC has engaged over 2,000 youth from more than 120 countries, providing them with access to high-level policymakers, international organizations, and research experts. The program offers participants a unique opportunity to connect with peers, develop their own perspectives, and influence global policy dialogues. About the Program: Common Futures Conversations (CFC) 2026 CFC participants join a one-year online program, designed to foster discussion, innovation, and leadership among young people aged 18 to 30. The program emphasizes inclusivity and encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented communities or those without formal academic or professional experience in policy. Participation in CFC is structured around monthly “challenges”, which are thematic discussions on current policy topics. These challenges allow participants to: Engage directly with Chatham House experts and access their research. Share personal experiences and ideas with a global youth community. Develop actionable insights and proposals that could inform policy discussions at regional and international levels. In addition to monthly challenges, participants gain access to: CFC-specific online events designed to deepen understanding of complex global issues. Broader Chatham House events, including workshops, seminars, and talks with policymakers and international organizations. Networking opportunities with other young leaders from around the world, building connections that extend beyond the program. CFC participants are expected to dedicate 1–2 hours per week to discussions and activities to maximize their engagement and learning. While the program is fully voluntary, active participation is encouraged to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the initiative. Common Futures Conversations (CFC) 2026 Objectives The overarching goal of Common Futures Conversations 2026 is to create a diverse and inclusive community of young leaders who can contribute meaningfully to global policy debates. Specifically, the program aims to: Strengthen participants’ understanding of international policy issues and governance processes. Equip youth to engage confidently with policymakers and experts on global challenges. Empower participants to generate innovative solutions and contribute actionable ideas to decision-making forums. Foster cross-cultural dialogue, collaboration, and peer learning across regions. Promote inclusion and diversity in global policy discussions by amplifying underrepresented voices. Expected Outcomes By the end of the program, participants are expected to: Demonstrate enhanced knowledge and skills in engaging with complex policy topics. Produce evidence-based insights and proposals that reflect their experiences and perspectives. Contribute to policy discussions at national, regional, or international levels, depending on their interest and expertise. Develop a strong network of peers, mentors, and experts to support their future leadership and advocacy initiatives. Common Futures Conversations (CFC) 2026: Who Should Apply CFC seeks participants who are: Aged 18–30 years old, falling within the nationally defined youth age range. Fluent in English, with the ability to communicate ideas clearly in writing and online discussions. Passionate and active in their local communities, with a demonstrated interest in global issues or policy dialogue. The program does not require formal academic qualifications or prior professional experience in policy. CFC values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities. Application Process Interested candidates must complete the online application form in English. Applicants are encouraged to use a long-term accessible email address and ensure all information provided is accurate and complete. Application deadline: Friday, 23 January 2026 (11:59 PM GMT) Successful applicants will be notified within four weeks of the closing date. Selected participants will join the CFC community for one year, with the possibility of an extension for a second year for those under 30 who demonstrate consistent and substantial engagement in the program. Why Join CFC The Common Futures Conversations 2026 initiative offers a unique opportunity for young leaders to: Engage directly with international policymakers and experts. Participate in meaningful dialogue on global challenges affecting communities worldwide. Network with peers from diverse countries, backgrounds, and perspectives. Build leadership, research, and analytical skills relevant to policy and governance. Amplify youth voices in spaces where young people are often underrepresented. CFC represents a chance for youth to transform their insights into action, contribute to shaping global policy conversations, and join a growing network of young changemakers committed to creating a more inclusive and sustainable future. Location: Fully Remote APPLY NOW For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.