Young people interested in Internet governance, digital policy and the future of the global Internet can apply for the IGF 2026 Youth Mentorship Programme, an initiative of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG) Working Group on Youth. The programme connects young Internet governance participants with experienced MAG members who can provide guidance, knowledge and support ahead of the IGF 2026 annual meeting. The mentorship programme is designed to help emerging youth leaders better understand the Internet Governance Forum, develop their engagement in Internet governance discussions and build meaningful connections with experienced members of the global Internet governance community. What Is the IGF Youth Mentorship Programme? The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is a United Nations-convened multistakeholder platform that brings together stakeholders from governments, the private sector, civil society, technical communities, academia and other groups to discuss public policy issues relating to the Internet. The Youth Mentorship Programme creates an opportunity for young participants to engage more closely with experienced members of the IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group (MAG). Through the programme, selected youth participants are paired with MAG mentors ahead of IGF 2026. The mentoring relationship is intended to support participants as they prepare for and engage with the Internet governance community. For young people who are beginning or expanding their involvement in Internet governance, the programme can provide exposure to experienced practitioners and a better understanding of how multistakeholder Internet policy processes work. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is intended for young people involved or interested in Internet governance. Applicants should have a genuine interest in Internet governance issues and demonstrate an interest in participating in the IGF community. Relevant areas of interest may include: Digital policy and regulation Internet governance Digital rights Cybersecurity Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies Data governance Internet access and inclusion Online safety Human rights in the digital environment Technology policy Youth participation in Internet governance Digital development and innovation Applicants from different backgrounds and stakeholder communities can contribute perspectives to Internet governance discussions. What Does the Mentorship Offer? Selected participants will be paired with experienced MAG mentors in preparation for IGF 2026. The mentorship relationship can help young participants gain a better understanding of the IGF ecosystem and develop their ability to participate meaningfully in Internet governance conversations. Potential areas of mentorship may include understanding the work of the IGF, preparing for participation in IGF activities, navigating multistakeholder spaces and developing professional connections within the Internet governance community. The programme also provides an opportunity for youth participants to interact with experienced professionals working within the IGF process. Rather than being a conventional academic scholarship or employment programme, the initiative focuses on mentorship, knowledge sharing, leadership development and youth participation in Internet governance. Why Internet Governance Matters The Internet has become an important part of economic development, education, communication, public services and social participation. Decisions about how digital technologies are governed can therefore affect communities across different regions and sectors. Young people are increasingly involved in discussions around emerging technologies, digital rights, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, online participation and Internet access. The IGF Youth Mentorship Programme provides a structured opportunity for young participants to engage with experienced members of the Internet governance community and learn more about the processes through which these issues are discussed. How to Apply for the IGF Youth Mentorship Programme 2026 Applications are submitted through the official United Nations Internet Governance Forum website. Applicants should follow the application process below: Step 1: Create or access an IGF account The official application page requires applicants to log in or register before accessing the application form. New applicants should create an account through the registration option provided on the IGF website. Step 2: Access the Youth Mentorship application After logging in, applicants can access the Application for IGF 2026 Youth Mentorship Program. Applicants should carefully review the questions and instructions before completing the form. Step 3: Provide accurate information Applicants should provide accurate information about their background, Internet governance interests and engagement with relevant issues. The application should clearly communicate the applicant’s interest in Internet governance and why participation in a mentorship programme would be relevant to their development. Step 4: Submit the application After completing the required sections, applicants should submit the form through the official IGF platform. Applicants are encouraged to check all information before submitting their application. Who Is This Opportunity For? The programme may be particularly relevant to young people who are already participating in national, regional or global Internet governance initiatives, as well as those seeking to deepen their understanding of the field. Students, researchers, civil society representatives, youth advocates, technology enthusiasts, digital rights activists and emerging policy professionals with relevant interests may find the mentorship opportunity useful. Applicants should demonstrate genuine interest rather than simply seeking general professional networking opportunities, as the programme is specifically connected to Internet governance and the IGF process. Key Details at a Glance Programme: IGF 2026 Youth Mentorship ProgrammeOrganizer: Internet Governance ForumOrganizing body: IGF Multistakeholder Advisory Group Working Group on YouthAffiliation: United Nations Internet Governance ForumFocus: Internet governance, youth leadership and mentorshipMentors: Experienced IGF MAG membersTarget group: Young people interested in Internet governanceProgramme connection: IGF 2026Application: Online through the official IGF websiteApplication requirement: IGF account registration/login How to Access the Application Interested youth leaders should visit the official IGF application page and log in or register to access the form. The application page currently states that users must be logged in or registered to view the application. Applicants should use only the official Internet Governance Forum platform when submitting their information. The programme represents an opportunity for young people to strengthen their understanding of Internet governance while connecting with experienced members of the global IGF community. Official application: Apply for the IGF 2026 Youth Mentorship Programme IGF 2026: Visit the official Internet Governance Forum website For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Important: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the offering organisation. This opportunity is shared for informational purposes based on the official announcement. Applicants should verify all eligibility requirements, application documents, deadline details and submission procedures directly with Umeå University before applying. GSO does not accept applications or CVs on behalf of applicants. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW