Call For Applications: The Global Citizen Prize, Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 (US$250,000 Prize)

Applications are now open for the 2026 Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award, an initiative by Cisco and Global Citizen that celebrates young changemakers leveraging technology to combat extreme poverty and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The award honors an inspiring individual aged 18 to 30 who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and measurable impact in driving global change. The winner will receive a US$250,000 prize, paid directly to the organization they work with, to further scale their initiatives. The recipient will be unveiled at Global Citizen NOW 2026, taking place in May 2026 in New York City.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:

• Be 18–30 years old at the time of application.
• Have a track record of measurable impact over the past 3–5 years in advancing one or more Global Goals.
• Present a clear vision and actionable plan for how to expand their work over the next 3–5 years, including how the prize will accelerate their impact.
• Use technology or Internet-based communication to enhance reach, efficiency, and overall impact.
• Inspire other young people to contribute to achieving the Global Goals.
• Embody the values and spirit of a Global Citizen and Global Problem Solver.

Selection Process
Candidates will be evaluated by experts from Global Citizen, Cisco, and the broader development community.

• Five finalists will be selected around February 2, 2026, and will be required to submit three letters of recommendation from:
  1. A colleague
  2. A funder or operational partner
  3. A person directly impacted by their work
• Additional materials may be requested to support the evaluation.
• The final awardee will be chosen from these five finalists and honored during the Global Citizen NOW event.

Prize

• US$250,000 grant awarded to the winner’s organization to help scale their impact and sustainability efforts.

Application Deadline: Ongoing (apply early before the finalist selection date of February 2, 2026)

Apply or Learn More: Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026