Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland | Fully Funded AI Governance Fellowship

Applications are now open for the prestigious Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. The fully funded fellowship is organized by the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC to support civil society experts from the Global South participating in the first-ever United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

The fellowship aims to amplify underrepresented voices in global discussions surrounding artificial intelligence, digital governance, environmental justice, and human rights. The first UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance will take place in Geneva on 6–7 July 2026, alongside the ITU Summit and the WSIS Forum.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Country: Switzerland
• Location: Geneva
• Organizer: Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC
• Programme Type: Fully Funded Fellowship
• Event: UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance
• Programme Dates: 6–7 July 2026
• Eligible Applicants: Civil society experts from Global South countries
• Application Deadline: Rolling Basis

About the Fellowship

The Global Majority AI Fellowship was launched to strengthen participation from developing countries in emerging international AI governance frameworks. According to the Heinrich Böll Foundation, existing AI governance systems are still largely shaped by a limited number of powerful nations and major technology corporations.

The United Nations established the Global Dialogue on AI Governance in 2025 under the Global Digital Compact framework to create a more inclusive international platform for AI policymaking. The fellowship seeks to ensure that perspectives from the Global South are included from the beginning of these discussions.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• International round-trip airfare
• Transportation to and from airports
• Up to three nights of accommodation in Geneva
• Conference registration and accreditation support
• Access to international networking opportunities
• Visibility through Heinrich Böll Foundation media platforms

The fellowship also offers opportunities to connect with policymakers, civil society leaders, technologists, and global AI governance experts.

Fellowship Themes

The programme focuses on several important AI governance issues, including:

• AI and human rights
• Digital rights and data justice
• Environmental and climate justice
• Ethical AI governance
• AI safety and accountability
• Bridging digital divides
• Inclusive technology policy
• Gender equity in AI governance

The UN Global Dialogue itself will explore social, economic, ethical, technical, cultural, and security dimensions of artificial intelligence governance.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Be based in countries receiving Official Development Assistance (ODA)
• Work in fields related to AI governance, digital policy, human rights, climate justice, or technology governance
• Be activists, researchers, technologists, students, local officials, or civil society leaders
• Demonstrate commitment to global and inclusive AI governance

The programme welcomes both emerging and experienced leaders from underrepresented regions worldwide.

What Fellows Are Expected to Do

Selected fellows will:

• Attend the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva
• Participate actively in policy discussions and networking sessions
• Share reflections and policy perspectives
• Engage on social media before, during, and after the event
• Join a growing international network of AI governance experts

The fellowship also aims to build long-term collaboration ahead of the second Global Dialogue session planned for New York in 2027.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• Updated CV or résumé
• Motivational statement (maximum 300 words)

The motivation statement should discuss:

• The biggest current challenge in AI governance
• Proposed solutions and current activities
• How participation in the Global Dialogue will support their goals

Applicants are additionally required to apply through the official UN AI Dialogue participation support process.

Application Process

Applications should be submitted via email to the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC office.

The organization recommends applying as early as possible because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Growing Global Interest in AI Governance

Recent discussions among researchers, students, and policy experts highlight increasing global interest in ethical AI governance, digital sovereignty, and inclusive AI policymaking. Experts continue to emphasize the importance of involving developing countries and underrepresented communities in shaping international AI standards.

International AI forums and fellowships are also becoming increasingly competitive as governments, researchers, and civil society organizations seek stronger representation in global technology governance discussions.

Why You Should Apply

The Global Majority AI Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to participate directly in one of the world’s newest multilateral AI governance platforms. Fellows will gain international exposure, policy engagement experience, and opportunities to influence future conversations on AI, human rights, sustainability, and global digital governance.

For activists, researchers, technologists, and policy professionals from the Global South, the fellowship offers an important pathway to contribute to shaping equitable and inclusive global AI policies.