The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 is now open for submissions and will award a grant of US$250,000 to a young, innovative changemaker who uses technology and innovation to fight extreme poverty and to advance in the direction of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The award recognizes young leaders aged between 18 and 30 who have shown outstanding dedication to tackling global challenges using digital social entrepreneurship and innovation. The award winner will be recognized in the Global Citizen NOW 2026 Summit in New York City, USA.
Application Deadline
December 17, 2025, at 8 PM ET.
About the Award
The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award was created in partnership with Global Citizen and Cisco in collaboration together with Cisco to acknowledge and support youth-led organizations that harness technology to benefit society..
The 2026 edition is designed to inspire leaders to create technological solutions in areas like health, education and climate change gender equality, the inclusion of economics.
“The award highlights how digital innovation can accelerate social impact and inspire a new generation of changemakers,” said Cisco’s Global Social Impact team.
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant must:
- You must be between the ages of 18 to 30 on the application date.
- Have three to five years of tangible impact by advancing one or more of the SDGs.
- Demonstrate the leadership qualities, creativity and vision for extending the project.
- Make use of technology, internet-based applications or digital communications in their model of impact.
- Join an legally-registered organization (nonprofit or for-profit B-corp as well as a social venture).
Notification: Applications are open to applicants from all countries other than those with U.S. sanction which restrict financial transfer.
Eligible Fields
Initiatives can submit submissions that are:
- Technology for education (EdTech)
- Health innovation
- Sustainability in the areas of climate and environment
- Inclusion and gender equality
- Employment creation and economic empowerment
- The digital world of communication, advocacy and communications
Selection Process
The applications will be reviewed by an expert panel made up of Global Citizen, Cisco as well as others development partners.
Selection Stages:
- Application Review: Assess innovation, impact, and scalability.
- Finalist Shortlist: Five finalists will be announced by February 2, 2026.
- Recommendation Stage: Finalists must submit three letters of reference from:
- A colleague
- A funder or operational partner
- A person directly impacted by their work
- Winner Announcement: The final recipient will be revealed at the Global Citizen NOW 2026 ceremony in New York City.
Award Details
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | US$250,000 |
| Award Type | Youth Leadership / Global Development |
| Number of Awards | One (1) Winner |
| Funding Duration | One-time grant with 3-year impact reporting |
| Event Location | New York City, USA |
| Eligible Age Range | 18–30 years |
| Eligible Fields | Technology-driven SDG solutions |
| Deadline | December 17, 2025 |
| Application Portal Opens | November 5, 2025 |
Benefits of the Award
The winner will be awarded:
- $250,000 in grant funds to help expand their organisation’s scope and influence.
- Recognition across the globe and visibility via Global Citizen’s media network worldwide.
- The ability to access mentorship as well as collaborative opportunities in collaboration with Cisco along with Global Citizen partners.
- A call to attend an invitation to the Global Citizen NOW 2026 event, where you can meet world leaders and the most innovative people.
Application Requirements
The applicant must provide the following information:
- Completed online application form
- Personal and corporate details
- A 1-minute video pitch that explains why they merit the award.
- Answers five essay questions in line with guidelines for judging
- Evidence of the registration of an organization or incorporation documents
How to Apply
To apply to be considered for the position, follow these steps:
- Check out the official site: Global Citizen Prize – Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026.
- Register your account and then complete your personal and professional profile.
- Video pitch uploaded along with the required documents.
- Send your HTML0 file by the deadline of the 17th of December, 2025, 8 pm ET.
Key Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | November 5, 2025 (10 AM PT) |
| Application Deadline | December 17, 2025 (8 PM ET) |
| Finalists Announced | February 2, 2026 |
| Winner Announced | At Global Citizen NOW 2026, New York City |
Summary Table
| Program Name | Global Citizen Prize – Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Global Citizen & Cisco |
| Grant Value | US$250,000 |
| Target Group | Young leaders (18–30 years old) |
| Eligibility | Must be using technology to create social impact |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Deadline | December 17, 2025 |
| Location | New York City, USA |
| Focus Areas | Tech-based SDG initiatives (health, education, climate, gender, economy) |
| Reporting Period | 3 years post-award |
Conclusion
The Global Citizen Prize – Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 provides young innovators with the chance to grab $250,000 in funding as well as global exposure.
If you’re driving change with innovation and technology This award could aid in bringing your vision into the world to more people and increase your impact across the world.
Apply now for Global Citizen Prize – Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 by the 17th of December 2025.