The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has launched applications for its inaugural ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027, a new initiative aimed at recognising young women who are using technology to tackle challenges and promote digital inclusion.
The programme will select up to four young women between the ages of 18 and 25 whose work is contributing to digital transformation, sustainable development and greater access to technology in their communities, countries or regions.
Applications for the programme will remain open until November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CET.
Winners to Join AI for Good Summit in Geneva
One of the major opportunities attached to the programme is participation in the AI for Good Global Summit 2027, which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 21 to 25, 2027.
The selected Gender Champions will gain exposure to an international community of policymakers, technology experts and innovators while showcasing the work they are already doing to advance digital inclusion.
The initiative is being implemented by the ITU with support from Australia and Women’s WorldWide Web (W4).
Programme Targets Emerging Women Leaders
The Gender Champions Programme is designed to highlight young women who are already using technology to create practical and measurable change.
Rather than limiting applications to a particular technology field, the ITU is interested in the impact technology is having on communities and the role applicants are playing in driving that change.
Eligible areas include digital literacy, internet connectivity, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity awareness, digital entrepreneurship, digital health, education technology and digital rights.
Women working to increase participation in STEM, expand access to ICTs or empower other women and girls through digital tools can also be considered.
Applicants Must Be Between 18 and 25
The programme is open to young women aged 18 to 25 who are nationals of countries covered by the ITU’s regional groups.
These include countries across Africa, the Americas, the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their technology-related work contributes to inclusion, gender equality or broader digital transformation.
What Selected Champions Could Gain
Participation in the programme will provide the successful candidates with international visibility and opportunities to build relationships with people working across technology, policy and development.
The selected women will also become part of a global network intended to connect emerging leaders with experts, policymakers and innovators.
The ITU further states that, subject to sufficient available funding, selected Gender Champions may receive support to implement or strengthen community projects focused on women’s and girls’ digital access, skills or empowerment.
However, such project support is not guaranteed and depends on funding availability.
Innovation and Measurable Impact Will Matter
Applicants will be assessed by the ITU and its programme partners according to the eligibility and selection criteria outlined in the programme’s Terms and Conditions.
The assessment will consider the relevance of an applicant’s work to gender equality and digital transformation, leadership in tackling the gender digital divide, measurable results and the potential to expand the initiative.
Originality, innovation, collaboration and the possibility of sustained engagement will also form part of the assessment.
Given the expected number of applications, the ITU says only pre-selected candidates will be contacted. The final group will also take into account geographical representation and diversity of backgrounds and experiences.
Applications Open Until November 15
The programme opened for applications on September 21, 2026, with the submission window closing on November 15.
The review and selection process is scheduled to run from November 16, 2026, to March 7, 2027, before the successful cohort is announced on March 8.
The selected participants will then have the opportunity to take part in the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva from June 21 to 25, 2027.
How Eligible Young Women Can Apply
Young women who meet the eligibility requirements can submit their applications online through the official ITU Gender Champions Programme page.
Applicants should carefully review the programme’s Terms and Conditions and ensure that their submission clearly demonstrates the impact, originality and relevance of their technology-related work.
The deadline is November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CET.
Programme: ITU Gender Champions Programme 2027
Organiser: International Telecommunication Union
Target group: Young women using technology for positive change
Age requirement: 18–25
Selected participants: Up to four
Focus: Digital inclusion, digital transformation and gender equality
Major opportunity: AI for Good Global Summit 2027
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Summit dates: June 21–25, 2027
Application deadline: November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CET
Project support: Possible, subject to available funding
Application method: Online
