The Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 is now officially open for applications – a prestigious fully funded international opportunity organised by the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Washington, DC. Notably, the fellowship takes place at the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland from July 6–7, 2026, bridging the gap between the Geneva and New York multilateral AI governance meetings. Furthermore, the programme targets activists, researchers, students, technologists, and local officials from ODA-eligible countries who actively work on AI governance, digital rights, data justice, and equitable innovation. Additionally, there is no application fee, and the fellowship covers all major expenses including travel, accommodation, and airport transfers.
Program Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 |
| Organiser | Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC |
| Venue | Geneva, Switzerland (UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance) |
| Fellowship Dates | July 6 – 7, 2026 |
| Duration | 3 Days |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Application Fee | None |
| Application Deadline | Rolling Basis |
| Official Website | us.boell.org |
Financial Benefits
The Heinrich Böll Foundation covers all major costs for selected fellows. Specifically, the fellowship provides the following benefits:
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| International Travel | Round-trip travel costs to/from Switzerland |
| Airport Transfer | Transportation to and from Geneva airport |
| Accommodation | 3 nights of accommodation during the fellowship |
About the Fellowship
The Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 creates a powerful collaborative space for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue on how artificial intelligence affects societies, policies, cultures, and communities across the world. Specifically, the fellowship connects participants from the Global Majority with international AI governance discussions at the highest multilateral level — ensuring that diverse and underrepresented voices shape the future of AI policy.
Additionally, the programme focuses on bridging the Geneva UN AI Governance Dialogue (July 2026) with the subsequent New York meeting, creating continuity in advocacy and representation for Global Majority participants across both events.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, education, employment, governance, and media worldwide. Consequently, the Global Majority AI Fellowship prioritises ensuring that voices from ODA-eligible and developing nations actively participate in shaping global AI policies. Specifically, the fellowship builds capacity and influence around the following critical areas:
- AI Ethics — developing principled frameworks for responsible AI deployment
- Digital Rights — protecting individuals from algorithmic harm and data exploitation
- Equity and Inclusion — ensuring AI benefits reach marginalised and underserved communities
- Public Policy — contributing to national and international AI regulatory frameworks
- Responsible Innovation — promoting innovation that respects cultural, social, and environmental contexts
Eligibility Criteria
Geographic Eligibility
- Candidates must currently be based in countries that receive Official Development Assistance (ODA) as listed by the OECD DAC List of ODA Recipients
- Consequently, applicants from high-income non-ODA countries do not qualify for this fellowship regardless of their professional background
Experience & Professional Background
- The fellowship welcomes both emerging and experienced leaders and experts — therefore, both early-career and senior professionals can apply
- Specifically, eligible applicants include activists, local officials, students, researchers, and technologists who engage with AI and technology-related issues in their professional or advocacy work
Core Focus Areas
- Applicants must demonstrate active engagement in at least one of the following core areas:
- AI Governance — policy, regulation, or multilateral engagement on AI
- Digital Rights — advocacy, legal frameworks, or community organising around technology rights
- Data Justice — equitable data practices, privacy, and algorithmic accountability
- Environmental & Climate Justice — intersection of technology and climate or environmental advocacy, or related fields
Key Perspective Required
- Furthermore, candidates must demonstrate a strong focus on the global dimensions of AI policy — specifically, an ability to connect local or regional AI experiences to broader international governance frameworks
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | Available Now |
| Application Deadline | Rolling Basis — Apply Early |
| Fellowship Dates | July 6 – 7, 2026 |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
Application Materials Required
To apply for the Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026, candidates must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Resume / CV — highlighting professional experience, advocacy work, research, or academic background relevant to AI governance and digital rights
- Motivational Statement — a compelling narrative explaining the candidate’s work in AI-related fields, why they want to attend the Geneva dialogue, and how the fellowship will contribute to their advocacy or research goals
How to Apply
- Visit the official Heinrich Böll Foundation website at us.boell.org.
- Read the complete fellowship guidelines and eligibility criteria carefully before beginning the application.
- Prepare your updated Resume / CV highlighting your work in AI governance, digital rights, data justice, or related fields.
- Write a compelling Motivational Statement that clearly demonstrates your connection to global AI policy discussions and your goals for the fellowship.
- Submit your application through the official application link on the Heinrich Böll Foundation website.
- Monitor your email for updates — the foundation reviews applications on a rolling basis and contacts shortlisted candidates directly.
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply for the Fellowship | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When is the deadline to apply for the Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026?
The fellowship accepts applications on a rolling basis – therefore, candidates must apply as early as possible before spots fill up.
Q2. Is the Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 fully funded?
Yes – the fellowship covers round-trip travel, airport transfers, and 3 nights of accommodation in Geneva, Switzerland.
Q3. Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
Candidates currently based in ODA-eligible countries who work in AI governance, digital rights, data justice, or environmental justice are eligible to apply.
Q4. Is there an application fee for the Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026?
No – there is no application fee; all eligible candidates can apply completely free of cost.
Q5. What documents are required to apply for this fellowship?
Candidates must submit a Resume / CV and a Motivational Statement through the official application link.