Creatives4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge 2026 by UNDP || Fully Funded
Applications are now open for the Creatives4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge 2026, an exciting initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) designed to empower young African creatives who are using art, culture, and digital innovation to promote peace, dialogue, and social cohesion across the continent.
The challenge recognizes the power of creativity as a tool for peacebuilding, community engagement, and positive social transformation. Young creatives from across Africa are invited to submit innovative projects that demonstrate how culture and creative expression can bridge divides, foster tolerance, and contribute to more inclusive societies.
Program Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |
| Program Name | Creatives4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge 2026 |
| Eligible Region | Africa |
| Program Type | Innovation Challenge |
| Submission Format | Digital/Online |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | 2 July 2026 |
About the Challenge
The Creatives4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge aims to support young Africans who are using culture, creativity, storytelling, digital innovation, and artistic expression to advance peacebuilding and social cohesion.
UNDP seeks projects that contribute to:
- Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
- Social cohesion and inclusion
- Dialogue and community engagement
- Cultural understanding and tolerance
- Youth empowerment and innovation
The initiative highlights the growing role of Africa’s creative industries in fostering positive social change and strengthening communities through creative expression.
Eligible Creative Categories
Applicants may submit projects in any of the following categories, provided the work can be shared digitally:
Performing Arts
Projects involving:
- Music
- Dance
- Theatre
- Spoken word
- Poetry
- Storytelling
- Short films
- Performance-based productions
Gaming
Projects involving:
- Mobile games
- Video games
- Board games
- Simulations
- Interactive learning tools
- Gamified experiences
Digital Art
Projects involving:
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Animation
- Photography
- Videography
- Digital storytelling
- Multimedia content
Fashion
Projects involving:
- Clothing design
- Textiles
- Sustainable fashion
- Upcycling
- Wearable design
- Costume design
- Fashion entrepreneurship
Craft and Artisan Work
Projects involving:
- Handmade products
- Traditional and indigenous crafts
- Jewelry making
- Ceramics
- Weaving
- Painting
- Woodworking
- Textile arts
UNDP welcomes both traditional and digital creative expressions that contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies.
Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- International visibility and recognition.
- Professional exposure for their creative work.
- Networking opportunities with creatives from across Africa and the diaspora.
- Engagement with industry leaders and investors.
- Opportunity to showcase their work at the Culture and Creative Industries Festival in Cameroon.
- Fully funded participation, including flight tickets and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) covered by UNDP for selected finalists.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be young creatives from Africa.
- Submit an original project that can be shared digitally or online.
- Demonstrate how their work promotes peace, dialogue, inclusion, tolerance, or social cohesion.
- Use culture, creativity, storytelling, art, or innovation as a tool for positive social change.
- Be willing to participate in challenge-related activities if selected.
How to Apply
- Prepare your creative project in a digital format.
- Ensure the project clearly demonstrates its contribution to peacebuilding and social cohesion.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit all required information before the deadline.
- Await notification from the organizers regarding selection results.
Application Deadline
2 July 2026
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
The Creatives4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge 2026 is an excellent opportunity for young African artists, storytellers, designers, filmmakers, gamers, and innovators to showcase how creativity can drive peace and social transformation. Beyond recognition and visibility, selected participants will gain the opportunity to present their work on a continental stage and connect with influential leaders in Africa’s creative ecosystem.
