Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland

Quick intro

The Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 was launched by the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC to support civil society experts from the Global South to participate in the first session of the United Nations Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland, on 6–7 July 2026. The fellowship focuses on AI governance, digital rights, data justice, environmental and climate justice, and equitable participation in global technology policy. The official page says the application deadline is closed as of Monday, 18 May 2026. (Böll Stiftung DC)

Benefits

The Heinrich Böll Foundation offered to cover international flights, transportation to and from airports, and up to three nights of accommodation in Geneva. The Foundation also offered support with Global Dialogue registration, accreditation, and access, plus visibility through social media promotion before the event. (Böll Stiftung DC)

The fellowship covered:

• International flights
• Airport transportation
• Up to 3 nights of accommodation in Geneva
• Global Dialogue registration support
• Accreditation and access support
• Visibility and platform through social media promotion

Objectives

The fellowship was created to increase Global South civil society participation in the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance. It aimed to help underrepresented regions shape emerging multilateral AI governance frameworks, build a learning and networking experience for leaders working on AI governance and digital rights, and create a network of civil society actors working on global AI governance. (Böll Stiftung DC)

Eligibility criteria

The fellowship sought emerging or experienced leaders and experts working on AI governance, digital rights, data justice, environmental and climate justice, or related fields. Eligible applicants could be activists, local officials, students, researchers, or technologists, with a focus on global AI-policy dimensions. The Foundation specifically sought candidates based in countries receiving Official Development Assistance. (Böll Stiftung DC)

Required documents

Applicants had to apply to the official UN AI Dialogue 2026 Call for Participation Support and send materials to Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC. Required materials included a CV or résumé, recommended maximum two pages, and a motivational statement of maximum 300 words about a key AI governance challenge, how the applicant proposes to address it, current steps being taken, and how participation would help advance those goals. (Böll Stiftung DC)

How to apply

The official route required two steps: applying to the UN AI Dialogue 2026 Call for Participation Support and sending the CV plus motivational statement to Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC. The official call is now closed, but the official page remains useful for future related calls.

Official Fellowship Link: Global Majority AI Fellowship — Heinrich Böll Foundation