The Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award 2026 for Inspiring Youth Leaders (US$250,000 Prize).
Applications are now open for the 2026 Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award, a prestigious recognition jointly established by Cisco and Global Citizen to honor young innovators using technology to combat extreme poverty. The award seeks to celebrate individuals aged 18 to 30 whose groundbreaking work and social impact initiatives have significantly advanced one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The application deadline is December 17, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, with the winner set to be announced at Global Citizen NOW 2026 in New York City.
The Cisco Youth Leadership Award includes a US$250,000 grant, awarded to the nonprofit or social enterprise affiliated with the winner. The funding is designed to help scale the recipient’s impact, enhance technological solutions, and expand community reach. Since its inception, the award has spotlighted visionary young leaders who have harnessed technology to address pressing issues like climate action, gender equality, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a proven record of measurable social impact over the past three to five years, advancing one or more Global Goals. They must also articulate a clear and actionable vision for expanding their work over the next several years, showing how the prize money would accelerate their mission. Candidates are expected to embody the values of a Global Citizen — innovation, compassion, collaboration, and global responsibility — while inspiring other young people to make a difference.
A panel of experts from Global Citizen, Cisco, and the broader international development community will evaluate submissions based on innovation, measurable outcomes, leadership, and scalability. Around five finalists will be shortlisted by February 2, 2026, and asked to submit three letters of recommendation: one from a colleague, one from a funder or partner, and one from a person directly impacted by their work. Finalists may also be required to provide supplemental documentation before the final selection.
According to Cisco and Global Citizen, the award reflects their shared commitment to empowering youth-driven technological solutions for global good. By recognizing and funding young changemakers, the program aims to amplify their capacity to drive systemic change and inspire future generations of problem solvers.
