The Heinrich Böll Foundation has officially launched applications for the highly anticipated Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026. This prestigious international fellowship aims to empower experts, activists, researchers, technologists, and civil society leaders from the Global South to participate in global discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance at the United Nations level.
The fellowship provides selected participants with the opportunity to attend major international AI policy forums in Geneva, Switzerland, and New York, USA, while contributing to important conversations about the future of AI governance, digital justice, sustainability, and equitable technology policy.
As AI rapidly reshapes economies, societies, and governance systems worldwide, representation from developing countries and historically underrepresented communities remains limited. The Global Majority AI Fellowship seeks to bridge this gap by amplifying voices from the Global South and ensuring inclusive participation in global decision-making spaces.
Applicants from eligible countries are encouraged to apply as early as possible because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
About the Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026
The Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 is organized by the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC office. The fellowship is designed to support participation in the first session of the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
The first fellowship session will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6–7 July 2026, alongside major international events including the ITU Summit and the WSIS Forum. A second session is planned for May 2027 in New York, USA.
The program aims to strengthen international collaboration and create a more balanced and equitable AI governance framework that includes perspectives from developing nations and marginalized communities.
Fellowship Objectives
The Global Majority AI Fellowship was established to address the growing imbalance in global AI policymaking. Currently, most AI governance discussions are dominated by powerful economies and large technology corporations.
The fellowship focuses on:
- Increasing Global South representation in international AI governance
- Supporting equitable and inclusive AI policymaking
- Promoting digital justice and ethical AI systems
- Encouraging climate-conscious and sustainable AI development
- Strengthening civil society engagement in technology governance
- Building international networks among AI policy experts and advocates
The initiative recognizes that AI technologies affect societies differently across regions and that countries from the Global South must have a meaningful voice in shaping future regulations and governance structures.
Fellowship Location
Selected fellows will participate in events and dialogues in:
- Geneva, Switzerland
- New York, USA
The Geneva session will coincide with key international digital governance gatherings, providing fellows with networking opportunities with policymakers, academics, civil society organizations, and global technology leaders.
Fellowship Benefits
The Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 offers several valuable benefits to participants. While the official announcement does not specify every financial detail publicly, the fellowship is designed to support participation in international policy dialogues.
Benefits may include:
- Participation in UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance
- International networking opportunities
- Exposure to global AI policy discussions
- Engagement with policymakers and technology experts
- Capacity building and mentorship
- Participation in major international AI events
- Travel support for fellowship-related activities
- Opportunities for collaboration with international organizations
The fellowship especially prioritizes inclusion, representation, and long-term engagement in global AI governance initiatives.
Focus Areas of the Fellowship
The fellowship revolves around several important thematic clusters related to AI governance and global development.
Key focus areas may include:
1. AI Governance and Regulation
Discussions around international AI rules, standards, transparency, and accountability.
2. Digital Rights and Data Justice
Protecting privacy, promoting equitable access to digital technologies, and addressing harmful data practices.
3. Climate and Environmental Justice
Understanding the environmental impact of AI systems and promoting sustainable technological development.
4. Equity and Inclusion
Ensuring marginalized communities and developing countries are represented in AI decision-making.
5. Global Technology Policy
Exploring the intersection of technology, democracy, ethics, and international cooperation.
These areas reflect broader concerns about the “Global AI Divide,” where developing nations often have limited influence over AI frameworks that significantly affect their societies and economies.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is primarily targeted at individuals from the Global South and developing countries.
Applicants may include:
- Civil society experts
- Researchers and academics
- Activists
- Technologists
- Students
- Policymakers
- Community organizers
- Digital rights advocates
- Environmental justice experts
The fellowship seeks applicants who are already engaged in AI governance, digital policy, technology ethics, climate justice, or related fields.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong interest in AI governance and public policy
- Commitment to social justice and equitable technology
- Leadership potential
- Experience in advocacy, research, or community engagement
- Ability to contribute meaningfully to international dialogue
According to the fellowship announcement, preference is given to applicants based in countries receiving Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Why This Fellowship Matters
Artificial Intelligence is becoming one of the most influential technologies of the modern era. However, the countries and communities most affected by AI systems often have the least representation in governance discussions.
The Global Majority AI Fellowship attempts to change that imbalance by creating opportunities for experts and advocates from underrepresented regions to participate directly in international policymaking processes.
The fellowship also highlights growing concerns around:
- Algorithmic bias
- Unequal access to AI infrastructure
- Digital colonialism
- Data exploitation
- Environmental impacts of AI systems
- Concentration of technological power
By including voices from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and other developing regions, the program hopes to promote fairer and more inclusive global AI policies.
Application Deadline
The application process is currently open on a rolling basis. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible because positions may fill before the final deadline.
How to Apply
Applicants can submit their applications through the official Heinrich Böll Foundation website.
Official Application Link:
Apply for the Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026
Before applying, candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements, fellowship expectations, and required documents.
Conclusion:
The Global Majority AI Fellowship 2026 represents a unique opportunity for emerging and experienced leaders from the Global South to engage directly in shaping the future of AI governance. At a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming societies worldwide, inclusive participation in policymaking has become more important than ever.
This fellowship not only provides access to international platforms but also empowers participants to advocate for fair, ethical, and sustainable AI systems that reflect the realities and priorities of communities worldwide.
If you are passionate about technology policy, digital justice, climate equity, or ethical AI governance, this fellowship could become a major milestone in your international leadership journey.
Apply early and become part of the global movement working toward inclusive AI governance for all.
Nabeel Akhter is an international education advocate and scholarship mentor dedicated to helping students access global academic opportunities. He studied in the United States at the University of Massachusetts Amherst through the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders program funded by the U.S. Department of State.
Inspired by this journey, Nabeel now actively mentors and guides students in finding and applying for scholarships, exchange programs, and global learning opportunities, helping them navigate pathways to study and grow internationally.