The Global Thinkers Forum brings together a diverse network of thought leaders to share their visions of the future, create meaningful conversations around them, and effect positive change in the world. The program consists of an 8-month mentoring cycle that includes one-on-one sessions with experienced thought leaders and individuals aged between 18 and 29 from all over the world. The program’s mentors are successful individuals across several professional fields and countries. The application deadline is 23 November 2026. Become a Global Thinkers Mentee
training/education
IREX — Community Solutions
IREX Community Solutions is a professional development program for community leaders in eligible countries to participate in a four-month fellowship with a local nonprofit organization or government agency in the USA. The subject areas include environmental issues (among others). Applications are accepted from eligible countries in East Asia and the Pacific; South and Central Asia; Sub-Saharan Africa; North Africa and the Middle East; Europe; and Latin America and the Caribbean. Grants are for visa support, international travel, insurance, and a living allowance. The application deadline is 24 November 2026. About the Program
Asia Foundation — Development Fellows 2027
The Asia Foundation’s Development Fellows program provides qualified young Asian professionals with an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and gain in-depth knowledge of Asia’s critical development challenges. The program offers two weeks of leadership training in Asia and another two weeks in the USA, plus a grant of US$2.500 to support individual plans for professional development. Applicants should be less than age 40 and have demonstrable experience in one of the program’s fields of expertise, which include environment (among others). The program is open to resident nationals and citizens of Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; India; Indonesia; Japan, Korea; Laos; Malaysia; Maldives; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nepal; Pacific Islands Nations; Pakistan; Philippines; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Thailand; Timor-Leste; and Vietnam.. The application deadline is 01 December 2026. Development Fellows
Obama Foundation — Leaders Program
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program is a one-year training program for leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges in their communities or countries. Scholars attend courses and participate in leadership development training. Participants receive a furnished studio apartment during their stay, a monthly stipend to assist with living expenses, as well as travel and tuition fees paid. The program is open to applicants from all around the world. Applications for the 2027-2028 program have to be submitted until 04 December 2026. Applicant information
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — Botany in Action Fellowships 2027
The Botany in Action (BIA) Fellowship program at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens fosters the development of the next generation of plant-based scientists. Subject areas include ethnobotany, Indigenous ecological knowledge, food systems, plant diversity and conservation, landscape and brownfield restoration, and sustainable landscapes. Preference goes to research in tropical forests or southwest Pennsylvania, with special consideration in 2027 for Panama and Australia’s Daintree region. The program is open to Ph.D. students of any nationality who are conducting plant-based scientific research at U.S. graduate institutions. Grants are US$6 thousand for research and outreach expenses at sites in the U.S. or internationally, plus an all-expenses paid trip to Phipps for science outreach training. The application deadline is 08 January 2027. Find out how to apply
University of Antwerp — Masters Program in Development Studies
The University of Antwerp’s Institute of Development Policy and Management (IOB) offers three specializations for one-year master’s programs in development studies. Topics include poverty, climate change, conflict, good governance, sustainable development, and others. The Institute of Development Policy awards scholarships to students from many countries of Africa, Asia, and Latin America for studies at Belgian universities that include Antwerp’s IOB. Candidates applying for an ICP Connect scholarship have to submit their application by 01 February 2027. Link
Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study — Fellowships for Early-Career African Researchers
The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) offers the Iso Lomso Fellowships to early-career African researchers in any discipline. The program provides a three-year attachment to STIAS in addition to the possibility of a residency at a sister institute for advanced study in North America, Europe, or elsewhere. Other benefits include support for attending international conferences or workshops and support to the fellow’s home institution for lecturer replacement. The program is aimed at African scholars who have obtained a doctoral degree within the preceding eight years, and who hold an academic position at a university or research institution anywhere in Africa. The application deadline is 15 February 2027. About
Masdar — Leadership Training and Mentorship
The WiSER Pioneers Program offers young women aged 25 to 35 access to educational workshops and global networking opportunities. The program empowers young women to take a leading role in the global transition to a net-zero future. Applicants must be employed or self-employed and hold a degree in a field related to the environment, energy, sustainability, or STEM disciplines. Applications have to be submitted no later than 23 November 2026. WiSER Pioneers Program
Campus France — Visiting Fellowship for Early Career Researchers
The Make Our Planet Great Again (MOPGA) initiative calls for applications from young researchers who wish to carry out their research in France. MOPGA intends to award 40 fellowships for a duration of 12 months with a monthly allowance of €2,500. Eligible research themes include climate change and energy transition. Foreign researchers must hold a doctoral degree for less than 5 years. The application period ends on 15 December 2026. MOPGA Visiting Fellowship
Green Institute — Green Global Fellowship
The Green Institute recruits its February 2027 cohort of Green Fellows. Fellows complete a course and attend fellowship conferences. Benefits include training from sustainability experts, a peer network, a certificate on completion and a portfolio of projects. One fellow who meets all requirements and shows documented impact may receive a US$1,000 post-fellowship award to continue or expand the initiative. Applications close on 07 January 2027. Green Global Fellowship