SEOUL — Peace is rarely built in quiet boardrooms; it is forged at the intersections of empathy, shifting global dynamics, and the active voices of the next generation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially opened applications for its Youth Supporters program, offering a global stage for young minds to engage deeply with the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda ahead of the 8th International Conference on Action with Women and Peace (AWP).
Rooted in the ongoing mission of the “Action with Women and Peace Initiative” launched in 2018 and the subsequent annual global gatherings since 2019– this year’s program shifts its focus to the architects of tomorrow.
Reflecting on the vision driving the initiative, Choi Won-seok, Director-General for International Organizations and Nuclear Affairs at the Ministry, shared a compelling perspective on modern diplomacy:
Youth are not merely passive recipients of peace, but active agents who directly shape the peace of the future by utilizing new technologies such as AI. Through this Youth Supporters program, we hope to increase the interest and participation of youth in the WPS agenda and to convey their diverse voices to the international community.”
The Blueprint: What to Know
The initiative is designed for boundary-pushers, researchers, and advocates ready to translate dialogue into lasting momentum.
- Who Can Apply: Individuals or collaborative teams of 2 to 4 members, aged 19 to 34. Open to all nationalities.
- Selection Capacity: A total of 50 Supporters will be chosen to form this year’s cohort.
- Timeline: Applications remain open through until August 27, 2026, with final results announced on September 7.
Into the Field: The Three-Month Journey
Selected supporters will step into a rigorous three-month engagement cycle following an official kick-off ceremony. The immersive program features foundational workshops unpacking the nuances of the WPS agenda, collaborative team missions, and grassroots advocacy building toward the November conference.
For the most impactful contributors, the journey extends directly to the global stage: outstanding teams will be selected to present their findings and project results in person during the Youth Session at the 8th AWP Conference in Seoul this November.
As global frameworks evolve to meet the complexities of a changing world, this initiative serves as a vital frontier in bridging visionary youth advocacy with institutional action.
Youth (18-34) Volunteer in Korea for Women Action of Peace
Apply as Youth Supporter for the upcoming International Conference on Action with Women and Peace this November. Activities can be in English, and must be able to participate in in-person activities in South Korea
