The YLVP is designed to provide the participants with new skills, broadened networks and innovative tools to strengthen their work to drive social change in their respective contexts. The participants are visionaries who are in a position to make a difference. They are young, open-minded leaders in Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen and Sweden who are actively working for democracy and human rights within the spheres of society, culture, politics and media.
During and after the programme the participants will be part of an active network that will boost creativity and support their personal and professional development, while also laying the platform for a more connected future. Since the launch of the YLVP in 2008, the programme alumni network has grown to comprise over 200 young leaders.
The call for applications for YLVP 2016 is open from 10 November to 8 December 2015. Apply now!
Who can apply to YLVP?
To apply to the Young Leaders Visitors Programme you have to:
- be an engaged leader within the spheres of society, culture, politics or media (for example project managers, youth leaders, journalists, bloggers, activists, youth politicians, cultural workers, civil servants, lawyers and pedagogues)
- work actively for democracy and human rights
- be between 20 and 32 years old (at the time of the start of the programme)
- have a good working knowledge of both written and spoken English
- a citizen of Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine*, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen or Sweden.
* Palestinian ID holders, including Jerusalem ID.
Please note that we are not able to make any exceptions to the eligibility requirements.
How do we select our participants?
The Swedish Institute appoints a selection committee consisting of staff from the Swedish Institute as well as representatives from partner organisations and field experts. Each application is evaluated by two different members of the selection committee according to the following criteria:
- platform/influence
- awareness and analytical skills
- drive and motivation
- relevant work experience
- relevant educational background.
The Swedish Institute seeks to compose a diverse and balanced group in terms of gender, age, geography, skills and experiences in order to enable a dynamic learning environment. The applicant’s ability to contribute to the programme is also taken into account alongside the extent to which the programme is expected to strengthen the applicant in his or her work for social change.
Out of all applicants, a number of shortlisted candidates are called for interviews as a second step in the selection process. The interviews are conducted through Google Hangouts. The Swedish Institute then contacts 30 selected applicants by email and offers them a place in the Young Leaders Visitors Programme. The Swedish Institute also composes a list of reserve candidates in case a second selection round is needed.
How to apply?
You apply by filling out the YLVP 2016 Application Form and submitting it through ourApplication portal together with your CV in English. The deadline for applying to YLVP 2016 is 8 December 2015.
Only applicants who have submitted a complete application will be considered for the programme. A complete application consists of:
- a completed YLVP 2016 Application Form in English, including your contact details and the contact details of two reference persons
- an updated CV in English
- a photo (not compulsory).
Please note that the reference persons should be someone who knows your work in the areas of democracy and human rights. We may contact the reference persons of the applicants who are selected for an interview. We only need the contact details of the references (name, job title, telephone number and email), i.e. no letters of recommendation. We accept references who speak English, Arabic or French.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, please send us an email at ylvp(a)si.se. Please note that we do not accept applications submitted via email.
Important dates
- Deadline for applications to YLVP 2016: 8 December 2015
- Google Hangout interviews with shortlisted candidates: 26 January – 5 February
- YLVP 2016 module 1 in Sweden: 15 May – 3 June 2016
- YLVP 2016 follow-up module (location to be determined): 5–11 November 2016
Want to know more about the YLVP? See About the programme
Want to check us out on social media? See Young Leaders Visitors Programme (YLVP)
For more information visit https://eng.si.se/
