Youth IGF Nepal 2026 Fellowship Programme
Capacity building, travel sponsorship, and policy mentorship for emerging youth leaders, researchers, and advocates residing outside the Kathmandu Valley.
Youth Internet Governance Forum Nepal 2026 Fellowship
“Thank you for your interest to join youth IGF Nepal 2026. But we are no longer accepting fellowship applications.”
The application and review period has concluded. The organizing committee has evaluated submissions from across Nepal’s seven provinces, and the 2026 Fellowship Cohort has been finalized and announced.
Fellowship Objectives & Mandate
The Youth IGF Nepal Fellowship Programme is an inclusive capacity-building initiative that aims to strengthen meaningful youth participation in Internet governance and digital policy processes. It seeks to empower young people from diverse geographic, social, and professional backgrounds, particularly those whose perspectives are underrepresented in national digital policy discussions.
The Fellowship provides fellows with opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, and networks in Internet governance, digital inclusion, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and digital rights. By connecting local and community-level experiences with national, regional, and global policy dialogues, the programme supports young changemakers in contributing informed perspectives and advancing a safe, inclusive, accessible, and rights-respecting digital future for Nepal.
What the Fellowship Programme Provides
The fellowship directly removes economic and logistical barriers for provincial youth:
Travel Sponsorship
Reimbursement for inter-district bus travel and domestic airfare (up to the approved budget) between hometowns and Kathmandu, as well as travel to the event venue.
Full Accommodation
Hotel stay, breakfast, event-day meals, and transit throughout official forum proceedings.
Expert Mentorship
Exclusive prep briefings and interactive role-play engagement with seasoned leaders in Internet policy.
Youth Declaration
Direct co-authorship of Nepal’s Youth Declaration submitted to regional and global IGF processes.
Evaluation & Eligibility Criteria
During the 2026 selection process, applicants were assessed based on these core criteria:
- Residency Outside Kathmandu Valley: Dedicated strictly to Nepali youth living, studying, or working in provincial districts across Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati rural areas, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, or Sudurpaschim.
- Age Bracket: Young leaders aged between 18 and 30 years at the time of submission.
- No Prior Experience Mandated: Previous background in technical telecommunications or legal drafting was not mandatory; curiosity and community commitment were prioritized.
- Equity & Diversity Priority: Explicit affirmative focus for female candidates, indigenous youth, persons with disabilities, and underrepresented communities.
Fellow Responsibilities & Deliverables
Selected fellows commit to an active trajectory before, during, and after the convening:
Attend preparatory briefings on Internet governance foundations and multi-stakeholder negotiation models.
Actively participate in spotlight sessions, simulated policy role-plays, and youth feedback dialogues.
Synthesize provincial insights and recommendations for inclusion in the final Youth Outcome Report.
Conduct peer-sharing sessions or digital literacy drives within their respective home districts.
Fellowship Application Form
The application form is now closed and is kept here for reference.
