Calling all Young Africans: UNDP Launches Create4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge for Young African Creatives
The United Nations Development Programme has opened applications for the Create4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge, an initiative designed to empower young African creatives using culture, digital innovation, and artistic expression to promote peacebuilding, social cohesion, and inclusive societies across the continent.
The challenge invites young creatives from across Africa to submit innovative projects that demonstrate how culture and creativity can help bridge social divides, foster tolerance, and strengthen dialogue within communities.
Applications close on 2 July 2026.
Supporting Peacebuilding Through Creativity and Innovation
According to UNDP, the Create4Peace initiative seeks to recognize and support young Africans who are using creative industries and cultural expression as tools for peace and positive social transformation.
The challenge focuses on projects that contribute to:
- Social cohesion and inclusion
- Dialogue and community engagement
- Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
- Cultural understanding and tolerance
- Youth empowerment and innovation
UNDP says the initiative reflects the growing role of Africa’s creative industries in shaping public conversations, strengthening communities, and promoting sustainable peace.
Open to Diverse Creative Disciplines
The competition welcomes submissions across multiple cultural and creative industry sectors, provided the projects can be shared digitally or online.
Eligible categories include:
Performing Arts
Projects involving:
- Music
- Dance
- Theatre and stage productions
- Spoken word and poetry
- Storytelling
- Short films and performance-based content
Gaming
Projects focused on:
- Mobile and video games
- Board games and simulations
- Interactive learning experiences
- Gamified storytelling and education tools
Digital Art
Submissions may include:
- Graphic design
- Animation and illustration
- Photography and videography
- Multimedia storytelling
- Interactive digital content
Fashion
Creative projects related to:
- Clothing and textiles
- Sustainable fashion
- Upcycling and wearable design
- Fashion entrepreneurship and costume design
Craft and Artisan Work
Projects involving:
- Handmade and traditional crafts
- Jewelry and ceramics
- Weaving and textile arts
- Painting and woodworking
- Indigenous and artisan production
UNDP says the competition encourages both traditional and digital forms of creative expression that contribute to peaceful and inclusive societies.
Opportunities for Selected Participants
Three winning candidates will be selected to showcase their work at the Culture and Creative Industries Forum scheduled to take place in Cameroon in September 2026.
Selected participants will receive:
- Sponsored flights and daily subsistence allowance (DSA) covered by UNDP
- Visibility and recognition for their creative work
- Opportunities to network with creatives from across Africa and the diaspora
- Access to private sector stakeholders and potential collaborators
- Opportunities to pitch projects for investment or partnership support
The program aims to help young creatives expand professional networks while increasing the visibility and sustainability of their projects.
Focus on Youth-Led Innovation and Social Impact
UNDP says the challenge is particularly interested in projects demonstrating innovative approaches to addressing social divisions and strengthening peace through creative engagement.
Projects are expected to highlight:
- Community impact
- Cultural inclusion
- Innovation and originality
- Digital accessibility and storytelling
- Youth participation and empowerment
The initiative also seeks to strengthen the role of Africa’s cultural and creative industries in advancing sustainable development and social resilience.
Encouraging Continental and Diaspora Collaboration
The Create4Peace challenge brings together young creatives from across Africa and the African diaspora to encourage collaboration, dialogue, and shared learning.
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Exchange ideas with fellow creatives
- Build regional partnerships
- Engage with cultural and development stakeholders
- Explore investment and growth opportunities
- Showcase African creativity on an international platform
UNDP says the challenge reflects a broader effort to support youth leadership and innovation in peacebuilding processes.
Application Deadline and Participation Details
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their projects through the official online application platform before the deadline.
Key details include:
- Challenge: Create4Peace Youth Online Innovation Challenge
- Organizer: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Application deadline: 2 July 2026
- Event location for selected finalists: Cameroon
- Event period: September 2026
Applicants may submit projects in any eligible artistic or creative format as long as the work can be presented digitally.
About UNDP
The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations’ global development agency, working in more than 170 countries to address poverty, inequality, governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development challenges.
Through youth and innovation initiatives such as Create4Peace, UNDP supports:
- Youth empowerment and participation
- Cultural and creative industries
- Peacebuilding and social cohesion
- Inclusive development and innovation
- Sustainable economic opportunities for young people
The organization continues to promote the role of creativity, technology, and culture in building more peaceful and resilient societies across Africa and globally.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
