Call for applications: Supporting Muslim Youth Participation at the Local Level

Human Rights-Based Civic Engagement and Alliance Building: Supporting Muslim Youth Participation at the Local Level

The meaningful participation of young people in civic and political life is a cornerstone of resilient democracies and inclusive societies. Participation from an early age in democratic processes at the local level develops a deeper trust in institutions, opens opportunities for leadership growth and reduces the risk of polarization. Addressing structural barriers and promoting equal participation in public life for Muslim youth supports social cohesion and resilience. When Muslim youth are empowered to participate in municipal decision-making, whether through grassroot advocacy, advisory roles, or collaborative community-driven projects, they are able to shape the policies that affect their lives: the quality of education, their sense of security, social inclusion, their access to leisure and cultural expression. 

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) works to promote human rights, democratic participation, and tolerance and non-discrimination as part of its comprehensive approach to security. This includes efforts to prevent, document and respond to intolerance and discrimination, initiatives to strengthen inclusive policies at the local level, and supporting the meaningful engagement of young people in civic and public life across the OSCE region. 

Young people are not merely beneficiaries of peace and security efforts, they are essential contributors to them. Their perspectives are fundamental to building more participatory, peaceful, and sustainable societies. In the OSCE context, key documents highlighting the role of youth include the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, the 2014 OSCE Basel Ministerial Council "Declaration on Youth," the 2015 OSCE Belgrade Ministerial Council "Declaration on Youth and Security," and the 2018 OSCE Milan Ministerial Council "Declaration on the Role of Youth in Contributing to Peace and Security Efforts." This program is implemented in line with relevant OSCE Documents, Declarations and Ministerial Council Decisions.

Recognizing the vital role of Muslim youth in building inclusive and resilient societies, this program invites applications from Muslim youth between 18-30 years of age across the OSCE region. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with community organizations, NGOs, or non-profit organizations that have an interest in promoting human rights, and countering intolerance and discrimination against Muslims in their local contexts. 

Successful applicants will be taking part in the following program activities:

• A three-day workshop training on 25-27 August 2026 in Warsaw, Poland. The training will be led by experts in the fields of human rights and addressing intolerance and discrimination against Muslims. 
• Developing a project with their affiliated community organization to address specific concerns of intolerance and discrimination against Muslims in their local communities, from September to November 2026. Participants will have follow-up zoom calls with mentors during this period.  
• Contributing to the development of a final joint project report that will aid other young leaders who wish to take on similar projects, which will be finalized in December 2026. 

The program will be fully funded for successful applicants who will also receive the following benefits:

• Human rights-based education on intolerance and discrimination against Muslims.
• Civic engagement skills and tools for local participation. 
• Training in exploring the role of technology and digital platforms in promoting inclusive participation, community organizing, and democratic engagement.
• Strengthened capacity to address online hate speech, hate crimes, digital discrimination, and harmful narratives targeting Muslim communities. 
• Advocacy strategies for engaging with local governments to address intolerance and discrimination against Muslims.
• Transnational youth collaboration and exchange of best practices.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

June 30, 2026, 23-59 (CEST/ Vienna time) 

ACCEPTANCE NOTIFICATIONS: 

July 17, 2026 

WHO CAN APPLY?

• You are 18-30 years old;
• You are a national of an OSCE participating State;
• You have a demonstrated interest and/or relevant experience in countering intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief, and you are an active and engaged member in academia, think tanks, civil society organizations, youth or youth-led organizations, education or media;
• Experience in engaging with local communities will be an asset;
• You are fluent in English;
• You are eager to share your experience in promoting the role of young people at different levels and learn from others; and,
• You endorse the OSCE core principles and values, and are willing to engage in a multi-cultural environment.

Please submit your applications through this link:  https://forms.gle/fEt378xRFa9z4LFg8 

SUPPORTING DOCUMENT SUBMISSION:  

1. Video statement of Interest: Please include a brief video statement (3 minutes maximum) that responds to the following areas that will be used to assess eligibility:

• State your interest in and/or experience with human rights approaches to countering intolerance and discrimination against Muslims. 
• Identify some of the local concerns/ issues related to intolerance and discrimination against Muslims that your organization would like to address in the community-based post-training project.
• Affirm your commitment to OSCE principles and values.
  1. Written statement: Please provide the written version of your video statement as a PDF-upload. 
  2.  Organizational Support Letter: Please provide an official letter from your organization confirming your affiliation and role with the organization. The letter should state the organization’s commitment to facilitating the community level project you will undertake with their assistance and outline what financial contributions, resources and/ or in-kind contributions they will contribute. The letter should also make note of how this work promoting human rights approaches to countering intolerance and discrimination against Muslims at the local level aligns with the organization’s goals and mandate.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via email at Perspectives2030@osce.org

Disclaimers:

Please be advised that the OSCE does not request any payment at any stage of the application and review process for participation in the OSCE organized events, including but not limited to training courses. Please exercise caution with regard to unsolicited messages in any form, which request you to provide your personal information and/or make any form of payment. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a message in any form purporting to be from the OSCE, you are encouraged to contact the OSCE through its official communication channels.

Should you wish to report any potential fraudulent activities related to the OSCE, please contact OSCE Office of Internal Oversight (OIO) hotline. If you believe you have been a victim of fraudulent activities, you may wish to contact the local law enforcement authorities.

By entering your personal data and submitting this application, you consent that any personal data provided hereby to the OSCE will be processed in line with OSCE internal policies on Personal Data Protection and treated by the OSCE as restricted information. Additionally, processing may be carried out under other legitimate bases, including where necessary to fulfill the OSCE's mandate, comply with legal obligations, or ensure safety and security. The OSCE processes personal data solely for legitimate purposes related to its mandate, ensuring that all data collection and processing activities comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality. 

OSCE may utilize a third-party data host provider (“DHP”) as a subprocessor. The DHP data centres may be located in countries which do not provide the same level of data protection as the applicant’s home country or the EU. In such cases, the OSCE has established contractual safeguards with the DHP to ensure that data is processed in accordance with its internal policies and security standards. 

Personal data collected will only be retained for the period necessary to fulfill the specified purpose(s), after which it will be anonymized or securely deleted. You may request to access, correct, or delete information regarding the processing of your personal data or request information regarding applicable complaint procedures at any time via dataprotection@osce.org.

The OSCE will decide on such requests on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with its internal policies on Personal Data Protection, taking into account necessity, proportionality, and any overriding operational requirements. The OSCE applies appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect personal data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or loss. The above is without prejudice to, and may not be construed as a waiver, either express or implied, of any of the privileges and immunities of the OSCE or its officials.