AI for Human Rights (AI4HR) Peer Learning Programme for Youth Focused Organisations 2027

Applications are open for the AI for Human Rights (AI4HR) Peer Learning Programme 2027, an international initiative designed to help youth focused human rights organisations explore how artificial intelligence can support their work. The programme will connect selected organisations with experienced non governmental organisations that already use AI in human rights activities, offering practical guidance, knowledge sharing and opportunities to develop new approaches.

The initiative is intended for organisations that want to understand both the potential and the risks of using AI in human rights work. Participants will identify their own learning priorities and work with an experienced partner to explore realistic applications relevant to their communities and objectives.

The programme will run from January to early July 2027. Five youth focused human rights organisations will be selected to participate in activities conducted in English.

About the AI4HR Peer Learning Programme

The AI for Human Rights project is a five year research initiative running from 2024 to 2029, supported by the Global Campus of Human Rights and the Right Livelihood partnership. Its broader aim is to develop an AI for Human Rights Toolkit designed with and for young people.

The toolkit seeks to explain how AI can be used to advance human rights while addressing the challenges and risks associated with these technologies. Its broader areas of interest include the workplace, higher education classrooms and high school settings.

The peer learning programme builds on research and consultations with human rights organisations about how they currently use AI. It creates an opportunity for organisations working with young people to learn from peers and experienced practitioners, test ideas and assess whether AI could improve their activities.

Rather than requiring participants to adopt a particular technology, the programme allows each organisation to identify its own priorities. These might include documenting human rights violations, analysing information, improving advocacy or exploring other practical applications that support its mission.

Programme Benefits

Selected organisations will receive opportunities to strengthen their understanding of AI and explore its potential in human rights work.

Key benefits include:

• Six months of practical learning: Work with an experienced NGO to explore how AI could support your organisation's priorities.
• Expert guidance: Receive advice and share knowledge with an organisation that already applies AI in human rights activities.
• Monthly online activities: Participate in webinars and workshops held approximately once a month.
• In person expert visit: Host a visit from your partner organisation during spring 2027 for more practical support.
• Funded Venice workshop: Receive funding for expenses connected to flights and accommodation for the programme workshop in Italy.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with other youth focused human rights organisations and practitioners interested in responsible AI use.
• Improved organisational capacity: Develop a clearer understanding of where AI may be useful, where caution is necessary and how it could fit into existing work.

The programme is designed around peer learning and practical exploration. It does not advertise a cash grant for participating organisations, and applicants should not assume that it provides general project implementation funding.

Who Can Apply?

The opportunity is open to youth focused human rights organisations. Eligible organisations must either be youth led or work primarily with and for young people aged 15 and above.

The organisers particularly welcome applications from organisations based in countries of the Global Majority. This makes the programme especially relevant to organisations seeking to strengthen youth participation, human rights advocacy and responsible technology use in their local communities.

Previous experience with artificial intelligence is not required. Organisations do not need to be technology specialists or already have an established AI programme. Instead, the organisers are interested in applicants who are curious about the technology and can explain what they hope to learn or test.

Applicants should be prepared to nominate one or two representatives who can commit to the programme in English. These representatives must be available for the online activities, the expert visit and the workshop in Venice.

Organisations should consider their capacity to participate throughout the programme before applying. A clear learning objective and a realistic explanation of how the proposed learning could support their work will help demonstrate the value of participation.

What Applicants Need to Prepare

The application requires information about the organisation, its work with young people and its interest in artificial intelligence.

Applicants should prepare the following:

• Organisation profile: A short description of the organisation and its work with young people, including a link to its website or social media page.
• Learning objectives: An explanation of what the organisation hopes to learn or test with AI during the programme.
• Relevance to its mission: A clear account of why these learning goals matter to the organisation's human rights work.
• Representative details: The names of one or two people who will participate in the programme.
• Representatives' CVs: Curriculum vitae for the nominated participants.

How to Apply

Interested organisations should follow these steps to submit an application.

1. Review the eligibility requirements. Confirm that your organisation is youth led or primarily works with and for young people aged 15 and above, and that it is involved in relevant human rights activities.
2. Identify your learning priorities. Decide which aspects of AI you would like to explore and explain how they relate to your organisation's work.
3. Select your representatives. Nominate one or two representatives who can participate in English and commit to the full programme, including the in person activities.
4. Prepare the required information. Gather your organisation's description, website or social media link, proposed learning objectives, representatives' names and CVs.
5. Complete the official application form. Submit your information through the Microsoft Form provided
6. Submit before the deadline.