2026 UK-Italy Young Leaders Programme are now open

The UK-Italy Young Leaders Programme (YLP) was launched in 2023 by the British and Italian Prime Ministers. The YLP aims to deepen understanding and collaboration between Italy and the UK and to create lasting bilateral dialogue at the highest level. Its objective is to build a generation of 21st-century leaders who will keep British-Italian relations at heart and shape its future across all sectors of our societies and economies.

The new application round for the 2026 edition is open from 24 November to 31 December. Applying is simple:

• Be under 40 on the closing date
• Hold UK and/or Italian citizenship
• Speak fluent English (a good working level of Italian is also desirable)
• Demonstrate a commitment to strengthening UK-Italy ties and a track record of leadership

Selected participants will join a unique network of professionals and take part in exclusive, high-level activities designed to foster dialogue and collaboration between the UK and Italy.

See here the highlights of this year’s Young Leaders cohort

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Every edition is unique, but the goal remains the same: to create opportunities for meaningful exchange and collaboration at the highest level.

Application process

Apply now to help shape the future of UK-Italy relations.

Successful applicants are asked to sign the Young Leaders Charter (see attachment) and invited to undertake a visit to both the UK and Italy, to encourage closer relations through understanding culture and values, promoting constructive dialogue, exchanging thoughts and ideas and promoting the bilateral relationship.

Once the Young Leaders have completed their visits, they will be invited to join the “Young Leaders Alumni” network, which includes personalities from distinguished careers ranging from journalists, scientists, the military and academics to business entrepreneurs, writers, art directors and composers.

The UK-Italy Young Leaders Programme is an initiative supported by both governments, and is delivered by the British Embassy in Rome and the Italian Embassy in London.

Past and current Young Leaders

Read about Young Leaders bios 2024-2025

Further documents

Read the Young Leaders Charter

Download the YLP pamphlet with more information on the programme