Understanding the Global Majority AI Fellowship
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how we live and work. However, the rules for how AI is developed are mostly made by a few countries and their companies. This means many voices are not heard. The Heinrich Böll Foundation in Washington, DC, is trying to change this with its Global Majority AI Fellowship. This program aims to bring experts from the Global South into the important discussions about AI governance.
The fellowship supports civil society experts to join the first UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance. This dialogue is a new forum created by the UN General Assembly. Its goal is to make sure AI rules consider everyone’s needs and that the benefits of AI are shared widely. For this to happen, people from civil society must be involved. The fellowship helps make this possible by providing support and a platform for these experts.
The Purpose of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance
The UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance was established in August 2025. It is a recurring forum designed to address the growing impact of artificial intelligence on economies, societies, and daily life worldwide. A key issue is that current AI governance frameworks are largely influenced by the domestic interests of a small number of nations and the corporations based there. This creates a risk that AI development and deployment may not benefit everyone equally.
The Global Dialogue aims to create a more inclusive approach. It seeks to ensure that AI governance reflects the priorities of all nations, not just a select few. By doing so, it hopes to achieve a broad sharing of AI’s benefits. The success of this dialogue hinges on effective participation from civil society organizations and experts from diverse backgrounds.
Fellowship Details and Support
The Heinrich Böll Foundation’s Global Majority AI Fellowship offers several benefits to selected participants. The first session of the Global Dialogue will take place in Geneva from July 6-7, 2026. This event will be held alongside an ITU Summit and the WSIS Forum. A second session is planned for New York in May 2027. The fellowship is designed to bridge these two important meetings.
The foundation will cover international travel costs, transportation to and from airports, and up to three nights of accommodation in Geneva. They will also help with conference registration and accreditation, ensuring fellows can access the event. Before the Global Dialogue, fellows will receive visibility and a platform. The foundation will promote them on social media channels. This helps create an online presence for their work and amplifies their political messages related to AI governance.
Eligibility for the Fellowship
The fellowship is looking for individuals who are emerging or experienced leaders and experts in fields related to AI governance. This includes those working on digital rights, data justice, and environmental or climate justice. A key requirement is that their work focuses on the global dimensions of AI policy. Applicants can be activists, local officials, students, researchers, or technologists.
A critical eligibility criterion is the applicant’s regional background. The foundation is seeking candidates who are based in countries that receive Official Development Assistance. This focus ensures that the fellowship supports voices from regions that are often underrepresented in global policy discussions. By bringing these perspectives to the forefront, the program aims to foster more equitable AI governance.
How to Apply for the Fellowship
To apply for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington DC Global Majority AI Fellowship, candidates need to submit specific application materials. These should be sent to the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC. The required documents include a resume or CV, which should be a maximum of two pages and should not include a picture or marital status. It is important to include your country of residence and gender on your resume.
Additionally, applicants must write a motivational statement. This statement should be short, with a maximum of 300 words. It should reflect on the biggest challenge currently facing AI governance. Applicants should also explain how they propose to address this challenge and what steps they are currently taking. Finally, they need to describe how their participation in the Global Dialogue will help them advance these goals. Applicants must apply to the official UN AI Dialogue 2026 Call for Participation Support and also send their application materials to the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Global Majority AI Fellowship?
The fellowship’s main goal is to bring experts from the Global South into important discussions about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is governed worldwide.
What is the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance?
It’s a new forum created by the UN General Assembly to discuss and create rules for AI, ensuring its benefits are shared widely and all nations’ needs are considered.
What kind of support does the fellowship provide?
The fellowship covers international travel, airport transportation, accommodation for a few nights, and help with conference registration and accreditation.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Eligibility is for individuals from countries receiving Official Development Assistance who are leaders or experts in AI governance, digital rights, data justice, or climate justice, focusing on global AI policy.
