Written by Applications are now open for the 2026 Intercultural Innovation Hub, a global programme led by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in partnership with the BMW Group and supported by Accenture. The initiative invites non-profit organisations and social enterprises from around the world to submit innovative projects that promote intercultural dialogue and inclusive societies.
The Intercultural Innovation Hub is designed to support organisations developing creative solutions to complex global challenges linked to culture, diversity and social cohesion. Through the programme, selected organisations will receive funding, training and access to global networks that can help scale their impact.
Why This Matters
Across the world, societies continue to face rising challenges such as xenophobia, hate speech, violent extremism and social exclusion. Innovative community-led solutions are increasingly needed to address these issues and promote peaceful coexistence among diverse populations.
The Intercultural Innovation Hub supports organisations working at the intersection of culture, innovation and social development. By strengthening the capacity of these organisations, the programme aims to expand initiatives that foster dialogue, inclusion and cooperation across cultures.
Program Focus
- The programme will select up to ten projects addressing major intercultural challenges.
- These include initiatives working to counter xenophobia and hate speech, prevent violent extremism, promote gender equality and build inclusive societies.
- Projects using sport, art and culture as tools to foster social inclusion are also encouraged to apply.
- In addition, the programme supports innovative initiatives that use artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to promote positive social change and strengthen human-centred solutions.
Eligibility Requirements
- The programme is open to non-profit organisations and not-for-profit social enterprises implementing innovative projects that promote intercultural dialogue and support inclusive societies.
- Applicants must demonstrate that their project addresses intercultural challenges and has the potential to scale its impact.
- Organisations must also be willing to expand the reach of their initiatives through collaboration and capacity development.
Benefits
- Selected organizations will receive financial support of up to $20,000 each to strengthen and scale their projects.
- In total, the program will support up to ten organizations, contributing to a global support pool of up to $200,000.
- Participants will also take part in a year-long capacity-building program that includes workshops, masterclasses and tailored mentoring provided by the program partners.
- In addition, selected organizations will gain access to a global network of change makers, allowing them to collaborate with other leaders working to address cross-cultural challenges and promote social inclusion worldwide.
How to Apply
Interested organisations can learn more and submit their applications through the official programme website:
https://interculturalinnovation.org/