Global South Study Week 2026
Are you a young civil society actor from the Global South working on development, governance, economic and social justice, or climate justice?
The Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND), Third World Network, Social Watch, Global Policy Forum, and the Asfari Institute at the American University of Beirut invite applications for the Global South Study Week 2026, taking place in Beirut from 30 November to 4 December 2026.
Under the theme “Alternatives in Governance and Sustainable Human Development,” the Study Week will bring together young civil society actors from across the Global South for five days of learning, exchange, discussion and networking.
Travel and accommodation for selected participants will be covered.
Interpretation will be provided during the Study Week; however, basic knowledge of English is desirable.
About the Study Week
Since 2012, the Study Week programme has brought together young professionals, civil society actors, researchers and activists to deepen their understanding of sustainable development and the structural economic, social and political issues shaping the region.
Since 2024, the programme has expanded to the Global South, creating opportunities for cross-regional exchange and strengthening connections and solidarity among civil society actors facing shared development challenges.
The Study Week provides a space to examine dominant development models, discuss policy alternatives, exchange experiences from different national and regional contexts, and strengthen collective approaches to advocacy and sustainable human development.
Why Participate?
Through the Study Week, participants will have the opportunity to:
- Engage in in-depth discussions with civil society peers from across the Global South.
- Strengthen their understanding of global development frameworks, governance challenges and policy alternatives.
- Exchange experiences and approaches to advocacy from different national and regional contexts.
- Build connections with civil society actors, researchers and practitioners.
- Strengthen their capacity to engage in national, regional and international policy processes.
- Join a growing network of Study Week participants and alumni and explore opportunities for continued exchange and collaboration.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should:
- Be under 40 years old.
- Be from a Global South country.
- Hold a university degree in development, economics, political or social sciences, international relations, human rights, or a related field.
- Be endorsed by a local, national or regional civil society organisation/NGO.
- Be actively involved in advocacy, research, policy or coordination work related to one or more of the following areas:
- Sustainable development and global governance
- Multilateralism
- Debt policies
- Trade and investment
- Tax justice
- Social and economic justice
- Climate change and biodiversity
- Gender justice
- Human rights and civic space
Before You Apply: Complete the Learning Requirement
As part of the application process for the Global South Study Week 2026, all applicants are required to complete two designated online courses available through the ANND Learning Platform.
The Economic Development and Inequality in the Arab Region module is mandatory for all applicants. Applicants must also complete one additional module of their choice from the remaining four designated courses.
Upon successful completion of both courses, applicants must obtain their completion certificates and upload them as part of their Study Week application.
How it works
Go to learn.annd.org and create an account or sign in to your existing account.
Select and successfully complete at least two of the five eligible courses:
- Environmental Challenges in the Arab Region
- Economic Development and Inequality in the Arab Region (Mandatory)
- Governance and Democracy
- Developing and Strengthening the Organizational Structure of Associations
- The Right to Culture and Education
After successfully completing each course, download your completion certificate.
You will be required to upload your completion certificates as part of your Study Week application.
Applicants who have not successfully completed at least two of the required courses will not be eligible to complete their Study Week application.
How to Apply
Before starting your application, please make sure that you have:
- Checked that you meet the eligibility criteria above.
- Successfully completed at least two of the five required courses on the ANND Learning Platform.
- Downloaded your course completion certificates.
- Prepared the information and documents required in the application form.
The application process consists of the following steps:
Complete at least two of the five designated courses at learn.annd.org and obtain your completion certificates.
Return to this page and click Register for The Study Week.
Provide the requested information and upload your certificates showing successful completion of at least two eligible ANND Learning Platform courses.
After completing the application form, you will be directed to pay the required non-refundable administrative application fee.
Once payment has been successfully completed, your application will be considered officially submitted. You will receive a confirmation email.
Administrative Application Fee
A non-refundable administrative application fee of $30 is required for all applications to the Global South Study Week 2026.
The fee is an administrative application fee and does not guarantee selection or participation in the Study Week.
Before proceeding with the application, applicants will be asked to confirm that they understand and accept the following:
Please note: A non-refundable administrative application fee of $30 is required to submit your application for the Global South Study Week 2026. Payment of the fee does not guarantee selection. Applications will be reviewed by the Study Week Selection Committee according to the programme's eligibility and selection criteria.
By proceeding with the application, you acknowledge and accept these conditions.
Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed by the Study Week Selection Committee based on the programme's eligibility and selection criteria.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by representatives of the Selection Committee.
- Travel and accommodation costs for selected participants will be covered by the programme.