Every year, since 2023, the UK and Italian Government hold an open competition to invite applications from young Italian and British professionals onto the programme. Young Leaders can come from all sectors, including positions in the civil service, the military, leading companies, politics, charitable organisations, start-ups or the arts. They are dedicated to encouraging closer relations between Britain and Italy by promoting an innovative vision of the future bilateral relationship.
If successful, the Young Leaders are asked to sign the Young Leaders Charter 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.
Read the Young Leaders Charter
Download the YLP pamphlet with more information on the programme
Discover more about the 2024 young leaders (bios)
Application process
How can I apply for the Young Leaders Programme?
To apply for the Programme, you must be a young professional under 40 years old (on the closing date for applications) who is a UK and/or Italian citizen. You must speak fluent English and demonstrate a commitment to build and shape UK-Italy bilateral relations.
To apply, please download and complete the application form and email it with a copy of your CV (doc or pdf format) and a heads and shoulders photo taken within the last year to: youngleadersprogramme@fcdo.gov.uk.
Applications for the Young Leaders Programme 2025 are open from 13 September 2024 until 20 October 2024 at 23.59 GMT. Applications will not be processed after the closing date. Successful applicants will be contacted directly.