The Folke Bernadotte Academy has officially opened applications for the highly competitive 1325 Scholarship in Memory of Zaida Catalán 2026, offering a life-changing opportunity for young Palestinian peacebuilders dedicated to advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
Designed for early-career professionals passionate about gender equality, peacebuilding, and human rights, the 1325 Scholarship provides a one-year professional placement with MIFTAH in Ramallah. Scholars will also benefit from mentorship, professional development activities, networking opportunities, and financial support throughout the program.
Named in honor of Zaida Catalán, a respected peace and human rights advocate, the scholarship aims to empower local leaders working to promote women’s participation in peacebuilding and conflict prevention efforts across Palestine.
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About the 1325 Scholarship
The 1325 Scholarship is inspired by the landmark United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The resolution highlights the essential role women play in peace negotiations, conflict prevention, crisis response, and post-conflict recovery.
Through hands-on experience and structured capacity-building activities, the scholarship supports emerging Palestinian professionals committed to promoting women’s rights, democracy, and sustainable peace within their communities.
The program combines practical workplace experience with professional training, helping participants strengthen their leadership skills and expand their impact in civil society and peacebuilding initiatives.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants for the 1325 Scholarship will receive:
- A one-year professional placement with MIFTAH in Ramallah
- A basic living allowance during the program
- Tailored professional development and capacity-building activities
- Mentorship opportunities from experienced professionals
- Access to valuable networking opportunities
- Practical experience in peacebuilding, advocacy, and gender equality initiatives
The scholarship offers a strong platform for young leaders seeking to build long-term careers in civil society, women’s rights advocacy, and conflict resolution.
Host Organization: MIFTAH
MIFTAH is a leading Palestinian civil society organization focused on promoting democracy, accountability, human rights, and global dialogue.
The organization is widely recognized for its efforts in strengthening women’s political participation, advancing gender justice, and supporting democratic governance in Palestine. Through the 1325 Scholarship, scholars will gain direct exposure to meaningful advocacy and peacebuilding work.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 1325 Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be young peacebuilders in Palestine
- Have at least two years of relevant work experience within civil society organizations
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to:
- Women, Peace and Security
- Gender equality
- Peacebuilding initiatives
- Show interest in continuing local peacebuilding and gender advocacy work after completing the scholarship
Ideal Candidates
The scholarship is ideal for early-career professionals working in areas such as:
- Human rights
- Gender equality
- Peacebuilding
- Civil society advocacy
- Democracy and governance
Applicants with a clear passion for creating positive social change and strengthening women’s roles in peace processes are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 1325 Scholarship in Memory of Zaida Catalán 2026 is:
31 May 2026
Interested applicants should ensure they complete and submit their applications before the deadline.
For more details and application information, visit the official websites of Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) and MIFTAH.
Learn more and submit your application here.
Conclusion
The 1325 Scholarship 2026 presents an outstanding opportunity for young Palestinian peacebuilders to gain practical experience, professional mentorship, and leadership training in the fields of gender equality and peacebuilding. By supporting emerging leaders committed to the Women, Peace and Security agenda, the program continues the legacy of Zaida Catalán while helping build stronger and more inclusive communities in Palestine. For qualified candidates passionate about human rights and sustainable peace, this scholarship could be a major step toward creating lasting impact.
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