The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed urban populations’ relationship with green and blue spaces. Demand for access to nature has increased throughout the world, creating new pressures on urban park systems and raising questions about equality of access, funding and management. 

The Emerging Urban Leaders program is an initiative from Salzburg Global Seminar and World Urban Parks to bring together future urban leaders who are looking to develop their ideas about urban parks as a critical component of quality cities of the future. The program will provide thought leadership in safe spaces for emerging urban leaders, help collectively advance critical urban parks work, and create and build connections with emerging urban leaders.

Applications are now OPEN.
Deadline: 17:00 (AEST), April 1, 2022

The Emerging Urban Leaders program addresses the growing demand for access to nature in urban spaces. Launched in 2021, this initiative creates a network that includes architects, urban planners, community organizers, policymakers and conservationists, who are matched with mentors to develop innovative solutions and quality cities of the future.

Program Application Criteria

To be eligible for the program. all applicants must:

• Be proficient in English, the working language for the program.
• Work in an urban environment.
• Have an idea or a vision for changing and improving their urban context.
• Want to become an active member of Emerging Urban Leaders program, and be prepared to commit time, energy, and resources to sustain this.
• Aim to create social change and strengthen the urban communities’ interaction with nature within their context.
• Demonstrate creativity in their approach to work, openness to innovation and risk-taking, action orientation, and entrepreneurial inclination.
• Have a cross-sectoral approach to work and/or demonstrate an interest in building cross-sectoral alliances/partnerships beyond their current sector.
• There are no age restrictions and applicants can come from any type of organization