The Copenhagen Fellowship
Overview
The Copenhagen Fellowship offers you a rich, rewarding summer experience!
- Denmark
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- Bosnia & Herzegovina
- USA
- Poland
- Greenland
- Faroe Islands
- Ukraine
June 16 – July 2, 2026 | In-person Fellowship
In 2026, the Copenhagen Fellowship will explore how democracy and human rights can be defended and reimagined in a rapidly changing world, with the Nordic region and the Arctic as key spaces for geopolitical tensions, climate change, and shifting dynamics.
The 2026 Copenhagen Fellowship will empower a new generation to shape democracy and human rights in a rapidly changing world.
Facing the World as It Is: Nordic Responses to Global Upheaval
“We actively take on the world as it is, not wait around for a world we wish to be.”
— Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Davos 2026
The 2026 Copenhagen Fellowship invites students to engage with a world marked by democratic backsliding, climate change, growing inequality, and geopolitical tension. From a Nordic perspective, the Fellowship explores how small, interconnected societies can respond to global challenges with responsibility, solidarity, and action.
We will ask: What kind of world do we wish to be? What kind of world do we wish to build together?
With a special focus on the Arctic and the transatlantic relationship—and Greenland as a key case—participants will examine questions of democracy, human rights, self-determination, and security in a rapidly changing world. Through dialogue, learning, and exchange, the 2026 Copenhagen Fellowship will empower a new generation to face the world as it is and help shape the world they want to build.
During the fellowship you will develop your own Action Project, and transform knowledge into action centering on a theme you are passionate about. The Action Project is to be implemented in your community after the Fellowship experience.
What is the Humanity in Action Fellowship
2022 Copenhagen Fellows
Participation in the Fellowships is free of charge.
24 Fellows (students and recent graduates) from different countries will gather in Copenhagen for an intensive 2½ week educational program. Past Fellows have described it as a challenging and rewarding journey of personal and collective growth, meaningful connections, and collaboration across differences.
The daily program consists of guest lectures and workshops, site visits, group discussions, reflections, and community building. You will get the opportunity to learn from experts, alumni, activists, decision-makers, scholars, and your peers. The in-person program is a full-time commitment with some obligatory program on the weekends.
After the in-person program, you will develop and implement an independent Action Project. The Action Project is your entry ticket into the Humanity in Action network of about 3200 Senior Fellows from all over the world.
The Structure of the Program
- Official Kickoff | May 27, 2026 (virtual)
The Copenhagen Cohort meets for the first time for a virtual welcome and Kickoff program (1½ hrs). - Travel to Copenhagen | June 14 – 15, 2026
- The Copenhagen Fellowship | June 16 – July 2, 2026 (in-person in Copenhagen, Denmark)
24 Fellows will gather in Copenhagen for a daily full-time program, to learn from local experts, community members, and each other. There might be some obligatory programming on the weekends. - Homecoming Day & Mentor Network | September 24, 2026 (in-person in Copenhagen)
All 2026 Fellows in/close to Copenhagen are invited for a day of (re)connection and Action Project kickoff. Fellows will be paired up with a Senior Fellow mentor to guide them through their Action Project process. - Action Project Labs | September 2026 – March 2027
From September 2026 to March 2027, Fellows are invited to join our four Action Projects Labs in Copenhagen, where we will assist you – and you will assist and inspire each other – on your independent Action Project. Fellows living abroad are encouraged to join us virtually and reach out to their national Humanity in Action offices for assistance and sparring. See examples of previous Action Projects here and further down this page.
The Action Project
After the month in Copenhagen, Fellows run impactful Action Projects in their own communities.
Following their time in Copenhagen, Fellows work on their Action Project: an independent social justice venture in their own communities.
Action Projects are as diverse as Humanity in Action Fellows. Fellows apply their new knowledge and perspectives to the communities they impact—in whatever format they find meaningful.
Examples of past Action Projects include film documentaries, art shows, community events, and social awareness campaigns.
Action Projects by Copenhagen Fellows
The Humanity in Action community is a great resource for getting support — be it with contacts, experience or good advice. Let yourself be inspired by some of the Action Projects by our Senior Fellows.
Palestinian/Jewish Alliance
A project created in response to rising societal polarization in Denmark after October 7th, aiming to replace division with dialogue through workshops, storytelling, and therapy sessions.
Cultivating Justice: Exploring the Right to Life for Indigenous Peoples
Exploring ICCPR Article 6's role in protecting Indigenous Peoples from climate change impacts by bridging legal frameworks.
As the Wind Blows
This action project involved over 300 participants who crocheted with recycled materials, co-creating an artwork that connected diverse individuals, locations, and cultures while addressing mental health and climate change.
The Application Process
Please know that the application form does not allow saving draft responses and returning to it later. To make the application process easier, we have also prepared a PDF version with all the questions. Click here to download.
1. Application Requirements
a) Personal Statement (max 500 words)
b) An Action Project idea pitched in a 90 sec video
c) CV / Resume without a picture
d) Name and contact information of one reference
2. Admissions Process
a) Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 (midnight)
Remember to have all attachments ready before your start to fill it out. Please read all instructions in the beginning of the form carefully.
b) First Selection: Early March
All applications will be read carefully by a panel of Humanity in Action Senior Fellows. They select a pool of finalists for further review by the national Humanity in Action’s Selection Committee.
Sign up to notified about our 2026 Fellowships here.
c) Interviews: March 16 – 20 (between 10.00-15.00 CET)
Finalists will be interviewed by the national Selection Committee. All finalists will be interviewed virtually via Zoom with two or three other finalists. (Please mark these dates in your calender).
d) Final Selection: Late March
The final selections will be made. Finalists will receive an answer by early April.
3. Further questions?
Please review our FAQ section below carefully to find answers on eligibility, accomodation, finances and much more.
Inside the Cph Fellowship
Recent Fellowship Speakers
Every day, Copenhagen Fellows meet and discuss with established activists, artists, community members, and policymakers with diverse perspectives on climate change, human rights and social justice-issues.
More questions?
Find the answers to more questions in our FAQ's
News from our Senior Fellow Community
Niels Bak: Charting the Path to Transformative Change: From Advisory Power to Real Influence in Global Governance
The Declaration on Future Generations underscores the responsibility of today's generations to ensure the prosperity and security of future ones. It fosters a sustainable and equitable global community.
Cate Schultz: Revitalizing Global Solidarity and Governance Through Children's Rights - The Role of Play and Science
The fundamental child rights to both free play and scientific knowledge are not sufficiently recognized, emphasized in policy, nor a key focus of international dialogue.
"Aiming for Freedom" traveling exhibition
Senior Fellow K. Melchor Quick Hall's "Aiming for Freedom" traveling exhibition organizes a special "abolition installation" at Wellesley College's Jewett Art Gallery with art created with and inspired by prison abolitionist organizations.