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United World Leaders
The work

From dialogue to action.

The programmes through which United World Leaders works: a preventive diplomacy initiative, a policy institute, a programme for leaders under 30, forums for universities, and prizes.

I

Global Preventive Diplomacy & Peace Initiative

Preventing conflict before it begins.

Some of the greatest human, economic and geopolitical costs arise when tensions are allowed to develop into crises, and crises into conflict. Once a crisis escalates, the options available to governments and international institutions become more limited, more expensive and more difficult.

Preventive diplomacy often requires something formal channels cannot always provide: a credible, independent and nonpartisan environment where parties can engage beyond political constraints and established negotiating structures. An initiative led by one government may be viewed through the lens of that government’s interests. United World Leaders can provide neutral institutional territory.

The Initiative is designed to complement, not replace, governments, the United Nations, regional organizations and diplomatic institutions. No single government, bloc, organization or participant should control it or be able to prevent constructive engagement among others.

The Initiative in full

Potential areas of engagement
  • Early dialogue on emerging tensions
  • Track II diplomacy and confidence-building
  • Mediation and facilitated dialogue
  • Economic, trade and technology disputes
  • Intercultural and interfaith dialogue
The Chairman · Guangzhou, 30 November 2025

China and the United States

At the 2025 Understanding China World Leadership Conference, the Chairman, Dr. Steven V. Melnik, gave a keynote on developing better cooperation between China and the United States.

II

United World Leaders Policy Institute

Turning ideas into impact.

A global, action-oriented think tank established to develop practical solutions that contribute to peace, prosperity and positive impact. It brings together representatives of governments, academic institutions, international organizations, business, nonprofits, foundations, think tanks and civil society, and is to serve as a platform connecting the work of think tanks, research centres and universities around the world.

To develop innovative, practical and impactful policy solutions that advance socioeconomic prosperity, peace, human dignity, sustainability, opportunity and human well-being throughout the world.

The Institute’s mission, as published.

Selected areas of focus
  • International cooperation and diplomacy
  • Peacebuilding and conflict prevention
  • Trade and investment
  • Artificial intelligence and digital governance
  • Health, energy and climate
  • Youth leadership and development
Apply to the Institute on unitedworldleaders.org
III

Young United World Leaders

Preparing the next generation of leaders through mentorship, projects of their own and engagement with global leaders.

For leaders under 30

Those who have governed, with those who will.

Webinars with former Heads of State, projects led by Young Leaders, and the Young World Leader Awards, presented during United World Leaders Summits.

Young UWL
IV

United World Leaders Forums

Leaders on campus.

For students

Direct access

Former heads of state, executives of family offices and investment funds, and leaders of multinational corporations and nonprofits, brought to campus for dialogue with students and faculty.

For institutions

Visibility and partnership

Events that raise a university’s visibility and open collaborations with leaders from government, industry and the nonprofit sector.

For careers

Employers and opportunity

Career centres can use Forum events to build relationships with employers, opening the way to internships and placements.

V

United World Leaders Prizes

Prizes to recognise achievements that advance socioeconomic prosperity and peace, in ten fields. Recipients are to be chosen by independent expert committees; donors, sponsors, host cities and governments have no say in the choice.

Peace · Physics · Chemistry · Medicine and Health · Literature · Economic Sciences · Technology and Innovation · Education · Environment and Sustainability · Humanitarian Achievement

From the Institution’s Prizes document of October 2026. Enquiries: opportunities@unitedworldleaders.org.