Call for applicants: Interested in sharing your experiences as a refugee?
Call for applicants: Interested in sharing your experiences as a refugee?
UNHCR’s Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries is pleased to announce that the call for applicants for the Refugee Speakers Programme 2026 is now open. UNHCR is looking for aspiring public speakers in Sweden with a refugee background who are passionate about sharing their story and advocating for the refugee cause.
The Refugee Speakers Programme was first launched in 2022 and is an initiative run with the support of expert speaker coaches from TEDx organizations. The programme aims to give aspiring speakers with a refugee background the opportunity to strengthen their public speaking skills and share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
The programme will take place in the fall of 2026. Through the programme, participants will have the opportunity to take part in workshops on public speaking, trauma and storytelling, the global refugee situation, and UNHCR’s work, as well as receive one-to-one coaching in public speaking.
Who can apply?
Recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary or temporary protection above the age of 18 and residing in Sweden are welcome to apply. As spaces are limited, UNHCR will strive to ensure diversity among selected participants.
Working-level English and Swedish language skills are required, and applicants should feel comfortable speaking publicly in either English or Swedish.
- We are looking for participants who are willing to share their personal story and are interested in advocating for the refugee cause, locally or globally.
What does the programme include?
Individual coaching sessions with expert coaches. Sessions can be held virtually or in person, depending on logistics and agreement between coach and participant.
3–5 virtual workshops during fall 2026 (dates to be shared later).
A final event for all participants. Read about the 2025 final event here:
At the end of the programme, UNHCR will host an event where participants in the programme will share their stories. UNHCR may also facilitate other speaking opportunities to be agreed bilaterally according to interests, availability and opportunities.
At the end of the programme, UNHCR will host an event where participants will share their stories publicly. UNHCR may also facilitate additional speaking opportunities, to be agreed bilaterally based on participants’ interests, availability, and relevant opportunities.
We also encourage participants to explore potential speaking opportunities independently.
Past participants have spoken at various events, including the democracy festival Almedalen, the Gothenburg Book Fair and at schools, and have had their story published in Amelia, Aftonbladet, and Vi magazine. Former participants of the Refugee Speakers Programme are also featured on UNHCR’s “Invite a Refugee Speaker” webpage.
Learn more about the Refugee Speakers Programme and listen to their stories here (insert link: https://www.unhcr.org/nordic-and-baltic/refugee-speakers-programme-0)
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
What to highlight in your application:
What do you hope to gain from the programme?
What stories do you want to share?
Do you have any prior experience with public speaking or engaging in public discourse?
Are you willing to be coached?
What are three things about you that you would like us to know?
