Global Thinkers Forum (GTF), a London-based non-profit, is accepting mentee applications for its 2027 Telemachus and Athena mentoring programmes. Both pair mentees with experienced, social-impact-focused leaders for an eight-month personalised mentoring cycle that supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Telemachus is for young people aged 18–29 from around the world.
- Athena is for women aged over 22, with no upper age limit.
There’s no nationality restriction, so Africans can apply. The deadline is 23 November 2026.
At a Glance
| Organiser | Global Thinkers Forum (London-based non-profit) |
| Programmes | Telemachus (ages 18–29) and Athena (women over 22) |
| Duration | 8 months (2027 cycle) |
| Open to | Applicants worldwide |
| Language | English |
| Deadline | 23 November 2026 |
About Global Thinkers Forum
GTF promotes values-based thinking and accountability in leadership. It was incubated at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School in 2011 and launched in 2012 in Amman, Jordan. Its mentors have strong track records in governance and public policy, business, entrepreneurship, media, innovation, technology and academia, and they come from 38 countries on five continents.
Benefits
- A personal mentor who volunteers their time and expertise
- An eight-month development plan built around your own goals and targets
- New skills, expertise and perspectives for your career and personal growth
- Membership of GTF’s global community of mentors and mentees
Opportunity Desk also reports a completion certificate and an optional three-month internship with GTF. These aren’t mentioned on GTF’s own website, so confirm them with GTF. GTF notes that the mentoring itself isn’t a qualification or degree.
Eligibility
- Telemachus: you’re aged 18–29.
- Athena: you’re a woman over 22, with no upper age limit.
- Priority goes to applicants with fluent English who have a bachelor’s degree or at least five years of relevant work experience.
- GTF looks for motivation, commitment and critical thinking.
How to Apply
- Decide which programme fits you: Telemachus or Athena.
- Write a motivational letter explaining what you want to achieve, your aspirations and why you want to be mentored.
- Apply through GTF’s online mentee application form, or email your application to [email protected] with “Mentee Application” and the programme name in the subject line.
- Submit before 23 November 2026.
Official GTF mentee application · Mentee guidelines
Tips
- Be specific about your goals. GTF’s mentees set their own objectives, so say exactly what you want to achieve in eight months, such as launching a project, moving into a new field or growing as a leader.
- Link your work to the SDGs. Show how your career or community work contributes to social impact.
- Show you’re coachable. GTF asks mentees to be open-minded, candid, punctual and open to feedback.
