Shagufta Maqbool / Asian Nama
Srinagar, 04 Jun 2026 (AN): Young Kashmiri lawyer Umar Masoodi has been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Azm Global Leaders Fellowship (AGL) 2026, a prestigious international leadership programme that brings together promising young changemakers from across the world.
Masoodi was chosen from a pool of more than 2,000 applicants worldwide. Following a rigorous selection process, he secured a place among only 22 fellows selected globally, placing him in the top two percent of applicants.
The fellowship is designed to identify and develop emerging leaders who demonstrate strong potential in ethical leadership, social impact, and community engagement. Running from July 2026 to July 2028, the programme combines leadership training, mentorship, global collaboration, and practical learning experiences.
As part of the fellowship, participants will take part in monthly live sessions, weekly learning engagements, and international leadership summits. The first summit is scheduled to be held in Malaysia in July 2026.
The programme also offers extensive support, including international travel, accommodation, learning-related expenses, and a leadership stipend of USD 10,000 during the fellowship period.
The Azm Global Leaders Fellowship brings together young leaders from diverse countries and professional backgrounds who share a commitment to creating meaningful change in society. Through mentorship and global networking opportunities, fellows are expected to strengthen their leadership capacities and contribute to positive social transformation.
Masoodi has previously represented Kashmir in several national and international academic and leadership initiatives. He is an alumnus of the Lucerne Academy for Human Rights Implementation, Switzerland (2024), and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights, Norway (2025), among other programmes.
His selection for the fellowship is being viewed as a notable achievement for the region and highlights the growing presence of Kashmiri youth in global leadership and academic platforms (AN)
