The Global Youth Festival 2026 is HISA’s flagship international youth leadership summit, taking place in Paris, France from October 15 to 18, 2026. It brings together over 500 delegates from 120+ countries for four days of workshops, keynotes, cultural exchange, and leadership programming.
HISA has built its global reputation across six years of transformative events in cities including Washington DC, Sydney, Milan, Brussels, Oxford, Cape Town, Bangkok, Istanbul, and beyond. GYF 2026 is the next chapter – and the most ambitious one yet.
Global Youth Festival Benefits
- Round Airfare Support (Included only in fully funded)
- Full Visa Fee Reimbursement
- Shared Accommodation – 3 nights in Paris (Oct 15–18)
- Daily Breakfast and Forum Meals
- Full Festival Access – all sessions, workshops, and ceremonies
- Official HISA Merchandise & Welcome Kit
- Youth Statement Speaking Opportunity at the main assembly
- Official HISA Certification
- Mentorship Access
Global Youth Festival Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be between 18 and 40 years old at the time of the event. Those outside this age range may still apply under paid categories.
- Open to all nationalities. Applications are especially encouraged from underrepresented regions, including South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands.
- A working proficiency in English (spoken and written) is required, as all program activities will be conducted in English.
- No specific academic or professional background is required. Applicants from all fields are welcome, including students, graduates, NGO workers, civil servants, entrepreneurs, artists, activists, researchers, and young professionals.
- Selected participants must be available for the full 4-day program (15–18 October 2026) and actively participate in all sessions, workshops, and activities.
How to Apply for Global Youth Festival?
- Submit an online application at headwayinstitute.org.
- Pay the application fees.
- Your application includes a motivation statement and a brief description of a project or initiative you have contributed to.
- Every application is reviewed after the programme deadline by the HISA Admissions Committee.
- Successful applicants receive an official acceptance letter by email, followed by visa support documentation, a welcome pack, and access to the GYF 2026 delegate community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Global Youth Festival 2026. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Global Youth Festival 2026?
The Global Youth Festival 2026 is HISA’s flagship international youth leadership summit, taking place in Paris, France from October 15 to 18, 2026. It brings together over 500 delegates from 120+ countries for four days of workshops, keynotes, cultural exchange, and leadership programming.
When and where does GYF 2026 take place?
GYF 2026 runs from October 15 to 18, 2026, in Paris, France. The venue will be confirmed and shared with registered delegates ahead of the event.
Who organises GYF 2026?
GYF 2026 is organised by HISA – the Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance – a global youth leadership and public policy organisation with operations in the USA, UAE, and Europe.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online at headwayinstitute.org. You will complete a motivation statement and briefly describe a project or initiative you have been involved in. One application considers you for all three scholarship categories.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. A non-refundable application fee applies to all scholarship categories. For paid participation categories, fees are refundable in line with HISA’s Refund Policy at headwayinstitute.org/refund-policy. Please review the policy before applying.
What is the age requirement?
Applicants must generally be between 18 and 40 at the time of the event. Exceptional candidates outside this range may be considered case by case.
Can I apply if I am not from Europe?
Absolutely. GYF 2026 is open to all nationalities. HISA actively encourages applications from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands. Visa support is provided to all accepted delegates.
How many scholarships are available?
HISA is offering 350 scholarships across three tiers: 100 Fully Funded Global Scholar awards, 100 Partially Funded Scholar awards and 150 Festival Pass Scholar awards.
What does the programme include?
Four days of keynote addresses, thematic workshops, youth statement sessions, leadership simulations, policy labs, mentorship roundtables, cultural exchange, a Paris city experience, and a closing ceremony with official HISA certification.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. All delegates who complete the full programme receive an official HISA certification, recognised globally within HISA’s network.
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