Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 in Switzerland returns for its second edition—larger, more ambitious, and more globally representative than ever before. Organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL), YEF returns to Geneva following the successful inaugural edition held in 2025. This year, the forum will convene 250 young leaders and changemakers for an immersive leadership experience at the heart of global diplomacy and humanitarian action. The program features structured policy dialogues, expert-led workshops, an institutional visit to the United Nations Headquarters at the Palais des Nations, and a dedicated study visit with briefing sessions at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva.
The Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL) is a Canadian public policy institute driving global change through dialogue, innovation, and leadership. It organizes prestigious international forums like YEF to bridge youth ambition with international systems, equipping participants with the exposure, networks, and institutional insight needed to lead meaningful change locally and globally.
Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 Benefits
- The Fully Funded Scholarship Covers:
- Round-trip airfare (The organization will reimburse your travel expenses)
- Free Accommodation
- Meals & Breakfast
- Airport transfers
- Full Conference Access
- Invitation Letter
- Free Geneva Transport Card to use all public transport for free
- Visit to UN Headquarters, & World Trade Organization headquarters.
- Global UN SDGs Leadership Certificate
- Premium Training Kit and Event Merchandise
- Fully funded seats are limited (around 30 seats) and highly competitive.
- UN SDGs Action Grant – $1000 USD
- YEF 2026 will award a $1,000 USD Impact Grant to support a delegate-led initiative.
Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- Education & Professional Background:
- Open to applicants from all educational and professional fields
- Students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and community leaders can apply
- Age limit: 16 – 46 years
- Countries & Nationalities:
- Open to all nationalities worldwide
- Applicants from the Global South are highly encouraged to apply
- Passion & Interest:
- Strong interest in global change & youth empowerment
- Interest in diplomacy and international relations
- Passion for technology & innovation
- Engagement in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts
- Interest in the United Nations and global development initiatives.
Number of Seats
- Total: 250
- Fully Funded: 30
- Partially Funded: 40
- Forum Access Only: 80
- Self-Funded: 100
Structure of the YEF 2026 Switzerland
YEF 2026 offers two complementary leadership pathways designed to provide delegates with practical exposure to global institutions and an understanding of how multilateral systems operate.
1) Global Governance & Diplomatic Leadership Track
Focused on diplomacy, global governance, and multilateral cooperation, this pathway includes:
- High-level workshops and policy simulations
- Expert-led panel discussions on international affairs
- Strategic dialogue sessions on global institutions
- A high-level institutional visit to the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva (Palais des Nations) to learn about the UN’s work and its role in multilateralism
- Interactive briefings on multilateral processes
2) Global Institutions & International Cooperation Track
This track offers delegates direct exposure to international cooperation through a dedicated study visit and briefing at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva. Participants will gain practical insight into how international organizations collaborate to address global challenges and support sustainable development.
Guaranteed Participation at the Youth Empowerment Forum 2026
If you require a guaranteed selection at the YEF Geneva without undergoing the selection process. Please sign up here and select the category ‘Self-Funded’. This is the easiest option. Note that it’s not a guarantee of the Visa.
Get an Invitation Letter to Support Your Visa (Officially Signed)
If you only need an invitation letter for your visa application, please obtain the letter from this link and select ‘Invitation Letter’. Get an Official Signed & Stamped Invitation Letter, Visa Documents Checklist, and support email to the Swiss Embassy.
How to Apply?
- Applications can be submitted through the official application portal available on the forum website
- Applicants applying for scholarship categories are required to pay a small application processing fee of 16.99 USD to support the administrative review process
- Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the limited number of scholarship and participation seats available
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Youth Empowerment Forum brings together young leaders from around the world to build leadership skills, share ideas, and engage in global discussions. It offers training, networking, and collaboration opportunities, helping participants create impact and contribute to sustainable development.
What is the Youth Empowerment Forum 2026?
The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 is a global leadership conference organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL) in Geneva, Switzerland. The forum brings together 250 young leaders, students, professionals, and changemakers from around the world for discussions on diplomacy, global governance, humanitarian action, and social development.
When and where will the forum take place?
The Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 will take place from September 03-06, 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, one of the world’s leading centers for international diplomacy and humanitarian cooperation.
Who can apply?
The forum is open to individuals aged 16–46 from all professional and academic backgrounds, including students, young professionals, NGO and civil society leaders, researchers, media professionals, social entrepreneurs, public sector professionals, and individuals passionate about global change. Applicants from all countries and disciplines are encouraged to apply.
What are the main program highlights?
Key highlights include high-level workshops and panel discussions, global networking, a guided visit to the United Nations Headquarters (Palais des Nations), a program component hosted at the World Trade Organization, engagement with experts from international organizations, and cultural exchange opportunities.
What scholarship opportunities are available?
The forum offers 70 competitive scholarships, including 30 Fully Funded Seats and 40 Partially Funded Seats. These scholarships are awarded through a competitive selection process based on leadership potential, motivation, impact, and geographic diversity.
What does the Fully Funded Scholarship include?
The Fully Funded Scholarship covers round-trip international airfare, accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Geneva, daily breakfasts, meals and coffee breaks during forum hours, full conference access, visa support documentation, airport transfers, guided visits to the UN and WTO, premium event merchandise, global leadership certification, and networking opportunities.
What does the Partially Funded Scholarship include?
The Partially Funded Scholarship includes everything offered in the fully funded category except airfare, including 4-star hotel accommodation, daily breakfasts, meals and coffee breaks, full conference access, visa support, airport transfers, institutional visits, premium merchandise, global certification, and networking.
What is the $1,000 Impact Grant?
The forum offers a $1,000 USD Impact Grant to support a delegate-led project aimed at creating meaningful community impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Delegates will have the opportunity to present innovative ideas that address local or global challenges.
Will the forum provide visa support?
Yes. Selected participants will receive official visa support documentation to assist with their visa application to Switzerland. However, visa approval remains the sole decision of the relevant embassy or consulate.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Scholarship recipients are selected through a rubric-based evaluation process, which considers motivation and commitment, leadership potential, community impact, alignment with global development priorities, and geographic diversity. This ensures a diverse and impactful group of delegates from around the world.
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