Applications are now open for the Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.
This international forum will bring together 250 young leaders, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from around the world for four days of learning, networking, and leadership development.
The event is organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL) and will take place in Geneva, one of the world’s leading centers for diplomacy and international cooperation.
Participants will also visit the United Nations Headquarters and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Program Overview
Host Country: Switzerland
Location: Geneva
Organizer: Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL)
Program Type: International Youth Forum
Dates: 3–6 September 2026
Duration: 4 Days
Funding Categories: Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Forum Access, and Self-Funded
Application Deadline: 5 July 2026
Number of Seats
Total Participants: 250
Financial Benefits
Fully Funded Category
Application Fee: $16.99
Selected participants will receive:
✈️ Travel support (reimbursement of travel expenses)
🏨 Free accommodation
🍽️ Meals and breakfast
🚐 Airport transfers
🎟️ Full forum access
📄 Invitation letter
🚋 Free Geneva Transport Card
🏛️ Visit to the United Nations Headquarters
🌍 Visit to the World Trade Organization Headquarters
🏆 Global UN SDGs Leadership Certificate
🎁 Premium training kit and event merchandise
UN SDGs Action Grant
In addition to the scholarship opportunities, YEF 2026 will award:
💰 $1,000 UN SDGs Action Grant
The grant will support a delegate-led project focused on positive social impact and sustainable development.
About the Youth Empowerment Forum
The forum is designed to help young people understand how international organizations work and how global policies are developed.
Participants will gain practical knowledge about diplomacy, leadership, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
The program combines workshops, policy discussions, institutional visits, and networking activities.
Leadership Tracks
1. Global Governance and Diplomatic Leadership Track
Participants will take part in:
2. Global Institutions and International Cooperation Track
Participants will:
Eligibility Criteria
The forum is open to applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds.
Eligible applicants include:
Applicants must:
Applicants from developing countries and the Global South are highly encouraged to apply.
Why Apply?
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Application Fee
Applicants applying for scholarship categories are required to pay a small application processing fee of $16.99.
The fee supports the review and selection process.
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
Step 1
Visit the official application website.
Step 2
Choose your participation category.
Step 3
Complete the online application form.
Step 4
Pay the application processing fee if applying for a funded category.
Step 5
Submit your application before 5 July 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 in Switzerland is an excellent opportunity for young people who want to learn about diplomacy, leadership, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
With fully funded seats, visits to major international institutions, leadership training, and participants from around the world, the forum offers a unique platform to develop skills, build networks, and contribute to global change.
If you are passionate about leadership and creating positive impact, this is a program worth applying for.
