The Global Change Summit 2026 (GCS 2026) is the third edition of OGPD's flagship international forum, bringing together global leaders, innovators, policymakers, academics and emerging changemakers in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from 25 to 28 September 2026. The summit is a collaborative platform to exchange ideas, foster partnerships and shape solutions for today's most pressing global challenges.
Please note: this opportunity is not part of the Erasmus+ programme.
About the Summit
🌍 Following its previous editions in Casablanca (2024) and Istanbul (2025), GCS 2026 continues its mission of meaningful global dialogue and measurable impact. Hosted in Amsterdam, it convenes professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, civil society representatives and students under one roof, aiming to turn conversations into collaboration, ideas into initiatives and networking into long-term partnerships through high-level panels, interactive sessions and keynote addresses
Goals & Objectives
🤝 Promote cross-sector collaboration between governments, private sector, academics and civil society
🧭 Strengthen global leadership with insights, perspectives and networks
🏛️ Foster policy dialogue on governance, development and international cooperation
💡 Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship that drive economic and social transformation
🌱 Advance sustainable development aligned with global priorities
🌐 Build long-term global networks beyond the summit
Key Topics & Sessions
🧠 Leadership in a rapidly changing world (adaptive leadership, ethical decision-making, resilience)
🌡️ Sustainable development and climate innovation
🤖 Digital transformation and emerging technologies
🌍 Global cooperation and policy dialogue
Who Can Apply
🔞 Aged 17 to 40 at the time of the summit
💡 Interested in leadership, global affairs, innovation or public policy
👥 Open to students, professionals, entrepreneurs, activists and individuals from all fields and all nationalities
🇬🇧 Able to communicate in English and committed to attending the full summit
Registration Categories
ℹ️ Note: this is not an Erasmus+ opportunity, and most categories are paid. Read each carefully before applying:
🏆 Fully Funded ($15.9): visa invitation letter, round-trip airfare, shared accommodation, meals during summit hours, access to all sessions and events, merchandise and a certificate (highly competitive, with an evaluation process)
🎫 Forum Access Pass ($499 → $399): visa invitation letter, meals, merchandise, access to all sessions and events, and a certificate (guaranteed participation, no competitive process)
🏨 Self-Funded ($899 → $699): visa invitation letter, shared accommodation, meals, access to all sessions and events, merchandise and a certificate
✉️ Invitation Only ($249 → $99): visa invitation letter, option to upgrade anytime, with the amount fully credited toward other categories (Self-Funded or Forum Access)
Previous Editions
🌍 GCS 2024 in Casablanca, Morocco, brought together an international delegation for four days of dialogue, leadership sessions and cross-cultural engagement
🌐 GCS 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey, expanded participation with learning labs, strategic networking and cross-border partnerships
The Details
📍 Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
🗓️ Dates: 25 to 28 September 2026
👥 For: changemakers aged 17 to 40 from all nationalities and fields
💶 Cost: varies by category (a competitive Fully Funded option at $15.9, plus paid passes from $99 to $699)
🏛️ Organised by OGPD
⚠️ This summit is not part of, or funded by, the Erasmus+ programme.
How to Apply
📝 Apply online through the GCS 2026 website, selecting your registration category
Deadline
📅 10 July 2026
