🇨🇭 Youth Forum in Switzerland 🌍 Global Leadership and Diplomacy at the Youth Empowerment Forum 🕊️ (Funded scholarships available)

If you are a young changemaker who wants to step inside the world of global diplomacy, this forum brings 250 young leaders to Geneva, the heart of international cooperation, for four days of policy dialogue, institutional visits, and cross-cultural networking. The Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 promises exposure to the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, a global leadership certificate, and the chance to win a seed grant for your own community project. It is an ambitious opportunity, and as with any paid event, it is one to research carefully before you commit.

About the Forum

The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 in Switzerland returns for its second edition, described by the organisers as larger, more ambitious, and more globally representative than ever before. Organised by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL), YEF returns to Geneva following the 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 programme 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. Designed to bridge youth ambition with international systems, YEF 2026 aims to equip participants with the exposure, networks, and institutional insight needed to lead meaningful change locally and globally.

What Happened at the Previous Edition

The first edition of the Youth Empowerment Forum in 2025 convened 120 young leaders and changemakers from across the globe in Geneva, creating a platform for dialogue, diplomacy, and cross-cultural collaboration. Delegates engaged in high-level discussions, immersive institutional visits to the United Nations and CERN, and strategic networking within one of the world's leading diplomatic capitals. According to the organisers, the first edition established YEF as a prestigious, impact-driven forum, uniting diverse voices and advancing global youth participation.

Program Structure

YEF 2026 offers two complementary leadership pathways designed to give delegates practical exposure to global institutions and an understanding of how multilateral systems operate.

Global Governance and 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 guided study visit to the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva (Palais des Nations) to learn about the UN's role in multilateralism, organised through UN Visitor Services

📋 Interactive briefings on multilateral processes

Participants gain first-hand exposure to international diplomacy within one of the world's most important global decision-making hubs.

Global Institutions and 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. This pathway includes:

🌐 Panel discussions on global trade and development

📊 Briefings on how multilateral institutions operate

🏢 A study visit to the World Trade Organization headquarters

📝 An institutional briefing within the World Trade Organization

Delegates leave with a clearer understanding of how global institutions work together and how multilateral cooperation shapes opportunities and solutions worldwide.

Aligned with Global Youth Frameworks

YEF 2026 aligns with key international youth and development frameworks. It reflects the principles of UN initiatives on Youth, Peace & Security and supports the goals of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on inclusion, sustainability, and youth empowerment. It also connects with the priorities of the European Union Youth Strategy, promoting active participation, collaboration, and leadership among young people.

Who Can Apply

🎂 People between 16 and 46 years old

🌍 Students, graduates, young professionals, civil society members, media, NGO employees, think tank officials, and individuals passionate about global change worldwide

💡 Applicants from all educational and professional fields, including students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and community leaders

🌐 Applicants of all nationalities are welcome, with participation from the Global South highly encouraged to ensure diverse global representation

❤️ A genuine interest in global change, youth empowerment, diplomacy, technology and innovation, peacebuilding, the United Nations, and humanitarian efforts

What Participants Gain

Participants take part in workshops and discussions on global dialogue, leadership, policy advocacy, and collaborative learning. They also enjoy cultural exchange programmes, networking sessions, and the chance to win a $1,000 seed grant to support a youth-led social impact project in their community.

Scholarship Opportunities

YEF 2026 offers 70 merit-based funded seats, selected through a competitive, rubric-based evaluation process. An administrative fee of $16.99 USD applies to funded places.

The fully funded scholarship includes:

✈️ Round-trip international airfare support

🏨 4-star hotel accommodation in Geneva

🍳 Daily breakfasts, plus meals and coffee breaks during forum hours

🎟️ Full conference access

🛂 Visa support documentation and airport transfers

🇺🇳 Institutional study visits to the United Nations and World Trade Organization

🎖️ Premium event merchandise and a global leadership certification

🤝 Access to networking receptions and cultural exchange opportunities

🚌 A free Geneva public transport card

💰 A chance to win a $1,000 USD project grant

The partially funded scholarship includes the same benefits as above but does not include airfare. An administrative fee of $16.99 USD also applies.

Guaranteed Participation Categories

For applicants who want confirmed participation rather than a competitive scholarship, YEF 2026 offers paid options:

🎫 Forum Access, registration fee $499 USD: full conference access, meals and coffee breaks, visa support documentation, guided visits to the UN and WTO, global leadership certification, premium merchandise, networking opportunities and receptions, cultural exchange, and a chance to win the $1,000 grant. Airfare and accommodation are not included.

🏨 Self-Funded Seat, registration fee $799 USD: 4-star hotel accommodation, daily breakfasts, meals and coffee breaks, full conference access, visa support documentation, airport transfers, guided visits to the UN and WTO, premium merchandise, global leadership certification, networking receptions, a free Geneva transport card, and a chance to win the $1,000 grant. Airfare is not included.

📩 Visa Invitation Letter, registration fee $99 USD: an official visa invitation letter, visa documents checklist, confirmation of event participation, and embassy coordination assistance. Applicants can upgrade later, with visa costs fully adjusted.

Selection Process and Criteria

Scholarship selections follow a transparent, rubric-based evaluation model that assesses:

🎯 Motivation and clarity of purpose

🌱 Demonstrated community impact

🌟 Leadership potential

🌐 Alignment with global priorities

🗺️ Geographic diversity

🎓 Professional and academic background

CGDL states that it ensures representation from diverse regions and sectors to foster meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.

The Details

📍 Location: Mercure Hotel, Geneva, Switzerland

📆 Event dates: 3 to 6 September 2026

👥 Total seats: 250, including 70 merit-based funded seats

💶 Cost: Funded and partially funded scholarships available with a $16.99 USD administrative fee; paid participation tiers from $99 to $799 USD

How to Apply

Apply online through the official forum page before the deadline, and select the scholarship or participation option that suits you. Read all details, fees, and inclusions carefully before registering.