The World Leaders Convention 2027 (WLC 2027) takes place from 3 to 6 February 2027 in Vienna, Austria, and brings together students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers and educators aged 17 to 40. It is the third edition of the convention, organized by the Organization for Global Policy & Dialogue (OGPD), and applications close on 29 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we read the official page and compared the participation categories and their prices.
Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Event, and What It Costs
WLC 2027 is a privately organized convention. It is not part of Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), and participation is paid unless you win a funded seat. The prices listed on the official page are:
💳 Fully Funded: $15.9 application fee, competitive and evaluated
🎫 Forum Access Pass: $399, shown as reduced from $499
🏨 Self Funded: $699, shown as reduced from $899
✉️ Invitation Only: $99, shown as reduced from $249, and fully credited toward the Self-Funded or Forum Access categories if you upgrade later
Event at a Glance
📍 Host city: Vienna, Austria
🗓️ Dates: 3-6 February 2027
🗣️ Working language: English
🏛️ Edition: third edition, after Madrid, Spain (2025) and Brussels, Belgium (2026)
⏳ Application deadline: 29 November 2026
About the Convention
Vienna is known for its legacy of diplomacy, international cooperation and cultural heritage. Through keynote addresses, interactive workshops, policy dialogues and international networking, participants exchange ideas, build partnerships, strengthen their leadership capacity and work on solutions to pressing global challenges.
🎯 Mission: to empower emerging leaders through leadership development, global dialogue, networking and practical learning that inspires meaningful action and lasting impact
🔭 Vision: to cultivate innovative and globally minded leaders who drive sustainable progress through collaboration, inclusive leadership and international cooperation
🌐 Impact: a global network of empowered leaders equipped to influence communities, shape policy and drive positive change across borders
Key Topics and Sessions
🧭 Leadership in a Changing World: the role of adaptive, ethical and visionary leadership in navigating uncertainty, technological disruption and complex global challenges
🏛️ Global Governance, Diplomacy and Policy Futures: international relations, diplomacy, governance and policymaking, and how collaborative leadership can advance peace, security and sustainable development
💻 Innovation, Technology and Sustainable Solutions: the impact of artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and entrepreneurship, and how responsible technology can address social, economic and environmental challenges
🚀 Youth Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Social Impact: how young leaders drive change through entrepreneurship, civic engagement and community initiatives
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🌍 All opportunities in Austria →
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Goals of the Convention
🌱 Develop future global leaders with leadership skills, strategic thinking, communication abilities and decision-making
🤝 Strengthen international collaboration by connecting young leaders to exchange ideas and build partnerships
📊 Promote evidence-based policy dialogue on policy, governance, diplomacy and sustainable development with experts and thought leaders
💡 Inspire innovation for social impact through entrepreneurship, emerging technologies and creative solutions
🎎 Foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship among leaders from diverse backgrounds
🔗 Build lifelong leadership networks through partnerships, mentorship and initiatives beyond the summit
Who Can Apply
🎂 Age between 17 and 40 at the time of the convention
📚 An interest in leadership, public policy, diplomacy, governance, innovation, entrepreneurship or sustainable development
🎓 Open to all academic and professional backgrounds
🔥 Enthusiasm for learning, personal growth and meaningful international dialogue
🧩 Willingness to collaborate, exchange ideas and contribute to cross-cultural discussions
🇬🇧 A good command of English, as all sessions are in English
📅 Commitment to take part for the full duration of the convention
Participants of all nationalities, cultures and professional sectors are welcome.
Participation Categories
Fully Funded ($15.9)
🛂 Visa invitation letter
✈️ Round-trip airfare included
🛏️ Shared accommodation
🍽️ Meals during summit hours
🎟️ Access to all sessions, workshops and events
🎙️ Impact stories and keynote speeches
👕 Program merchandise
📜 Certificate of participation
This category is highly competitive and involves an evaluation process.
Forum Access Pass ($399, reduced from $499)
🛂 Visa invitation letter
🍽️ Meals during summit hours
👕 Program merchandise
🎙️ Impact stories and keynote speeches
🎟️ Access to all sessions, workshops and events
📜 Certificate of participation
This pass secures guaranteed participation without the competitive process.
Self Funded ($699, reduced from $899)
🛂 Visa invitation letter
🛏️ Shared accommodation
🍽️ Meals during summit hours
📜 Certificate of participation
🎟️ Access to all sessions, workshops and events
🎙️ Impact stories and keynote speeches
👕 Program merchandise
This category is for participants who can cover their own expenses and includes accommodation support.
Invitation Only ($99, reduced from $249)
🛂 Visa invitation letter
⬆️ Option to upgrade at any time
💱 Amount fully credited toward other categories (Self-Funded or Forum Access)
Funded Seats and Selection
WLC 2027 offers 20 Fully Funded and 30 Partially Funded opportunities. You only need to apply once under the Fully Funded category to be considered for both during the evaluation process. Fully Funded and Partially Funded applications go through a competitive evaluation, with results announced after the application deadline. Self-Funded and Forum Access Pass applications are typically processed within 2-3 working days after a successful submission.
Good to Know
🚫 No IELTS, TOEFL or other English language certificate is required, but you should have a reasonable command of English
🛂 You can apply without a passport yet, but it helps to get one early to avoid delays with visa processing and travel if selected
Why This Event Is Worth a Look
The convention combines policy dialogue, leadership sessions and international networking in a city with a long diplomatic tradition. Compare the funded and paid categories before you apply, and browse similar events in the Others section on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is World Leaders Convention 2027?
It takes place from 3 to 6 February 2027 in Vienna, Austria.
Is World Leaders Convention 2027 part of Erasmus+ or ESC?
No. It is organized by OGPD and is not part of Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps.
How much does it cost to apply?
The Fully Funded application fee is $15.9. Paid categories cost $399 (Forum Access Pass), $699 (Self Funded) and $99 (Invitation Only), as listed on the official page.
How many funded seats are there?
There are 20 Fully Funded and 30 Partially Funded opportunities. One application under the Fully Funded category is enough to be considered for both.
Is an English test such as IELTS or TOEFL required?
No. No English certificate is required, but a reasonable command of English is expected.
Can I apply without a passport?
Yes, but obtaining one early helps avoid visa and travel delays if you are selected.
Deadline
⏳ 29 November 2026
Links
🔗 Official page and application: https://theogpd.org/wlc-2027/
📝 Fully Funded application: https://theogpd.org/product/fully-funded-wlc/
🎫 Forum Access Pass application: https://theogpd.org/product/forum-access-only-wlc/
🏨 Self Funded application: https://theogpd.org/product/self-funded-wlc/
