The Young Leaders Assembly 2027 takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 23 to 25 January 2027. It is an international leadership and diplomatic forum for young leaders, professionals, changemakers, entrepreneurs and peace advocates aged 16 to 50. Fully funded, partially funded and paid places exist, and applications close on 15 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the organiser's official pages and set out the places, the fees and the steps below.
Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Programme: Please Read First
⚠️ Different programme: the Young Leaders Assembly is organised by the Sustainable Development League. It is not an Erasmus+ project and not a European Solidarity Corps activity, so the usual no-fee rules of those programmes do not apply
💳 Fees apply: every application carries a non-refundable application fee, and the self-funded places are paid; all amounts are listed below
🔎 Check before you pay: read how we review listings in how Youth Works Hub checks opportunities and compare every fee with the organiser's own page before paying
What the Young Leaders Assembly 2027 Is
🏛️ Format: a dynamic international leadership and diplomatic forum
📍 Venue: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
🗓️ Dates: 23-25 January 2027
🎂 Age: between 16 and 50 years old
⏳ Application deadline: 15 December 2026 at 23:59 GMT
The Assembly brings together emerging leaders to engage with international relations, regional diplomacy, peace and security, artificial intelligence, economic transformation, climate action and the rise of a multipolar world. It aims to equip young participants with the knowledge, networks and skills to contribute to positive change at local, regional and global levels.
Who Can Attend?
Applications are open to young leaders, professionals, changemakers, entrepreneurs and peace advocates from around the world. The organiser also lists innovators, students and visionaries who are passionate about creating positive change in their communities and the world. Prior experience in sustainability is not required.
Four Themes on the Agenda
The Assembly runs four interactive tracks:
🧭 A New Middle East: diplomacy, normalization and the future of regional cooperation, looking at evolving regional partnerships and emerging opportunities for cooperation among states and societies
🤖 AI, Digital Power and the New Global Order: how artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cyber capabilities and emerging technologies change economic competition, national security, diplomacy and global power structures
🌴 Saudi Vision 2030 and the Future of Youth-Led Economic Transformation: the role of youth, entrepreneurship, innovation, tourism, technology and new industries in the regional economy
⚓ Red Sea Geopolitics: trade, security and regional connectivity, including the Red Sea as a corridor for international trade, energy and transportation
What You Can Do at the Assembly
The organiser lists ten ways to take part:
🗣️ Engage in international diplomatic discussions
🌐 Exchange perspectives with young leaders from different countries
📋 Participate in interactive policy and leadership sessions
📚 Explore contemporary international relations
🎭 Develop cross-cultural understanding
🔗 Build an international professional network
💡 Share ideas, projects and initiatives
🎤 Strengthen public speaking and diplomatic communication skills
🏙️ Experience Saudi Arabia's cultural and social environment
🧩 Collaborate on ideas addressing global challenges
Three Ways to Take Part and What They Cost
🥇 Fully Funded: apply with a £16.49 application fee; selection is made by an official panel of the selection committee
🥈 Partially Funded: selection is made by the same panel; the page lists the benefits but not a separate fee
💳 Direct Entrance (self-funded): £499
🎟️ Forum Access: £199
The £16.49 application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances and applies to all scholarship categories. It must be paid when you submit the form by debit or credit card through the Stripe payment gateway; if you do not have a card, you can use one belonging to a friend or family member.
What the Fully Funded Package Includes
✈️ Comprehensive travel coverage: airfare
🏨 Luxury accommodation
🍽️ All meals provided during the event, as outlined in the agenda
🛂 Visa support and assistance
🎫 Executive Assembly access
🎁 Official Assembly toolkit and merchandise
🎤 Opportunity to speak at the Assembly
📜 Certificate of participation and participation awards
✉️ Official invitation letter
🌱 Mentorship and internship career opportunities
🤝 Networking with international founders
🧳 Umrah privilege for Muslim delegates
🗺️ Cultural exploration of Saudi Arabia, cultural showcases and attendance at the celebration party
🔁 A chance to secure a fully funded spot at the next event
Partially funded participants receive accommodation, certificates, participation awards, meals as outlined in the agenda, a chance to secure a fully funded spot for the next event, event merchandise, access to cultural showcases, attendance at the celebration party and the opportunity to explore the host country. Airfare is not listed for this category.
What Direct Entrance and Forum Access Include
Direct Entrance (£499):
🏨 Luxury accommodation
🍽️ Meals during the event
🎫 Executive convention access
🎁 Assembly toolkit and merchandise
🎤 Speaking opportunity
📜 Certificate of participation
✉️ Invitation letter
🌱 Mentorship and internship career opportunities
🤝 Networking with international founders
🧳 Umrah privilege for Muslim delegates
🗺️ Cultural exploration of Saudi Arabia
The organiser's FAQ also lists a chance to secure a fully funded spot for the next event, cultural showcases and attendance at the celebration party for self-funded participants.
Forum Access (£199):
🎫 Executive Assembly access
🛂 Visa support and assistance
🎁 Assembly toolkit and merchandise
🎤 Speaking opportunity
📜 Certificate of participation
✉️ Invitation letter
🌱 Mentorship and internship career opportunities
🗺️ Cultural exploration of Saudi Arabia
How to Apply and How Selection Works
📝 Complete the online application form for your chosen category
💳 Pay the application fee when you submit the form
✅ Selected participants receive a confirmation email, are featured in social media announcements and receive additional event details
🔔 You are notified of your application status once the application portal closes; the organiser says the results date will be provided after the submission period closes
🔒 Review your details carefully, because no changes can be made after submission
Our guide on how to write a scholarship motivation letter can help if you want to prepare your answers. For other funded options, see the Scholarships category.
Travel and Passport
The organiser strongly recommends a valid passport. You can still apply by entering your National ID in the passport section, as long as you obtain your passport before the event date. The team also helps delegates plan their trip for a safe and seamless journey. Selected fully funded delegates must follow all event instructions and scholarship guidelines, because failure to comply may result in forfeiture of support and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Young Leaders Assembly 2027 fully funded?
Only the Fully Funded category is. It covers airfare, accommodation and meals, and you pay a £16.49 non-refundable application fee to apply. Partially funded, Direct Entrance (£499) and Forum Access (£199) places exist as well.
Is this an Erasmus+ or ESC project?
No. It is organised by the Sustainable Development League and is not part of Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps.
What is the age limit?
Participants must be between 16 and 50 years old.
Can I apply without a passport?
Yes. You can submit your National ID in the passport section, but you must obtain your passport before the event date.
Can I change my application after submitting it?
No. The organiser does not allow modifications or updates once an application has been submitted.
Can the application fee be refunded?
No. The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
How is the fee paid?
By debit or credit card through the Stripe payment gateway. If you do not have a card, you can use one from a friend or family member.
When will I know the result?
You are notified once the application portal closes. The results date will be provided after the submission period ends.
Deadline
⏳ 15 December 2026
Links
🌐 Fully Funded application form: https://sustainabledevelopmentleague.org/funded-application-yla-27/
📖 Young Leaders Assembly 2027 page: https://sustainabledevelopmentleague.org/young-leaders-assembly-27/
📧 Questions: info@sustainabledevelopmentleague.org
