Youth Development Forum 2026
Berlin, Germany
The Youth Development Forum 2026 is a global gathering of emerging leaders, young professionals, students, and change-makers from more than 150 countries, taking place in Berlin, Germany, from 7–10 May 2026. Organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL), this four-day international conference is designed to uplift the next generation of youth advocates, innovators, policymakers, and peacebuilders.
Time To Application Deadline
Event Location
Berlin, Germany
Event Dates
May 7-10, 2026
Total Seats
200
Youth Development Forum 2026
Across four transformative days in Berlin, the forum brings together young leaders, global experts, diplomats, entrepreneurs, content creators, and policy innovators to engage in hands-on learning, discussions, networking, and cultural immersion.
With a strong emphasis on youth diplomacy, leadership development, sustainable development, emerging technologies, and 21st-century skills, the forum equips participants with the tools they need to drive meaningful change in their communities and careers.
Aligned with Europe’s Youth Vision &
Global Priorities
The Youth Development Forum 2026 is shaped around the core objectives of leading European and international youth frameworks, including:
EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027
Encouraging youth participation, social inclusion, green leadership, and digital transformation.
EU Digital Decade & AI governance goals
Empowering young people in emerging technologies.
Council of Europe’s Youth Sector Priorities
Strengthening democratic participation, human rights education, and intercultural dialogue.
Forum Highlights
This curated tour emphasizes how history shapes diplomacy, peacebuilding, and leadership today.
Expert-led Workshops & Interactive Masterclasses
Youth Diplomacy Sessions & Policy Dialogues
Networking with global leaders, changemakers & institutions
Country presentations, cultural exchange & collaborative activities
Visit to the Federal Parliament of Germany (The Bundestag)
Guided City Tour of Berlin, highlighting:
World War history
Diplomatic evolution in Europe
Lessons for future generations
The city’s transformation into a hub of innovation, democracy & culture
Total Participation Seats: 200
CGDL is offering 200 seats for the Youth Development Forum 2026:
Fully Funded
30 Seats
Competitive Selection
Partially Funded
50 Seats
Competitive Selection
Forum Admission
40 Seats
Guaranteed Selection
Self Funded
80 Seats
Guaranteed Selection
Scholarship Categories
(Competitive Selection)
These are funded categories offered to outstanding applicants based on merit, motivation, and global representation. The Fully Funded and Partially Funded categories share one unified application form.
$16.99
Fully Funded Category
Participants selected under the Fully Funded category receive a complete scholarship package that covers:
- Round-trip airfare to Berlin, Germany
- Accommodation in a premium 4-star hotel (3 nights, 4 days)
- Daily meals & breakfast
- Full access to all conference sessions, workshops, and activities
- Certificate of Participation issued by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL)
- Delegate kit including conference materials
- Guided city tour of Berlin, covering historical sites, diplomacy landmarks, and lessons from global conflict & peacebuilding
- Comprehensive visa support, including visa support letter
- Participation in cultural exchange sessions and networking events
- Opportunity to engage with global speakers, experts, and youth leaders
$16.99
Partially Funded Category
Participants selected for the Partially Funded category receive significant subsidization and will be provided:
- Full access to all conference sessions, workshops, and activities
- Accommodation in a premium 4-star hotel (3 nights, 4 days)
- Meals & breakfast throughout the forum
- Certificate of Participation from CGDL
- Delegate kit including conference materials
- Guided city tour of Berlin focusing on history, diplomacy, and global youth leadership
- Comprehensive visa support, including an official visa support letter
- Participation in cultural & networking activities
- Airfare
Guaranteed Categories
(Confirmed Seats)
These categories offer guaranteed participation with no competitive selection. Applicants secure their seat upon completing their registration.
$499.00
Forum Admission Category
Forum Admission is ideal for participants seeking guaranteed entry without accommodation support. It includes:
- Guaranteed participation at the Youth Development Forum 2026
- Access to all conference sessions & workshops
- Certificate of Participation from CGDL
- Delegate kit & conference materials
- Guided city tour of Berlin (historical + diplomatic insights)
- Comprehensive visa support, including visa support letter
- Airfare
- Accommodation
$799.0
Self-Funded Category
The Self-Funded category is an upgraded guaranteed option designed for those who prefer a package that includes accommodation. It includes:
- Guaranteed participation with priority confirmation
- Accommodation in a premium 4-star hotel (3 nights, 4 days)
- Meals & breakfast
- Access to all conference sessions & workshops
- Certificate of Participation from CGDL
- Delegate kit & materials
- Guided city tour of Berlin
- Comprehensive visa support, including visa support letter
- Airfare
Visa Invitation Letter
Applicants who want to apply early for their visa can request a Visa Invitation Letter Package from CGDL.
$99.00
- Official Visa Invitation Letter
- Visa Documents Checklist
- Confirmation of Event Participation
- Embassy Coordination Assistance
This option is available to all categories of applicants.
Applicants can later upgrade to either forum admission or self funded and the cost of their visa package will be fully adjusted towards the upgrade.
Key Themes of YDF 2026
The sessions, workshops, and dialogues revolve around cross-cutting global themes, ensuring multidimensional capacity-building for young leaders:
Climate Action & Sustainability
Climate Action & Sustainability
Understanding climate diplomacy, green innovation, and youth-led environmental solutions.
Peacebuilding, Diplomacy & Global Cooperation
Peacebuilding, Diplomacy & Global Cooperation
Engaging with international relations, conflict prevention, and diplomacy in the European and global context.
Human Rights & Democratic Engagement
Human Rights & Democratic Engagement
Strengthening youth roles in defending rights, promoting accountability, and safeguarding civic space.
Media, Storytelling & Content Creation
Media, Storytelling & Content Creation
Building influence through responsible media, youth narratives, and digital content creation for advocacy.
AI Governance & Digital Leadership
AI Governance & Digital Leadership
Exploring ethical artificial intelligence, digital rights, risks of misinformation, and opportunities for digital transformation.
Leadership, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Leadership, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Developing practical leadership skills and exploring innovative solutions for the challenges of the future.
Why Berlin?
Berlin stands as one of the world’s most vibrant capitals of innovation, diplomacy, youth culture, technology, creativity, and global cooperation. As a city that transformed its historical legacy into a symbol of peace and unity, Berlin offers the perfect setting for a youth-focused global forum.
Participants will experience:
- A multicultural global city
- A thriving startup and creative ecosystem
- Historic sites of diplomacy and world-changing events
- Modern institutions shaping Europe’s political and economic future
Selection Criteria
Applications for the Fully Funded and Partially Funded categories are evaluated through a rubric-based assessment model to ensure fairness and transparency. The selection team reviews each application based on:
Who Should Apply?
Age requirement: 16–46
The Youth Development Forum 2026 is ideal for:
- Students
- Young professionals
- Social entrepreneurs
- Policy enthusiasts
- Activists & human rights defenders
- Content creators & digital storytellers
- Youth workers & NGO leaders
- Innovators passionate about global change
No prior experience is needed—only motivation and commitment to growth
Frequently Asked Questions
The Youth Development Forum 2026 is an international leadership and diplomacy program organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL). It brings together young leaders, students, and professionals from around the world for four days of learning, networking, and dialogue in Berlin, Germany, from 7–10 May 2026.
Deadline for the funded categories is March 10, 2026. Don't wait till the last day to apply.
There are 200 total seats, distributed as follows:
- 30 Fully Funded (scholarship-based, competitive)
- 50 Partially Funded (scholarship-based, competitive)
- 40 Forum Admission (guaranteed seats)
- 80 Self-Funded (guaranteed seats)
- Funded Categories (Fully & Partially Funded): Competitive, selected through a rubric-based evaluation.
- Guaranteed Categories (Forum Admission & Self-Funded): Confirmed participation upon successful registration and payment; no competitive evaluation.
No. You do not need IELTS, TOEFL, or any other language test to apply for any category.
No. There is no preference for any particular degree, discipline, or academic background. Applicants from all fields are welcome.
The forum is open to applicants aged 16 to 46 from all countries.
The Fully Funded category typically includes:
- Round-trip airfare to Berlin
- Shared accommodation in a 4-star hotel
- Meals & breakfast
- Local transportation for program activities
- Full conference access (sessions, workshops, activities)
- Certificate of Participation from CGDL
- Delegate kit & conference materials
- Guided city tour of Berlin (history, diplomacy, and leadership lessons)
- Comprehensive visa support, including visa support letter
The Partially Funded category includes:
- Full access to all conference sessions & workshops
- Meals & breakfast
- Local transportation during the forum
- Certificate of Participation
- Delegate kit & materials
- Guided city tour of Berlin
- Comprehensive visa support, including visa support letter
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Accommodation
The Forum Admission category (guaranteed seat) includes:
- Guaranteed participation at Youth Development Forum 2026
- Access to all conference sessions & workshops
- Meals & breakfast
- Local transportation during the forum
- Certificate of Participation
- Delegate kit & materials
- Guided city tour of Berlin
- Visa support letter & basic visa guidance
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Accommodation
The Self-Funded category (guaranteed seat with accommodation) includes:
- Guaranteed participation
- Shared accommodation in a 4-star hotel
- Meals & breakfast
- Local transportation
- Access to all conference sessions & workshops
- Certificate of Participation
- Delegate kit & materials
- Guided city tour of Berlin
- Visa support letter & visa support
Not Included:
- Airfare
Selections are made using a rubric-based evaluation model that considers:
- Motivation and clarity of purpose
- Leadership potential and community engagement
- Relevance to the forum’s themes
- Global awareness and commitment to learning
There is no language test requirement and no degree preference in the selection.
You may first apply for the funded categories. If you are not selected, you can later choose a Forum Admission or Self-Funded seat (subject to availability).
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. If you need a visa for Germany, CGDL will provide:
- An official visa support letter
- Basic visa guidance and documentation
However, visa approval is at the discretion of the respective embassy/consulate.
For applicants who wish to start their visa process early, CGDL offers an optional Visa Invitation Letter Package (99 USD), which includes:
- Official visa invitation letter
- Confirmation of intended participation
- Supporting documentation for your visa file
This does not guarantee selection or visa approval but can support your application.
Participants in the Fully Funded and Self-Funded categories will stay in a 4-star hotel in Berlin in shared rooms, arranged by CGDL.
The guided city tour will introduce delegates to:
- Key historical sites related to World War history
- Landmarks linked to diplomacy, peace, and reunification
- Contemporary Berlin as a hub of innovation, youth culture, and global dialogue
The tour is designed to connect history with modern leadership and diplomacy lessons for young people.
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