Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 - Switzerland
The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 in Switzerland returns for its second edition—larger, more ambitious, and more globally representative than ever before. Organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL), YEF returns to Geneva following the successful 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 program 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 equips participants with the exposure, networks, and institutional insight needed to lead meaningful change locally and globally.
The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 returns to Geneva for its second edition, convening 250 young leaders for an immersive experience in global diplomacy and international cooperation. Organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL), the program includes policy dialogues, expert-led workshops, an institutional study visit to the United Nations Headquarters at the Palais des Nations, and dedicated briefing sessions with a guided visit to the World Trade Organization headquarters. Participants can apply through fully funded, partially funded, and guaranteed participation options, making the forum accessible to emerging leaders worldwide.
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Funded Seats Deadline
JULY 5, 2026
Event Location
Geneva, Switzerland
Event Date
September 03-06, 2026
Total Seats
250
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What Happened at the Previous Edition of YEF?
The first edition of Youth Empowerment Forum in 2025 convened 120 exceptional young leaders and changemakers from across the globe in Geneva, creating a vibrant 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. The first edition established YEF as a prestigious, impact-driven forum—uniting diverse voices, advancing global youth participation, and setting a new standard for meaningful international engagement.
Program Structure
YEF 2026 offers two complementary leadership pathways designed to provide delegates with practical exposure to global institutions and an understanding of how multilateral systems operate.
Global Governance & 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 high level institutional visit to the United Nation Headquarters in Geneva (Palais des Nations) to learn about UN working and its role in multilateralism
- 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 & International Cooperation Track
Global Institutions & 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. Participants will gain practical insight into how international organizations collaborate to address global challenges and support sustainable development.
This pathway includes:
This track offers delegates direct exposure to international cooperation through a dedicated study visit and briefing at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva. Participants will gain practical insight into how international organizations collaborate to address global challenges and support sustainable development.
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
- Guided tour and institutional briefing within the World Trade Organization
- Panel discussions on global trade and development
- Insights into humanitarian law and crisis response
- A guided tour of the ICRC headquarters and museum
- Dialogue on conflict resolution and humanitarian innovation
Delegates will gain a clearer understanding of how global institutions work together and how multilateral cooperation shapes opportunities and solutions worldwide.
Delegates will gain 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, ensuring its global relevance and impact. 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. Through this alignment, the forum strengthens youth involvement in global governance and encourages meaningful engagement with international institutions.
Faces of the yef
Who Should Apply?
Education & Professional Background
Open to applicants from all educational and professional fields. Students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and community leaders are encouraged to apply. Age bracket: 16-46
Countries & Nationalities
Applicants from all nationalities are welcome. Participation from the Global South is highly encouraged to ensure diverse global representation.
Passion & Interest
Applicants should have an interest in global change, youth empowerment, diplomacy, technology & innovation, peacebuilding, the United Nations, and humanitarian efforts.
Total 250 Seats
30 Fully Funded
40 Partially Funded
80 Forum Access
100 Self-Funded
30 Fully Funded
40 Partially Funded
80 Forum Access
100 Self-Funded
30 Fully Funded
40 Partially Funded
80 Forum Access
100 Self-Funded
30 Fully Funded
40 Partially Funded
80 Forum Access
100 Self-Funded
30 Fully Funded
40 Partially Funded
80 Forum Access
100 Self-Funded
Scholarship Opportunities
YEF 2026 offers 70 merit-based funded seats, selected through a competitive evaluation process.
Fully Funded Scholarship Includes
Administrative fee $16.99 USD applies.
- Round-trip international airfare support
- 4-star hotel accommodation in Geneva
- Daily breakfasts
- Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
- Full conference access
- Visa support documentation
- Airport transfers
- Institutional study visits to United Nations & World Trade Organization
- Premium event merchandise
- Global leadership certification
- Access to networking receptions
- Cultural exchange opportunities
- Free Geneva Public Transport Card
- A chance to win $1000 USD grant for project
Partially Funded Scholarship Includes
Administrative fee $16.99 USD applies.
- 4-star hotel accommodation in Geneva
- Daily breakfasts
- Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
- Full conference access
- Visa support documentation
- Airport transfers
- Institutional study visits to United Nations & World Trade Organization
- Premium event merchandise
- Global leadership certification
- Networking opportunities
- Free Geneva Public Transport Card
- A chance to win $1000 USD grant for project
*(Airfare not included.)
Single application form for the fully and partially funded categories.
Experience It Through Their Words
Funded delegates from our previous edition share how the forum transformed their global perspective.
Guaranteed Participation Categories
For applicants seeking confirmed participation, YEF 2026 offers two guaranteed admission options:
Forum Access
Registration fee $599 USD
- Full conference access
- Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
- Visa support documentation
- Guided visits to UN & World Trade Organization
- Global leadership certification
- Premium event merchandise
- Networking opportunities
- Access to networking receptions
- Cultural exchange opportunities
- Free Geneva Public Transport Card
- A chance to win $1000 USD grant for project
*(Airfare and accommodation not included.)
Self-Funded Seat
Registration fee $849 USD
- 4-star hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfasts
- Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
- Full conference access
- Visa support documentation
- Airport transfers
- Guided visits to UN & World Trade Organization
- Premium event merchandise
- Global leadership certification
- Access to networking receptions
- Free Geneva Public Transport Card
- A chance to win $1000 USD grant for project
*(Airfare not included.)
Visa Invitation Letter
Registration fee $99 USD
- Official Visa Invitation Letter
- Visa Documents Checklist
- Confirmation of Event Participation
- Embassy Coordination Assistance
- Applicants can upgrade later, with visa costs fully adjusted.
UN SDGs Action Grant – $1000 USD
As part of our commitment to real-world change, YEF 2026 will award a $1,000 USD Impact Grant to support a delegate-led initiative.
The selected project may focus on any of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and must demonstrate measurable community impact.
This initiative transforms dialogue into action—ensuring that ideas developed in Geneva create tangible change worldwide.
Meet the Winners of Previous Grants
Ruby Riethmuller (Australia) was recognized for her youth mental health initiative Womn-Kind, while Rahul Ramapanchia received the grant for Street Smartz, tackling child protection challenges in South Africa.
Selection Process & Criteria
Scholarship selections follow a transparent, rubric-based evaluation model, assessing
Motivation and clarity of purpose
Demonstrated community impact
Leadership potential
Alignment with global priorities
Geographic diversity
Professional and academic background
CGDL ensures representation from diverse regions and sectors to foster meaningful cross-cultural dialogue.
Why YEF 2026 Matters
Global Governance Hub
- Direct exposure to international institutions
- Elite global networking
- Credible international certification
- Cross-border collaboration opportunities
- Visibility in a prestigious multilateral environment
Global Policy Careers
- International diplomacy
- Multilateral organizations
- Public policy
- Global NGOs
- Social entrepreneurship
What You Will Gain
- Understanding of global diplomacy and humanitarian systems
- Exposure to multilateral decision-making
- Global networking opportunities
- Cross-border collaboration
- Enhanced leadership credibility
- Opportunity for project funding
Frequently Asked questions
The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 is a global leadership conference organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL) in Geneva, Switzerland. The forum brings together 250 young leaders, students, professionals, and changemakers from around the world for discussions on diplomacy, global governance, humanitarian action, and social development.
The Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 will take place from September 03-06, 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, one of the world’s leading centers for international diplomacy and humanitarian cooperation.
The forum is open to individuals aged 16–46 from all professional and academic backgrounds, including:
- Students
- Young professionals
- NGO and civil society leaders
- Researchers and academics
- Media professionals
- Social entrepreneurs
- Public sector professionals
- Individuals passionate about global change
Applicants from all countries and disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Key highlights of the Youth Empowerment Forum include:
- High-level workshops and panel discussions
- Global networking with participants from diverse countries
- A guided visit to the United Nations Headquarters (Palais des Nations)
- A program component hosted at the World Trade Organization
- Engagement with experts from international organizations
- Cultural exchange and global collaboration opportunities
The forum offers 70 competitive scholarships, including:
- 30 Fully Funded Seats
- 40 Partially Funded Seats
These scholarships are awarded through a competitive selection process based on leadership potential, motivation, impact, and geographic diversity.
The Fully Funded Scholarship covers:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Geneva
- Daily breakfasts
- Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
- Full conference access
- Visa support documentation
- Airport transfers
- Guided visits to the UN and World Trade Organization
- Premium event merchandise
- Global leadership certification
- Networking opportunities with international participants
The Partially Funded Scholarship includes everything offered in the fully funded category except airfare, including:
- 4-star hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfasts
- Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
- Full conference access
- Visa support documentation
- Airport transfers
- Institutional visits to UN and World Trade Organization
- Premium event merchandise
- Global leadership certification
- Networking opportunities
The forum offers a $1,000 USD Impact Grant to support a delegate-led project aimed at creating meaningful community impact aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Delegates will have the opportunity to present innovative ideas that address local or global challenges.
Yes. Selected participants will receive official visa support documentation to assist with their visa application to Switzerland.
However, visa approval remains the sole decision of the relevant embassy or consulate.
Yes. Applicants who prefer guaranteed participation may apply under:
Forum Access
Includes:
- Full conference access
- Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
- Visa support documentation
- Institutional visits to UN and World Trade Organization
- Event merchandise and certification
(Accommodation and airfare not included.)
Self-Funded Seat
Includes:
- 4-star hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfasts
- Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
- Full conference access
- Visa support documentation
- Airport transfers
- Institutional visits
- Event merchandise and certification
(Airfare not included.)
Scholarship recipients are selected through a rubric-based evaluation process, which considers:
- Motivation and commitment
- Leadership potential
- Community impact
- Alignment with global development priorities
- Geographic diversity
This ensures a diverse and impactful group of delegates from around the world.
Yes. All delegates who successfully participate in the program will receive a Global Leadership Certificate issued by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL).
No. Prior international experience is not required. The forum welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate motivation, leadership potential, and a commitment to global impact.
Yes. Applicants applying for scholarship categories may be required to pay a small application processing fee, which supports the administrative review process.
Applications can be submitted through the official application portal available on the forum website.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the limited number of scholarship and participation seats available.
Participant Experiences & Reflections
In Their Own Words
Ruby Riethmuller
Founder and CEO of Womn-Kind
Karabo Mogatle
Post-Graduate Diploma in Monitoring
De'Ann Edwards
Policy Development, Public Affairs
Contact Information
- +1 (437) 324-1474
- info@thecgdl.org
- Hobbs Crescent L9T 0J1, Milton, Ontario, Canada