7–10 May 2026 | Organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL)
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.
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
- Expert-led Workshops & Interactive Masterclasses
- Youth Diplomacy Sessions & Policy Dialogues
- Networking with global leaders, changemakers & institutions
- Country presentations, cultural exchange & collaborative activities
- Certificate of Participation from CGDL
- 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
This curated tour emphasizes how history shapes diplomacy, peacebuilding, and leadership today.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany
BERLIN, GERMANY
Berlin, Germany
BERLIN, GERMANY
BERLIN, GERMANY
BERLIN, GERMANY
Total Participation Seats: 200
CGDL is offering 200 seats for the Youth Development Forum 2026:
Fully Funded
Seats 30 (Competitive Selection)
Partially Funded
Seats 50 (Competitive Selection)
Forum Admission
Seats 40 (Guaranteed selection)
Self-Funded
Seats 80 (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.
$9.99
Fully Funded Category
Participants selected under the Fully Funded category receive a complete scholarship package that covers:
- Round-trip airfare to Berlin, Germany
- Shared accommodation in a premium 4-star hotel (3 nights, 4 days)
- Daily meals & breakfast
- Local transportation throughout the program
- 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
$9.99
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
- Meals & breakfast throughout the forum
- Local transportation in Berlin
- 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
- Accommodation
Guaranteed Categories (Confirmed Seats)
These categories offer guaranteed participation with no competitive selection. Applicants secure their seat upon completing their registration.
$9.99
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
- Meals & breakfast
- Local transportation during the event
- 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
$9.99
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
- Shared accommodation in a 4-star hotel (3 nights, 4 days)
- Meals & breakfast
- Local transportation for all program activities
- 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
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.
AI Governance & Digital Leadership
AI Governance & Digital Leadership
Exploring ethical artificial intelligence, digital rights, risks of misinformation, and opportunities for digital transformation.
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.
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
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
Who Should Apply?
- Guaranteed participation at the Youth Development Forum 2026
- Students (16–46)
- Young professionals
- Social entrepreneurs
- Policy enthusiasts
- Activists & human rights defenders
- Content creators & digital storytellers
- Youth workers & NGO leaders
The Youth Development Forum 2026 is ideal for:
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: