Berlin, Germany · 7–10 May 2026 · Essential by Dorint Hotel
Youth Development Forum 2026 Event Highlights Report
The Youth Development Forum 2026 brought together emerging leaders, students, professionals, and changemakers from 70 countries across four days of structured dialogue, skills-building, cultural exchange, and global collaboration — centred on leadership, sustainability, and cross-cultural understanding.
70
Delegates
70
4
3
Workshops
Day
01
7 May2026
Day
02
8 May 2026
Landmarks visited
Berlin Experience & Cultural Immersion
The second day of the forum focused on cultural immersion and exploration of Berlin’s historical and political significance.
Delegates participated in a guided city tour across some of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks while engaging in informal networking and intercultural discussions.
Day
03
9 May 2026
Workshop sessions
Additional activities
Dialogue, Skills & Collaboration
The third day featured the main conference sessions, including workshops, panel discussions, youth statements, and cultural activities.
The day began with the featured moderated panel discussion:
Featured panel
"Global Minds in Conversation" — Leadership, collaboration & youth-driven solutions
The Moral Foundations of Politics: Why Virtue Still Matters
Festina Kurteshi
This session explored ethical leadership, political responsibility, and the role of moral values in governance and decision-making.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Mental Health Awareness & Resilience
Reham Shalaan
The workshop highlighted the importance of mental health awareness, emotional resilience, and youth well-being within global development frameworks.
Global Climate Change Action and Resilience
Kamogelo Thumankwe
Delegates discussed climate action strategies, environmental sustainability, and resilience-building approaches for future global challenges.
Day
04
10 May 2026
Departure & Continued Engagement
The final day provided space for reflection, informal networking, and concluding discussions. Delegates departed Berlin carrying strengthened international networks and shared commitments toward leadership and sustainable impact.
YDF 2026 · Outcomes
Forum Lasting Impact
The program encouraged participants to grow as leaders, build global connections, and drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Build cross-cultural understanding and global friendships
Strengthen leadership and communication skills
Increase awareness of global challenges and sustainable development goals
Develop confidence in public speaking and youth advocacy
Explore collaborative solutions for community impact
By bringing together delegates from different countries, cultures, and professional backgrounds, YDF 2026 fostered an environment of learning, dialogue, and continued international engagement beyond the forum itself.
The connections, knowledge, and experiences gained during the program are expected to contribute toward future youth-led initiatives, partnerships, and community-driven impact across the globe.
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 Event
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
Guaranteed Categories
(Confirmed Seats)
These categories offer guaranteed participation with no competitive selection. Applicants secure their seat upon completing their registration.
$799.99
$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
$999.99
$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.
$299.99
$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.
Official Results for Funded Seats
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
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
What is the Youth Development Forum 2026?
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.
Whats the deadline for the fully/partially funded seats applications?
Deadline for the funded categories is March 15, 2026. Don’t wait till the last day to apply.
How many total seats are available, and how are they distributed?
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)
What is the difference between funded and guaranteed categories?
- 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.
Do I need IELTS or any language test to apply?
No. You do not need IELTS, TOEFL, or any other language test to apply for any category.
Is there any preference for a specific degree or academic background?
No. There is no preference for any particular degree, discipline, or academic background. Applicants from all fields are welcome.
What is the age eligibility for this forum?
The forum is open to applicants aged 16 to 46 from all countries.
What is included in the Fully Funded category?
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
What is included in the Partially Funded category?
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
- Accommodation in a premium 4-star hotel (3 nights, 4 days)
Not Included:
- Airfare
What is included in the Forum Admission category?
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
What is included in the Self-Funded category?
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.
How are applicants selected for the Fully Funded and Partially Funded categories?
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.
Can I apply for funded and guaranteed categories at the same time?
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).
Do I need a visa to attend, and will you help with it?
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.
What is the Visa Invitation Letter Package (99 USD)?
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.
Where will participants stay in Berlin?
Participants in the Fully Funded and Self-Funded categories will stay in a 4-star hotel in Berlin in shared rooms, arranged by CGDL.
What does the Berlin city tour cover?
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.
Partnerships for Impact
Participant Experiences & Reflections
In Their Own Words
Ruby Riethmuller
Karabo Mogatle
De'Ann Edwards
Bridging Ideas Shaping Futures
Policies, Terms and Conditions
Contact Us
- +1 (437) 324-1474
- info@thecgdl.org
- Canada: Hobbs Crescent L9T 0J1, Milton, Ontario, Canada