YEF 2025
Event Venue
Mercure Geneva Airport Hotel
Event Dates
Sept 04 - 07, 2025
Delegates
120 International Delegates
Youth Empowerment Forum 2025
In alignment with the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027, which emphasizes youth engagement, empowerment, and cross-border connections, and the United Nations’ Youth2030 Strategy, which guides the UN system to empower young people to realize their full potential and stand up for their rights, the Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 (YEF 2025) was designed as a transformative platform to equip young changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Held from September 4–7, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, YEF 2025 brought together 120 delegates from more than 100 countries for an extraordinary blend of policy dialogue, capacity building, study visits, and cultural exchange. The Forum became a living embodiment of international collaboration, bridging global perspectives while amplifying the voices of youth in shaping the world’s future.
Day # 1
Orientation & Welcome Ceremony
(September 4, 2025)
The Forum began with the registration and distribution of official merchandise, where excitement and anticipation filled the air. Delegates immediately immersed themselves in networking activities, forming the first bonds of what would become an international community of changemakers.
To foster a sense of unity, participants engaged in interactive warm-up activities, learning about each other’s countries, cultures, and the diverse nationalities represented.
The day’s centerpiece was the keynote address by CGDL’s Executive Director, who outlined the Forum’s mission and encouraged delegates to view themselves not just as participants, but as future leaders and policy shapers.
The day concluded with a lavish buffet dinner, offering delegates the chance to continue their conversations in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Day # 2
Study Visits: United Nations & CERN
(September 5, 2025)
United Nations Headquarters, Geneva
Delegates spent the morning at the United Nations Headquarters, gaining a first-hand understanding of the UN’s role in global peace, human rights, and sustainable development. The guided visit included:
- A deep dive into the history and mission of the UN.
- Exploration of the Human Rights Council.
- Attendance at a live session on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, offering rare insight into critical debates shaping global security.
CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research
In the afternoon, delegates visited CERN, the world’s leading particle physics laboratory. Highlights of the guided experience included:
- Exploring the Science Gateway and its interactive exhibits.
- Learning about CERN’s historic breakthroughs and future innovations.
- Engaging in fun, hands-on science activities that made complex ideas accessible and inspiring.
This day offered participants a unique balance of policy exposure and scientific discovery, reminding them of the interconnectedness of governance, innovation, and global development.
Day # 3
Workshops, Panels & Youth Leadership
(September 6, 2025)
Day Three was the core of YEF 2025, filled with dialogue, learning, and leadership in action.
High-Level Panel Discussions
The day opened with a dynamic panel discussion exploring the Forum’s central themes:
- Good Governance & Policy Inclusion
- Human Rights & Social Justice
- Artificial Intelligence & Technological Innovation
- Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development
Experts, practitioners, and youth leaders came together to discuss challenges and opportunities, sparking meaningful conversations that set the tone for the day.
Workshops & Masterclasses
Workshop by Candies Kotchapaw (Canada):
Impact-Driven Leadership: Building Bridges and Meeting the Moment through Diplomacy. This interactive workshop empowered participants to reflect on leadership in times of uncertainty, emphasizing the role of diplomacy in advancing collective progress.
Policy Masterclass by A.H. Durrani
A hands-on, two-part session that demystified policymaking. Delegates first learned about how policies are formulated, implemented, and influenced. In the second part, they worked in groups to simulate real-world policy design, negotiation, and advocacy, giving them tangible tools to become active policy influencers in their own contexts.
Youth Delegate Statements
One of the most inspiring segments, the Youth Statements, gave the floor to delegates to share their personal journeys, struggles, and achievements. Their stories reflected resilience, creativity, and a common vision for an inclusive and sustainable future.
Grant Pitch Competition
The afternoon spotlight was the Grant Pitch Competition, where delegates presented innovative solutions to pressing global issues. Ruby Riethmuller from Australia, founder of Womn-Kind, was awarded the $1,000 Seed Grant for her pioneering project aimed at promoting mental health among young Australians. Her initiative focuses on combining education, awareness, and technology to provide accessible support for young people.
Cultural Performances & Graduation Ceremony
The evening concluded with vibrant cultural performances that celebrated the diversity of the Forum, followed by the graduation ceremony. Delegates received certificates of participation, and the event closed with a symbolic group photograph, capturing the unity and shared mission of the YEF 2025 community.
Day # 4
The final day was filled with goodbyes and reflections, as delegates checked out and departed Geneva. While the Forum ended, its impact lives on—delegates carried with them memories, friendships, and practical tools to continue driving change in their communities and beyond.
What YEF 2025 Achieved
The Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 was not just an event — it was a defining milestone for global youth leadership. Over four transformative days in Geneva, the Forum unlocked possibilities, built bridges, and set new standards for how young people engage with diplomacy, science, and policymaking. Its achievements include:
Gathering 120 international delegates in Geneva from more than 100 countries. With the majority coming from non-European regions, the Forum became one of the most globally diverse youth convenings, representing all continents and global regions.
Awarding a $1,000 Seed Grant to Ruby Riethmuller, Founder of Womn-Kind (Australia), for her groundbreaking project on youth mental health. This seed funding reinforced CGDL’s commitment to turning bold youth-led ideas into real-world solutions.
Providing direct access to the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, where delegates explored historic chambers, engaged with the Human Rights Council, and observed a live session on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems — offering a front-row view of international policymaking at work.
Immersing delegates in science and innovation at CERN, the world’s most advanced particle physics laboratory. Through the Science Gateway, participants connected with breakthroughs in science and experienced how innovation drives global progress.
Merging scientific discovery with diplomacy, creating a one-of-a-kind educational blend where governance, peace, and technology intersected — an approach rarely experienced in international youth forums.
Elevating youth voices through statements, workshops, and masterclasses, ensuring participants were not passive attendees but active creators of ideas, policies, and solutions.
Celebrating cultural diversity with performances, shared traditions, and cross-cultural dialogue that built lasting friendships and a truly global community.
Positioning Geneva as a global hub for youth empowerment, linking delegates with the city’s diplomatic, scientific, and cultural richness.
Affirming that young people are the architects of today’s solutions, equipped with the knowledge, networks, and confidence to lead change on local, regional, and global scales.
Producing eight youth-led global policy proposals: Delegates worked in groups of 12–15 to design practical recommendations on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These youth-centric policies stand as tangible contributions to the global policy landscape, offering fresh solutions and innovative perspectives for decision-makers worldwide.
Pioneering a new conference model, uniquely combining outdoor study visits with classroom-based workshops and masterclasses. This holistic structure elevated the learning experience beyond conventional conferences.
In Their Own Words
Ruby Riethmuller
Karabo Mogatle
De'Ann Edwards
Angelica J
One Goabaone Rathedi
Joseph Hamelo
JAMES F. FOSTER CONDE
Nikolay Barekov
Shrouk Mohamed
Haiqal Syahid Hussin
Philippe Renieblas
Nelly BERTHELOT
Silia Taider
Sabrina Fialho
Rafael Rodrigues
Mahmud Ahmed
Our Previous Events
Testimonials From Our Past Delegates
![Video 6 Thumbnail](https://thecgdl.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12-1.jpg")