CGDL

Registration Deadline

25 June, 2025

Event Location

Geneva, Switzerland

Event Dates

Sept 04 - 07, 2025

Countdown to Deadline

Countdown Expired!

Leading the Conversation on Global Youth Empowerment

In alignment with the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027, which emphasizes youth engagement, empowerment, and cross-border connections, and the United Nations’ Youth2030 Strategy, aimed at guiding the UN system to empower young people to realize their full potential and stand up for their rights, the Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 is designed to equip young changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Join us in Geneva, the heart of international diplomacy, for an immersive 4-day event featuring interactive workshops, policy dialogues, and high-level panel discussions with global experts. A key highlight is our exclusive study trip to the United Nations Headquarters, where participants will witness diplomacy in action. Additionally, attendees will embark on a guided visit to CERN to explore cutting-edge exhibitions to understand groundbreaking scientific discoveries shaping the future of technology and innovation. The program will also include networking opportunities over traditional Swiss cuisine, offering a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Leading the Conversation on Global Youth Empowerment

In alignment with the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027, which emphasizes youth engagement, empowerment, and cross-border connections, and the United Nations’ Youth2030 Strategy, aimed at guiding the UN system to empower young people to realize their full potential and stand up for their rights, the Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 is designed to equip young changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Join us in Geneva, the heart of international diplomacy, for an immersive 4-day event featuring interactive workshops, policy dialogues, and high-level panel discussions with global experts. A key highlight is our exclusive study trip to the United Nations Headquarters, where participants will witness diplomacy in action. Additionally, attendees will embark on a guided visit to CERN to explore cutting-edge exhibitions to understand groundbreaking scientific discoveries shaping the future of technology and innovation. The program will also include networking opportunities over traditional Swiss cuisine, offering a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Forum Structure: What to Expect?

The Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 is designed as an interactive and engaging platform, featuring:

1.

Workshops

Hands-on sessions on leadership, policymaking, and global challenges.

2.

Panel Discussions

High-level conversations with diplomats, policymakers, and experts.

3.

Policy Dialogues

Interactive discussions on youth inclusion, sustainable development, and innovation.

4.

Study Trip to the United Nations HQ

Get up close to global diplomacy and multilateral decision-making.

5.

Visit to CERN

Explore the world’s leading physics lab, where the World Wide Web was invented, and visit its famous exhibitions on particle physics, and groundbreaking scientific innovations.

6.

Swiss Cultural Experience

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine while networking with international peers.

Forum Structure: What to Expect?

The Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 is designed as an interactive and engaging platform, featuring:

Workshops

Hands-on sessions on leadership, policymaking, and global challenges.

Panel Discussions

High-level conversations with diplomats, policymakers, and experts.

Policy Dialogues

Interactive discussions on youth inclusion, sustainable development, and innovation.

Study Trip to the United Nations HQ

Get up close to global diplomacy and multilateral decision-making.

Visit to CERN

Birthplace of the World Wide Web and epicenter of modern physics and scientific innovations.

Swiss Cultural Experience

Enjoy traditional Swiss cuisine while networking with international peers.

Kofi Annan

Youth Grant

The Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 offers a seed grant of up to
to support a promising social action project. Delegates will have the chance to pitch their ideas during the forum, and the most innovative, impactful, and feasible project will receive funding. One successful delegate will receive the grant.

The Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 offers a seed grant of up to $1000 to support a promising social action project. Delegates will have the chance to pitch their ideas during the forum, and the most innovative, impactful, and feasible project will receive funding. One successful delegate will receive the grant.

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Themes of the Forum

The Forum will explore critical global issues through:

Youth Leadership & Policy Influence

Enhancing youth participation in governance and policymaking.

Sustainability & Climate Action

Understanding the role of young leaders in tackling global environmental challenges.

Digital Innovation & Future Skills

Examining the impact of AI, digital governance, and tech-driven solutions.

Peacebuilding & Global Diplomacy

Engaging in dialogue on international cooperation, conflict resolution, and multilateralism.

Human Rights and Peacebuilding

Amplifying the voice of youth to achieve a just and peaceful world.
.

Global Governance

Overcoming challenges to improving governance
.

Themes of the Forum

The Forum will explore critical global issues through:

Youth Leadership & Policy Influence

Enhancing youth participation in governance and policymaking.

Sustainability & Climate Action

Understanding the role of young leaders in tackling global environmental challenges.

Digital Innovation & Future Skills

Examining the impact of AI, digital governance, and tech-driven solutions.

Peacebuilding & Global Diplomacy

Engaging in dialogue on international cooperation, conflict resolution, and multilateralism.

Human Rights and Peacebuilding

Amplifying the voice of youth to achieve a just and peaceful world.
.

Global Governance

Overcoming challenges to improving governance
.

Eligibility Criteria

Selection Criteria

YEF is Offering 150 Seats

40

Fully-Funded

30

Partially Funded

30

Forum Admission

50

Self-Funded

Fully FUNDED

Selection on Competitive Basis

$15.99

Forum Admission

Guaranteed Participation

$699

$499

Self-Funded

Guaranteed Participation

$1199

$999

Visa Invitation Letter

For Visa Support

$200

$120

Application Process

Applying for the Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 is simple and straight forward:

Step. 1

Complete the online application form by providing your personal and professional details, answering questions about your motivation, and sharing any relevant experience (if applicable).

Step. 2

After the application deadline, submissions will be reviewed by our expert evaluators. To ensure a fair process, applications will be assessed randomly to minimize selection bias. Evaluations will be based on motivation, willingness to learn, and leadership potential.

Step. 3

Successful applicants will receive an official confirmation via email, and the results will also be published on our website and social media.

Need Help? Check Our FAQs

1. Who can apply for YEF 2025?

YEF is open to individuals aged 16 to 46 from all nationalities, including students, graduates, young professionals, civil society members, NGO employees, and think tank officials.

2. What does the fully funded scholarship cover?

The fully funded category covers:
✅ Round-trip airfare
✅ Shared accommodation
✅ Full event access
✅ Study trips
✅ Meals during the event

✅ Geneva Transport Card
✅ Official merchandise

3. How can I apply for a fully funded spot?

To apply, submit your application through our online portal. A non-refundable $15.9 application fee applies. Selection is based on motivation, willingness to learn, and leadership potential.

4. Is prior volunteering or leadership experience required?

No, prior experience is not mandatory. Applicants with strong motivation and a desire to contribute are encouraged to apply.

5. What are the participation categories?
  • Fully Funded (Covers all expenses – competitive selection)
  • Forum Admission – $499 (Covers event access, meals, study trips and networking – guaranteed selection)
  • Self-Funded – $999 (Covers accommodation, meals, event access, study trips, and networking opportunities  – guaranteed selection)
  • Visa Invitation Letter – $120 (For applicants needing Schengen Visa support)
6. What does Partially Funded Seat includes?
  • Partially funded seat includes shared accommodation, meals, conference access, event kit, study trips, and networking opportunities. It doesn’t include air-ticket.

7. How do I apply?
  • The application process is simple:
    1️ Submit the online application (Personal/professional details, motivation, and experience)
    2️ Review process (Applications are reviewed randomly to reduce bias)
    3️ Selection announcement (Successful applicants will be notified via email and website)

8. Can I attend if I don’t receive a fully funded spot?
  • Yes! You can secure your participation through the Forum Admission ($499) or Self-Funded ($999) categories.

9. Is there a deadline for applications?
  • Yes, the application deadline is June 30, 2025. Early applications are encouraged.

10. Will I receive an official certificate?
  • Yes, all participants will receive an International Certificate of Participation.

11. What is the Kofi Annan Seed Grant?
  • The most innovative social action project pitch at YEF 2025 will receive a seed grant of up to $1,000 to bring their idea to life.

12. What should I bring to the event?
  • ✅ Travel documents
    ✅ Personal essentials
    ✅ Business casual attire
    ✅ An eagerness to engage, learn, and network!

13. What Can I Do with the Visa Invitation Letter?
  • The Visa Invitation Letter allows you to apply for a Swiss visa to attend YEF 2025. We will also share the details of confirmed applicants with the respective Swiss Embassies to facilitate the process. However, securing a visa remains the applicant’s responsibility.

    If you later decide to upgrade to Forum Admission ($499) or Self-Funded ($999), the cost of your Visa Invitation Letter ($120) will be adjusted toward your chosen package.

14. How can I stay updated?
  • Follow our website and social media for updates, deadlines, and event announcements.

Partnerships for Impact