Join global youth to drive change, build skills, and experience Madrid’s vibrant culture.
Youth Global Forum 2026 - Madrid, Spain
Youth Global Forum 2026 - Madrid, Spain
Registration Deadline
25 Nov, 2025
Event Location
Madrid, Spain
Event Dates
Jan 15–18, 2026
Registration Deadline
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About the Forum
The world is changing—and fast. From the rise of artificial intelligence to the climate emergency, youth unemployment, and growing economic uncertainty, the future holds both enormous promise and significant challenges.
Youth Global Forum 2026 is a one-of-a-kind international gathering that brings together young changemakers from around the world to lead dialogue on the future they want to build. Organized by the Centre for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL), an independent Canadian public policy institute, the forum is aligned with key European Union youth frameworks, including:
- EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027
- EU Youth Dialogue
- European Youth Work Agenda
This forum continues CGDL’s mission to empower youth through action, policy, and leadership on a global stage.
Forum Themes
“Leading the Future: Dialogue, Action, and Impact in an Age of Uncertainty”
Artificial Intelligence disruption
Climate degradation and sustainability threats
Economic instability and youth unemployment
Erosion of democratic values and participation
Mental health and wellbeing
crises
Peacebuilding and human rights protection
What to Expect?
Youth Global Forum 2026 is not your typical conference. It blends high-level policy conversations with real-world experiences, cultural exchange, and deep collaboration.
Cultural Evenings & Global Networking
Experience Spain’s vibrant culture while connecting with changemakers from over 100 countries through interactive networking sessions and cultural showcases.
Diplomatic Dialogues & Engagements
Meet distinguished diplomats, influential policymakers, and global experts to understand how international cooperation shapes today’s most pressing global agendas.
$1,000 Grant Pitch Competition
Pitch your community project idea for a chance to win up to $1,000 in seed funding and mentorship to turn your vision into real impact.
Youth-Led Plenaries & Policy Roundtables
Young delegates take the stage to discuss global challenges, share perspectives, and propose actionable policy ideas that matter to their communities.
Skill-Building Workshops & Innovation Labs
Hands-on sessions where participants develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills — turning creative ideas into practical solutions.
Global Policy Simulation (Model Forum)
Step into the shoes of global decision-makers in a high-energy policy simulation that mirrors real-world diplomacy and international negotiation.
Participation Categories
We are offering are the following number of seats:
Scholarship based - competitive selection
30 Fully Funded | 40 Partially Funded
Guaranteed Seats - confirmation upon payment
30 Forum Admission | 50 Self Funded
Fully Funded
Competitive selection process
$16.99
- Round-trip Airfare
- 4-Star Shared Accommodation (3 nights)
- Visa Support (Invitation & Guidance)
- Lunch During Forum Days
- Full Forum Access & Session Participation
- Top-Quality Forum Merchandise
- Daily Breakfast
- Certificate of Participation
- Cultural Exchange Night & Networking
Partially Funded
Competitive selection process
$13.99
- Round-trip Airfare
- 4-Star Shared Accommodation (3 nights)
- Visa Support (Invitation & Guidance)
- Lunch During Forum Days
- Full Forum Access & Session Participation
- Top-Quality Forum Merchandise
- Daily Breakfast
- Certificate of Participation
- Cultural Exchange Night & Networking
Forum Admission
Guaranteed – First Come Basis
$499 $699
- Round-trip Airfare
- 4-Star Shared Accommodation (3 nights)
- Visa Support (Invitation & Guidance)
- Lunch During Forum Days
- Full Forum Access & Session Participation
- Top-Quality Forum Merchandise
- Daily Breakfast
- Certificate of Participation
- Cultural Exchange Night & Networking
Self-Funded
Guaranteed – First Come Basis
$799 $999
- Round-trip Airfare
- 4-Star Shared Accommodation (3 nights)
- Visa Support (Invitation & Guidance)
- Lunch During Forum Days
- Full Forum Access & Session Participation
- Top-Quality Forum Merchandise
- Daily Breakfast
- Certificate of Participation
- Cultural Exchange Night & Networking
Visa Invitation Letter
$99 $200
Need a Schengen Visa to attend the Youth Global Forum 2026 in Madrid?
Get our Visa Invitation Package which includes:
- Officially stamped invitation letter from CGDL
- Comprehensive document checklist
- Personalized Visa Support
Who Should Apply?
We welcome young leaders aged 16–45 from every part of the world, including:
Youth advocates and civil society actors
Social entrepreneurs and tech innovators
Environmental activists and sustainability leaders
Policy students, researchers, and educators
Creatives and storytellers shaping global narratives
Why Join?
Connect with youth from over 100+ countries
Co-create solutions to the world’s biggest challenges
Experience political and cultural life in Madrid
Build skills, networks, and global visibility
Be part of a movement that puts youth at the center of global change
One delegate will receive up to $1,000 for the most innovative climate project idea, pitched during the forum. This initiative turns our footprint into opportunity — empowering youth to take real action against climate change.
Climate Action Grant – Up to $1,000
Every international forum we host leaves a carbon footprint. To help offset this impact, the Youth Global Forum 2026 is launching the Climate Action Grant.
One delegate will receive up to $1,000 for the most innovative climate project idea, pitched during the forum. This initiative turns our footprint into opportunity — empowering youth to take real action against climate change.
About the Organizers
The Centre for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL) is a Canadian policy institute that creates meaningful spaces for global dialogue, inclusive leadership, and youth-centered solutions. CGDL is a leader in the international conference industry and is committed to shaping a more just, innovative, and sustainable world—led by young people.
Confused? Visit the FAQ Section
1. What is this event all about?
This is an international youth forum bringing together changemakers from across the globe for workshops, policy dialogues, cultural exchange, and visits to world-renowned institutions.
2. Who can apply?
Anyone aged 16–46 from any country, with a passion for making a positive impact, is welcome to apply.
3. What are the participation categories?
We have Fully Funded, Partially Funded, and Guaranteed Participation categories (Forum Admission & Self-Funded). Each comes with its own set of benefits.
4. How does the Fully Funded category work?
If selected, your airfare, local travel, accommodation, meals, and visa support letter are all covered. It’s a competitive, merit-based selection.
5. How does the Partially Funded category work?
If selected, you’ll get local travel, accommodation, meals, and visa support letter — but airfare is not included. Selection is also competitive and merit-based.
6. Can I apply for both Fully Funded and Partially Funded categories?
Yes! If you apply for both, you will be independently assessed for each but can only be selected for one. This increases your chances — if you’re not selected for Fully Funded, you’ll still be considered for Partially Funded.
7. What is the Visa Invitation Letter category?
This is for those who only need a visa support letter to attend. The cost you pay will be fully adjusted if you later choose to upgrade to a Guaranteed Participation category.
8. What is the Guaranteed Participation category?
These are paid categories that guarantee your spot — Forum Admission (conference access + meals + visa support) and Self-Funded (all-inclusive except airfare).
9. How competitive is the selection for funded seats?
Highly competitive. Funded categories are awarded based on merit, leadership potential, and alignment with the forum’s goals.
10. Do I need previous international experience to apply?
No. We welcome both first-time travelers and experienced participants.
11. What’s included in the program?
Workshops, policy dialogues, cultural activities, networking sessions, and visits to international organizations.
12. Do I need a visa to attend?
This depends on your nationality. We provide an official visa invitation letter to selected participants in all categories.
13. Can I join if I’m already in the host country?
Yes. You can apply in any category that fits your situation — airfare benefits will simply not be used if you’re already there.
14. How do I apply?
Complete the online application form, upload your documents, and submit before the deadline.
Partnerships for Impact
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
Testimonials From Our Past Delegates
Bridging Ideas
Shaping Futures
Policies, Terms and Conditions
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