Leading the Future: Dialogue, Action, and Impact in an Age of Uncertainty
25 Nov, 2025
Madrid, Spain
Jan 15–18, 2026
Organized by the
Centre for Global Dialogue &
Leadership (CGDL)
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:
This forum continues CGDL’s mission to empower youth through action, policy, and leadership on a global stage.
"Leading the Future: Dialogue, Action, and Impact in an Age of Uncertainty"
Youth Global Forum 2026 is not your typical conference. It blends high-level policy conversations with real-world experiences, cultural exchange, and deep collaboration.
Need a Schengen Visa to attend the Youth Global Forum 2026 in Madrid?
Get our Visa Invitation Package which includes:
We welcome young leaders aged 16–45 from every part of the world, including:
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.
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.
Anyone aged 16–46 from any country, with a passion for making a positive impact, is welcome to apply.
We have Fully Funded, Partially Funded, and Guaranteed Participation categories (Forum Admission & Self-Funded). Each comes with its own set of benefits.
If selected, your airfare, local travel, accommodation, meals, and visa support letter are all covered. It’s a competitive, merit-based selection.
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.
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.
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.
These are paid categories that guarantee your spot — Forum Admission (conference access + meals + visa support) and Self-Funded (all-inclusive except airfare).
Highly competitive. Funded categories are awarded based on merit, leadership potential, and alignment with the forum’s goals.
No. We welcome both first-time travelers and experienced participants.
Workshops, policy dialogues, cultural activities, networking sessions, and visits to international organizations.
Yes, all participants receive an official certificate recognizing their participation.
This depends on your nationality. We provide an official visa invitation letter to selected participants in all categories.
Yes. You can apply in any category that fits your situation — airfare benefits will simply not be used if you’re already there.
Complete the online application form, upload your documents, and submit before the deadline.
