Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 in Switzerland (Funded Seats)
The Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 will bring 250 young leaders and changemakers to Geneva, Switzerland. Organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership, the forum offers 30 fully funded and 40 partially funded seats. The funded-seat application deadline is July 15, 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 – Switzerland
Opportunity Type: Youth leadership forum
Organizer: Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership
Country: Switzerland
Location: Mercure Hotel Geneva
Programme Dates: September 03–06, 2026
Available Places: 250
Funded Seats Deadline: July 15, 2026
About the Youth Empowerment Forum 2026
The Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 is the second edition of the CGDL forum in Geneva. It focuses on youth leadership, global diplomacy, international cooperation, humanitarian action, and global governance.
The programme includes structured policy dialogues, expert-led workshops, networking activities, and institutional study visits. Participants will visit the United Nations Headquarters at the Palais des Nations and attend a study visit and briefing at the World Trade Organization headquarters.
CGDL independently organizes the forum. The official page states that the programme is not organized by or affiliated with the United Nations.
Programme Tracks and Activities
Participants will engage with two complementary leadership pathways.
The Global Governance and Diplomatic Leadership Track includes:
• High-level workshops and policy simulations
• Expert-led discussions on international affairs
• Strategic dialogues on global institutions
• A guided study visit to the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva
• Interactive briefings on multilateral processes
The Global Institutions and International Cooperation Track includes:
• Panel discussions on global trade and development
• Briefings on the operation of multilateral institutions
• A study visit to the World Trade Organization headquarters
• An institutional briefing at the World Trade Organization
• Dialogue on conflict resolution, humanitarian innovation, and international cooperation
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Funded Seats and Financial Coverage
YEF 2026 offers 70 merit-based funded places. These include 30 fully funded seats and 40 partially funded seats. Funded applications are assessed through a competitive selection process.
Fully Funded Category
The fully funded category includes:
✓ Round-trip international airfare support
✓ Four-star hotel accommodation in Geneva
✓ Daily breakfasts
✓ Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
✓ Full conference access
✓ Visa support documentation
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Institutional study visits to the United Nations and World Trade Organization
✓ Premium event merchandise
✓ Global leadership certification
✓ Access to networking receptions
✓ Cultural exchange opportunities
✓ Geneva Public Transport Card
✓ An opportunity to win a US$1,000 project grant
Partially Funded Category
The partially funded category includes:
✓ Four-star hotel accommodation in Geneva
✓ Daily breakfasts
✓ Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
✓ Full conference access
✓ Visa support documentation
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Institutional visits to the United Nations and World Trade Organization
✓ Premium event merchandise
✓ Global leadership certification
✓ Networking opportunities
✓ Geneva Public Transport Card
✓ An opportunity to win a US$1,000 project grant
International airfare is not included in the partially funded category.
Other Participation Categories
The programme also offers guaranteed participation through Forum Access and Self-Funded Seat categories.
Forum Access costs US$499. It includes conference access, meals and coffee breaks during forum hours, visa support documentation, institutional visits, certification, merchandise, and networking opportunities. Accommodation and airfare are not included.
The Self-Funded Seat costs US$799. It includes hotel accommodation, breakfasts, meals during forum hours, conference access, visa documentation, airport transfers, institutional visits, certification, merchandise, and a Geneva Public Transport Card. Airfare is not included.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
• Be between 16 and 46 years old
• Come from any nationality
• Have an educational or professional background in any field
• Demonstrate an interest in global change, youth empowerment, diplomacy, technology and innovation, peacebuilding, humanitarian action, or the United Nations
• Show motivation, leadership potential, or commitment to creating impact
Students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, community leaders, NGO representatives, academics, media professionals, social entrepreneurs, and public-sector professionals may apply.
Prior international experience is not required.
Selection Process
Funded-seat applications follow a rubric-based evaluation process. CGDL assesses candidates according to:
• Motivation and clarity of purpose
• Demonstrated community impact
• Leadership potential
• Alignment with global priorities
• Geographic diversity
• Professional and academic background
The selection process also aims to create representation across different regions and professional sectors.
Application Information
Applicants use one application form to be considered for both fully funded and partially funded seats. Separate applications are not required.
The form contains three stages:
• Basic details
• Personal information and motivation
• Application fee payment
Applicants must provide information including their name, nationality, email address, date of birth, phone number, profession, country of residence, and departure city.
The application also includes a required motivational response about the applicant’s experience, achievements, interests, impact, and reasons for joining the forum. An additional question about personal strengths and potential contributions is optional.
Application Fee
The funded-seat application form lists an application fee of US$16.99. It also displays US$3.01 in service charges, VAT, and processing fees, bringing the total payment shown on the form to US$19.99.
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Important Dates
• Funded-seat application deadline: July 15, 2026
• Programme dates: September 03–06, 2026
Official Link
Submit your application through the official application link below.
