27–30 August 2026 | Geneva, SwitzerlandHosted by the Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP)In partnership with UNITAR Overview The Global Youth Summit for Change (GYSC) is a flagship international convening designed to elevate youth leadership in response to the world’s most pressing challenges. At a time marked by climate change, widening social inequalities, political instability, and economic uncertainty, young people remain among the most powerful agents of change. Yet, despite their creativity and commitment, youth voices are often underrepresented in global policy and decision-making spaces. GYSC seeks to address this gap by creating a high-level platform where young leaders, activists, innovators, and emerging policymakers can engage directly with global institutions, experts, and one another. Hosted in Geneva, Switzerland—one of the world’s foremost centres for international diplomacy—the summit will convene more than 100 participants from diverse regions and backgrounds to co-create solutions that advance peace, sustainability, and social justice. Purpose and Vision The summit is grounded in the belief that meaningful global transformation requires youth-led dialogue, collaboration, and action. GYSC aims to equip young leaders with the tools, networks, and confidence needed to influence systems and shape inclusive futures. The summit’s core objectives include: Strengthening youth leadership capacity through training and mentorship Promoting cross-cultural dialogue on shared global challenges Supporting youth-led policy proposals and advocacy initiatives Fostering collaboration between youth, policymakers, and international organisations Translating dialogue into concrete, community-level action plans What Participants Can Expect GYSC offers a dynamic and immersive programme designed to balance inspiration, skill-building, and action. Key programme elements include: Inspiring keynote addresses from global leaders, Nobel laureates, and youth changemakers Expert-led panel discussions examining emerging global challenges and opportunities Interactive workshops focused on leadership, advocacy, project management, and social innovation Networking and mentorship opportunities with peers, practitioners, and international experts Youth-led action planning sessions aimed at developing initiatives to be implemented post-summit Cultural exchange activities celebrating global diversity through shared experiences and dialogue Thematic Focus Areas The summit programme is structured around interconnected thematic pillars that reflect today’s global priorities: Climate Action and SustainabilityYouth-led solutions for environmental protection, renewable energy, and climate advocacy Peacebuilding and Conflict ResolutionDialogue-driven approaches to reconciliation, social cohesion, and sustainable peace Digital Innovation and Social EntrepreneurshipLeveraging technology and enterprise to address social and environmental challenges Human Rights and Social JusticeAdvancing equity, dignity, and inclusion through advocacy and community action Global Governance and Policy AdvocacyStrengthening youth participation in global decision-making and institutional processes Who Should Apply GYSC is open to motivated individuals aged 18–35 who are committed to driving positive change at local, national, or global levels. Eligible participants include: Young leaders and emerging changemakers Activists and early-career policymakers Social entrepreneurs and innovators Members of NGOs and youth-led organisations Students and researchers in international relations or related fields Representatives of international or multilateral institutions Participants are selected based on leadership potential, motivation, diversity of perspectives, and commitment to impact. Participation Packages Two participation options are available to accommodate different needs: Full Experience Package – 1,399 CHF (with accommodation) Shared 4-star hotel accommodation (3 nights, gender-specific rooms) Complimentary Geneva public transport pass Daily breakfast throughout the summit Official invitation letter for visa or institutional purposes Full access to all summit sessions, including UN Geneva opening and guided tour Summit merchandise Speaking opportunity during summit sessions Certificate of participation co-issued by YCDP and UNITAR Farewell networking dinner Summit Access Package – 799 CHF (without accommodation) Official invitation letter Full access to all summit sessions and UN Geneva activities Summit merchandise Speaking opportunity Certificate of participation Farewell dinner About the Host Organisation The Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP) is a Geneva-based non-governmental organisation dedicated to empowering young people to address global challenges through dialogue, collaboration, and action. YCDP works internationally to support youth leadership in peacebuilding, sustainability, and social development, with a strong focus on inclusive participation and policy engagement. Why Geneva By hosting the summit in Geneva, participants gain direct exposure to the ecosystem of international diplomacy, including United Nations agencies, multilateral institutions, and global civil society actors. This setting reinforces the summit’s commitment to linking youth perspectives with global policy processes. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO REGISTER For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the funding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.