The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 is a global leadership conference bringing together 250 young leaders, professionals, and changemakers for an immersive experience in diplomacy, global governance, and international cooperation. Hosted in Geneva, the forum is organised by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership. Building on the success of its 2025 edition, YEF 2026 offers expanded participation, deeper institutional engagement, and enhanced global representation. The programme is designed to connect youth ambition with real-world international systems and decision-making platforms. Programme Overview YEF 2026 delivers a structured, high-impact leadership experience through: Policy dialogues and simulations Expert-led workshops and panel discussions Institutional visits to global organisations Cross-cultural collaboration and networking Participants gain direct exposure to global governance systems, enabling them to translate ideas into actionable change at local and international levels. Key Highlights Institutional visit to the United Nations headquarters at the Palais des Nations Study visit and briefing at the World Trade Organization Engagement with global experts and practitioners Networking with international delegates Participation in leadership and policy simulations Programme Structure YEF 2026 offers two specialised learning tracks: Global Governance & Diplomatic Leadership Track High-level workshops on diplomacy and multilateralism Policy simulations and strategic dialogues Panel discussions on global affairs Institutional exposure to UN processes This track provides participants with first-hand insight into international diplomacy and decision-making systems. Global Institutions & International Cooperation Track Panels on global trade and development Briefings on multilateral cooperation Guided visit to the WTO headquarters Institutional learning on global collaboration mechanisms Participants develop a deeper understanding of how international organisations work together to address global challenges. Alignment with Global Frameworks YEF 2026 aligns with major global initiatives, including: United Nations Youth, Peace & Security agenda United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) European Union Youth Strategy This ensures the programme remains globally relevant and contributes to international development priorities. Eligibility Criteria The forum is open to a diverse global audience: Age Range: 16–46 years Backgrounds: Students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and community leaders Nationality: Open to all देशों, with strong encouragement for Global South participation Applicants should demonstrate: Interest in global change and leadership Passion for diplomacy, peacebuilding, and innovation Commitment to community or global impact Participation Categories A total of 250 seats are available: 30 Fully Funded 40 Partially Funded 80 Forum Access 100 Self-Funded Scholarship Opportunities Fully Funded Scholarship Includes: Round-trip airfare 4-star accommodation in Geneva Meals and daily breakfast Full conference access Visa support and airport transfers UN and WTO study visits Certification and networking access Free public transport card Eligibility for $1,000 project grant Partially Funded Scholarship Includes: Accommodation and meals Conference access Visa support and transfers Study visits and certification Networking opportunities Eligibility for $1,000 grant (Airfare not included) Guaranteed Participation Options For applicants seeking confirmed participation: Forum Access – $599 Conference participation Meals and networking Institutional visits Certification Self-Funded Seat – $849 Accommodation and meals Full programme access Airport transfers Certification and networking Visa Support Package – $99 Official invitation letter Visa documentation and assistance UN SDGs Impact Grant YEF 2026 offers a $1,000 USD grant to support a delegate-led initiative aligned with the United Nations SDGs. The grant supports innovative projects that demonstrate measurable community impact, transforming ideas developed during the forum into real-world solutions. Selection Criteria Scholarship applicants are evaluated based on: Leadership potential Motivation and clarity of goals Community impact Alignment with global priorities Diversity and representation The Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership ensures a balanced and inclusive selection process. What Participants Gain Practical understanding of global diplomacy Exposure to international institutions Global networking opportunities Leadership and communication skills Opportunities for funding and collaboration International certification Why YEF 2026 Matters Hosted in Geneva, one of the world’s leading centres for diplomacy, YEF 2026 provides unmatched access to global institutions and policy environments. Participants are equipped to pursue careers in: International organisations Public policy Global NGOs Social entrepreneurship VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is hosting the conference. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs 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.