Youth Empowerment Forum 2026, Switzerland (YEF Geneva 2026)

The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 is the second edition of an immersive leadership experience taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 3 to 6, 2026. Organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL), this forum brings together 250 young leaders, students, professionals, and changemakers from various countries. Participants will engage in workshops, discussions, structured policy dialogues, and guided visits to significant international institutions like the United Nations Headquarters and the World Trade Organization. The program aims to foster youth empowerment, leadership, and global understanding, providing exposure, networks, and institutional insight for meaningful change.

The forum offers four distinct funding categories: 1. Fully Funded (30 seats): This option provides comprehensive support, including round-trip airfare, 4-star hotel accommodation in Geneva, daily breakfasts, meals, and coffee breaks during the forum, full access to all sessions and activities, visa support documents, airport transfers, guided visits to the UN and WTO, a global leadership certificate, networking events, cultural exchange opportunities, a free Geneva public transport card, and a chance to win a $1,000 USD Impact Grant. A small $16.99 USD administrative fee is required. 2. Partially Funded (40 seats): This option covers 4-star hotel accommodation, daily breakfasts, meals, and coffee breaks, full conference access, visa support documents, airport transfers, visits to the UN and WTO, a leadership certificate, networking opportunities, a free Geneva public transport card, and a chance to win a $1,000 USD Impact Grant. Airfare is not included. A small $16.99 USD administrative fee is required. 3. Forum Access (80 seats): This option provides full conference access, meals and coffee breaks during forum hours, visa support documents, guided visits to the UN and WTO, a global leadership certificate, networking and cultural exchange opportunities, a free Geneva public transport card, and a chance to win a $1,000 USD Impact Grant. Accommodation and airfare are not included. A registration fee of $599 USD is required. 4. Self-Funded (100 seats): This option includes 4-star hotel accommodation, daily breakfasts, meals, and coffee breaks, full access to all sessions, visa support documents, airport transfers, visits to the UN and WTO, a leadership certificate, networking opportunities, a free Geneva public transport card, and a chance to win a $1,000 USD Impact Grant. Airfare is not included. A registration fee of $849 USD is required.

This opportunity is open to individuals from all nationalities and backgrounds, with a special welcome to applicants from the Global South (which includes Ethiopia). Applicants must be between 16 and 46 years old. The forum welcomes students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, or community leaders from any academic or professional background. There is no requirement to study a specific subject. Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in leadership, global issues, diplomacy, youth empowerment, or making a positive impact. No previous international experience is required, and IELTS is not needed for the application.

Applicants are required to fill out an application form and write a short motivation statement explaining their interest in joining the forum. For funded and partially funded options, a small administrative fee of $16.99 USD is required. For Forum Access and Self-Funded options, the respective registration fees apply.

To apply, visit the official Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 page on the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL) website. Complete the application form, which is used for both fully funded and partially funded options. Prepare and submit a short motivation statement. If applying for funded or partially funded seats, pay the $16.99 USD administrative fee. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline. For guaranteed spots under the Forum Access or Self-Funded options, direct registration is available.

The forum has a total of 250 seats available. The event dates are September 3–6, 2026. This is a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in global diplomacy and leadership without requiring formal academic qualifications or prior international exposure.