Apply for the Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 in Switzerland with 30 fully funded seats. Open to all nationalities. Covers airfare, accommodation, and meals. Organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL), YEF returns to Geneva following the successful inaugural edition held in 2025. The program features structured policy dialogues, expert-led workshops, an institutional visit to the United Nations Headquarters at the Palais des Nations, and a dedicated study visit with briefing sessions at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva. This year, the forum will convene 250 young leaders and changemakers for an immersive 4-day leadership experience at the heart of global diplomacy and humanitarian action.

Quick Overview

• Host Country: Switzerland
• Location: Geneva
• Dates: 3-6 September 2026
• Duration: 4 Days
• Funding: Fully Funded / Partially Funded / Self-Funded
• Seats: 250 Total
• Deadline: 5th July 2026

Number of Seats

• Total: 250
  • Fully Funded: 30
  • Partially Funded: 40
  • Forum Access Only: 80
  • Self-Funded: 100

Financial Benefits

The Fully Funded Category has 16.99 USD application fees, which include:

• Travel Support (The organization will reimburse your travel expenses)
• Free Accommodation
• Meals & Breakfast
• Airport transfers
• Full Conference Access
• Invitation Letter
• Free Geneva Transport Card to use all public transport for free
• Visit to UN Headquarters, & World Trade Organization headquarters.
• Global UN SDGs Leadership Certificate
• Premium Training Kit and Event Merchandise

Fully funded seats are limited (around 30 seats) and highly competitive.

UN SDGs Action Grant – $1000 USD

YEF 2026 will award a $1,000 USD Impact Grant to support a delegate-led initiative.

Structure of the YEF 2026 Switzerland

YEF 2026 offers two complementary leadership pathways designed to provide delegates with practical exposure to global institutions and an understanding of how multilateral systems operate.

1) Global Governance & Diplomatic Leadership Track

Focused on diplomacy, global governance, and multilateral cooperation, this pathway includes:

• High-level workshops and policy simulations
• Expert-led panel discussions on international affairs
• Strategic dialogue sessions on global institutions
• A high-level institutional visit to the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva (Palais des Nations) to learn about the UN’s work and its role in multilateralism
• Interactive briefings on multilateral processes

2) Global Institutions & International Cooperation Track

This track offers delegates direct exposure to international cooperation through a dedicated study visit and briefing at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva. Participants will gain practical insight into how international organizations collaborate to address global challenges and support sustainable development.

Eligibility Criteria

• Education & Professional Background:
  • Open to applicants from all educational and professional fields
  • Students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and community leaders can apply
  • Age limit: 16 – 46 years
• Countries & Nationalities:
  • Open to all nationalities worldwide
  • Applicants from the Global South are highly encouraged to apply
• Passion & Interest:
  • Strong interest in global change & youth empowerment
  • Interest in diplomacy and international relations
  • Passion for technology & innovation
  • Engagement in peacebuilding and humanitarian efforts
  • Interest in the United Nations and global development initiatives.

Application Fee

Applicants applying for scholarship categories are required to pay a small application processing fee of 16.99 USD to support the administrative review process.

How to Apply for the Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 in Switzerland?

The link to the application website is below.