The Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 Switzerland is a fully funded four-day international leadership forum in Geneva, organised by the Center for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL), convening 250 young leaders from all nationalities from 3 to 6 September 2026. Offering 30 fully funded seats, the forum covers round-trip airfare, accommodation, meals, airport transfers, and a Geneva Transport Card, alongside institutional visits to the United Nations Headquarters and the World Trade Organization. A $1,000 USD Impact Grant is also available. The application deadline is 5 July 2026.
Program Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opportunity Type | Fully Funded International Youth Leadership Forum |
| Organising Body | Center for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL) |
| Mode | Offline |
| Duration | 4 Days |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 July 2026 |
About the Program
The Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 Switzerland returns to Geneva following a successful inaugural edition in 2025, bringing together 250 young leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and changemakers for an immersive leadership experience at the heart of global diplomacy. Organised by CGDL, the forum is structured around two complementary leadership tracks — Global Governance and Diplomatic Leadership, and Global Institutions and International Cooperation — offering delegates direct exposure to how multilateral systems and international organisations operate in practice. Consequently, participants engage in high-level policy simulations, expert-led workshops, and institutional briefings at both the United Nations Headquarters at the Palais des Nations and the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva. Furthermore, the forum awards a $1,000 USD UN SDGs Action Grant to support a delegate-led community initiative, extending the program’s impact well beyond its four-day duration.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
- Open to applicants from all educational and professional backgrounds
- Students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and community leaders are all eligible
- Open to all nationalities worldwide; applicants from the Global South are particularly encouraged to apply
Experience & Other Conditions
- Applicants must be between 16 and 46 years of age
- Must demonstrate a strong interest in global change, youth empowerment, diplomacy, or international relations
- Interest in the United Nations, peacebuilding, humanitarian efforts, technology, or innovation is considered favourably
- An application processing fee of USD $16.99 is required for scholarship category applicants
Benefits & Funding
Fully Funded Scholarship (30 seats)
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airfare | Round-trip travel expenses reimbursed |
| Accommodation | Free accommodation for the full forum duration |
| Meals | Meals and breakfast provided throughout |
| Airport Transfers | Covered for all fully funded delegates |
| Conference Access | Full access to all forum sessions and events |
| Invitation Letter | Provided to support visa application |
| Geneva Transport Card | Free public transport access across Geneva |
| Institutional Visits | Visits to UN Headquarters (Palais des Nations) and WTO headquarters |
| Certification | Global UN SDGs Leadership Certificate |
| Training Kit | Premium training kit and event merchandise |
| Impact Grant | $1,000 USD UN SDGs Action Grant awarded to one delegate-led initiative |
Seat Categories Overview
| Category | Seats Available |
|---|---|
| Fully Funded | 30 |
| Partially Funded | 40 |
| Forum Access Only | 80 |
| Self-Funded | 100 |
| Total | 250 |
Topics / Themes Covered
Global Governance and Diplomatic Leadership Track
- High-level workshops and policy simulations on diplomacy and multilateral cooperation
- Expert-led panel discussions on international affairs and global governance
- Strategic dialogue sessions on the role of global institutions
- Institutional visit and briefing at the United Nations Headquarters, Palais des Nations, Geneva
- Interactive sessions on multilateral processes and global decision-making
Global Institutions and International Cooperation Track
- Dedicated study visit and briefing at the World Trade Organization headquarters in Geneva
- Practical insight into how international organisations address global challenges
- Applied learning on international cooperation and sustainable development frameworks
Selection Process
- Online application submitted via the official Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 portal
- Payment of a non-refundable application processing fee of USD $16.99 for scholarship category applicants
- Evaluation based on background, motivation, and demonstrated interest in global affairs and youth empowerment
- Fully funded seats are limited to 30 and are highly competitive; early application is strongly advised
How to Apply
- Visit the official Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 Switzerland application portal.
- Select your preferred participation category — fully funded, partially funded, forum access, or self-funded.
- Complete the online application form with your personal, academic, and professional background details.
- Pay the non-refundable application processing fee of USD $16.99 if applying for a scholarship category.
- Clearly articulate your interest in diplomacy, global governance, youth empowerment, or international development.
- Submit your application well ahead of the 5 July 2026 deadline, as fully funded seats are limited and highly competitive.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Applicants (Fully & Partially Funded) | USD $16.99 (non-refundable) |
| Self-Funded / Forum Access | Refer to official notification for package pricing |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 1 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 5 July 2026 |
| Forum Dates | 3–6 September 2026 |
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 Switzerland? Applicants aged 16 to 46 from any country and any professional or educational background are eligible; notably, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and community leaders are all welcome, with Global South applicants particularly encouraged.
What does the fully funded scholarship cover? The fully funded scholarship covers round-trip airfare reimbursement, free accommodation, meals, airport transfers, a Geneva Transport Card, full conference access, an invitation letter, institutional visits to the UN and WTO, a UN SDGs Leadership Certificate, and a premium training kit.
What is the $1,000 USD UN SDGs Action Grant? The Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 Switzerland awards a $1,000 USD Impact Grant to one delegate-led initiative aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, extending the forum’s community impact beyond the four-day program.
Is the $16.99 application fee refundable? No — the application processing fee of USD $16.99 is non-refundable and covers the administrative review of scholarship applications; payment does not guarantee selection for a funded seat.
How many fully funded seats are available for the Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 Switzerland? Only 30 fully funded seats are available out of a total of 250 delegate places, making the fully funded category highly competitive; early submission is strongly advised.