The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 is an international leadership and diplomacy program taking place in Geneva, Switzerland. Organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL), the forum brings together young leaders from around the world to engage in discussions on global governance, diplomacy, and humanitarian issues.

This program is designed to give participants direct exposure to international institutions, policy dialogue, and global networking opportunities in one of the world’s most important diplomatic cities.

Key Program Details:

Program Name: Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Event Dates: 03–06 September 2026
Organizer: Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL)
Total Participants: 250 delegates
Application Deadline (Funded Seats): 05 July 2026

Program Focus

YEF 2026 is structured around global leadership and international cooperation. The program focuses on:

Global governance and diplomacy
Humanitarian action and development
Youth leadership and civic engagement
International trade and institutional cooperation
Sustainable development and global challenges

Selected participants will engage in:

Policy dialogues and leadership workshops
Expert-led panel discussions
Networking sessions with global participants
Cultural exchange activities
Institutional study visits in Geneva

Institutional Visits Include:

United Nations Headquarters (Palais des Nations)
World Trade Organization (WTO), Geneva

Participation Categories:

YEF 2026 offers multiple participation options:

1. Fully Funded Seats

Limited competitive scholarships selected through evaluation.

Round-trip airfare support
Hotel accommodation in Geneva
Meals during program hours
Access to all sessions and workshops
Visa support documents
Institutional visits (UN & WTO)
Certificate of participation

1. Partially Funded Seats

Accommodation
Meals during program hours
Full access to sessions
Workshops and networking
Visa support documents
Institutional visits
Certificate of participation

1. Forum Access (Paid)

Full access to all sessions
Meals during program hours
Visa support documents
Institutional visits
Certification

(Travel and accommodation not included)

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1. Self-Funded Category

Includes:

Hotel accommodation
Meals during program hours
Full forum access
Airport transfers
Institutional visits
Certification

(Flights not included)

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1. Visa Invitation Letter Option

* Official visa invitation letter
* Participation confirmation documents
* Embassy support documents

Impact Opportunity:

Selected participants may also be eligible for a $1000 SDG Impact Grant, designed to support youth-led initiatives focused on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Projects are expected to demonstrate real community impact.

Eligibility Criteria:

Age: 16–46 years
Open to all nationalities
Students, graduates, and professionals eligible
No specific academic background required
Interest in leadership, diplomacy, or global issues
Basic English communication skills

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Selection Criteria:

Motivation and clarity of purpose
Leadership potential
Community or social impact
Alignment with global issues
Geographic and cultural diversity
Overall application quality

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What Participants Gain:

* Exposure to global diplomatic systems
* Networking with international participants
* Leadership and communication development
* Understanding of UN and WTO functions
* Cross-cultural collaboration experience
* International certificate of participation

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Application Deadline:

Funded Seats Deadline: 05 July 2026
Event Dates: 03–06 September 2026

Apply Here: https://thecgdl.org/yef2026/