AK Travels Limited

Applications are now open for the Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL), this prestigious international forum will bring together 250 young leaders, students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and changemakers from around the world for an immersive leadership and diplomacy experience. The forum aims to equip participants with practical knowledge, international exposure, and global networks needed to drive positive change in their communities and beyond. 0

YEF 2026 will take place in Geneva, one of the world’s leading centers for diplomacy, international cooperation, and humanitarian action. Participants will engage in policy dialogues, leadership workshops, institutional visits, and networking sessions with fellow leaders from different countries. 1

Summary

• Program Name: Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026
• Host Organization: Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL)
• Host Country: Switzerland
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Event Dates: 3 – 6 September 2026
• Duration: 4 Days
• Number of Participants: 250
• Scholarship Categories: Fully Funded, Partially Funded, and Self-Funded
• Fully Funded Seats: 30
• Partially Funded Seats: 40
• Eligible Nationalities: All Countries
• Eligible Age Range: 16 – 46 Years
• Application Deadline for Funded Seats: 5 July 2026

About the Youth Empowerment Forum 2026

The Youth Empowerment Forum is an international leadership platform that connects emerging leaders with global institutions and policy experts. Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2025, YEF 2026 returns with a larger and more ambitious program designed to strengthen youth participation in diplomacy, international cooperation, leadership, and sustainable development. 2

The forum offers participants direct exposure to major international institutions and provides opportunities to engage with professionals working in global governance, humanitarian affairs, and international development. Through workshops, policy simulations, and institutional visits, delegates gain valuable insights into how international systems operate. 3

Program Highlights

Participants will benefit from:

• Leadership development workshops
• Policy dialogues and simulations
• Expert-led panel discussions
• International networking opportunities
• Cultural exchange activities
• Global leadership certification
• Exposure to international diplomacy
• Collaboration with young leaders from around the world
• Access to global policy discussions
• Opportunities for future international partnerships

The program is designed to develop practical leadership skills while helping participants understand global governance structures and international cooperation mechanisms. 4

Institutional Visits

One of the major attractions of YEF 2026 is its institutional exposure component.

Participants will have opportunities to:

• Visit the United Nations Headquarters (Palais des Nations) in Geneva
• Attend briefing sessions on multilateral diplomacy
• Visit the World Trade Organization (WTO) Headquarters
• Learn about international cooperation and global trade systems
• Engage with experts working in international institutions

These visits provide first-hand exposure to how major global organizations operate and contribute to international development and peacebuilding. 5

Scholarship Opportunities

YEF 2026 offers a total of 70 funded seats awarded through a competitive selection process.

Fully Funded Scholarship Includes

• Round-trip international airfare
• 4-star hotel accommodation in Geneva
• Daily breakfast
• Meals and coffee breaks during forum hours
• Full conference access
• Airport transfers
• Visa support documentation
• Institutional visits to the United Nations and WTO
• Premium event merchandise
• Global leadership certificate
• Networking receptions
• Cultural exchange activities
• Geneva Public Transport Card

Partially Funded Scholarship

Partially funded participants receive selected benefits and financial support depending on the scholarship category awarded. 6

UN SDGs Action Grant

As part of the forum, organizers will award a USD $1,000 UN SDGs Action Grant to support an outstanding participant-led initiative.

The selected project can focus on any of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and must demonstrate measurable impact within a community. This initiative encourages participants to transform ideas into real-world solutions after the forum concludes. 7

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be between 16 and 46 years old
• Be from any country worldwide
• Have an interest in leadership, diplomacy, development, innovation, or social impact
• Be students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, activists, or community leaders
• Demonstrate leadership potential
• Show motivation to contribute to positive change
• Be willing to participate actively throughout the forum

Applications from the Global South are strongly encouraged to promote diversity and global representation. 8

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Motivation and clarity of purpose
• Leadership potential
• Community impact
• Alignment with global development priorities
• Professional and academic achievements
• Geographic diversity

Selection is competitive, and successful applicants will be notified after the review process. 9

Required Documents

Applicants may need to provide:

• Completed online application form
• Personal information
• Academic or professional background details
• Statement of motivation
• Leadership experience details
• Community service or impact records
• Supporting documents where applicable

Applicants should carefully follow the instructions on the official application portal. 10

How to Apply for YEF 2026

To apply:

1. Visit the official Youth Empowerment Forum application page.
2. Choose your preferred participation category.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Submit all required information.
5. Await the selection results.
6. Follow instructions provided by the organizers if selected.

Applications for funded seats must be submitted before the official deadline. 11

Application Deadline

• Funded Seats Deadline: 5 July 2026
• Forum Dates: 3 – 6 September 2026
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Applicants are encouraged to apply early due to the competitive nature of the scholarship selection process. 12

Why You Should Apply

YEF 2026 offers participants:

• International leadership exposure
• Global networking opportunities
• Understanding of international diplomacy
• Access to major international institutions
• Cross-cultural collaboration experience
• Enhanced leadership credentials
• Opportunities for project funding
• Career development in global policy and international affairs

The forum serves as an excellent platform for young leaders seeking careers in diplomacy, international organizations, public policy, development, and social entrepreneurship. 13

Related Opportunities

• Future Leaders Program 2026 in Hungary
• European Parliament Schuman Traineeships
• Young Climate Prize 2027
• UNDP Administration Internship 2026 in South Korea
• Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The Youth Empowerment Forum 2026 in Switzerland is an outstanding opportunity for emerging leaders who want to gain international exposure, strengthen their leadership skills, and connect with global changemakers.

At AK Travels LTD, we encourage interested applicants to submit a strong application highlighting their leadership achievements, community impact, and vision for positive change. Since the funded seats are highly competitive, applicants should focus on presenting a compelling motivation statement and demonstrating their commitment to making a difference in society.

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