AK Travels Limited

Applications are now open for the Youth Democracy Summit (YDS) 2026 in Rome, Italy.

Organised by the Center for International Policy and Sustainability (CIPS), the Youth Democracy Summit is a four-day international forum that will bring together 300 young leaders, students, professionals, policymakers and changemakers from around the world to engage in dialogue on democracy, governance, leadership and global cooperation.

The summit combines policy discussions, leadership development, institutional exposure and cultural exchange, providing participants with an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills while building an international network of future leaders.

Summary

• Programme: Youth Democracy Summit (YDS) 2026
• Host Country: Italy
• Venue: Rome
• Organizer: Center for International Policy and Sustainability (CIPS)
• Programme Dates: 1–4 October 2026
• Programme Duration: 4 Days
• Eligible Applicants: Applicants from all countries
• Age Requirement: 16–46 years
• Scholarship Categories: Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Summit Pass and Self-Funded
• Number of Delegates: 300
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Deadline: 10 August 2026

About the Youth Democracy Summit

The Youth Democracy Summit is an international leadership forum designed to empower emerging leaders through meaningful discussions on democratic governance, public policy, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Participants will engage in interactive workshops, policy dialogues, networking sessions and institutional visits while exploring practical approaches to strengthening democratic participation and international cooperation.

The summit aims to create a platform where young people from diverse backgrounds can exchange ideas, build partnerships and contribute to discussions on global challenges.

Scholarship Benefits

Fully Funded Scholarship

Selected participants will receive:

• Round-trip international airfare
• Accommodation in Rome
• Meals during the summit
• Full conference access
• Visa support letter
• Certificate of participation

Partially Funded Scholarship

Selected participants will receive:

• Full conference access
• Meals during summit days
• Visa support letter
• Certificate of participation

Airfare and accommodation are not included under the partially funded category.

Programme Highlights

Participants will benefit from:

• High-level policy dialogues
• Leadership workshops
• Democracy simulations
• International networking
• Visit to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Headquarters
• Cultural visit to the Roman Colosseum
• Certificate of participation
• Global alumni connections.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be between 16 and 46 years of age.
• Be from any country or nationality.
• Demonstrate an interest in democracy, governance, leadership or global cooperation.
• Be willing to participate actively in summit activities.
• Be able to communicate in English.

There is no IELTS or TOEFL requirement for participation.

Required Application Information

Applicants should prepare:

• Personal information
• Passport details
• Profile photograph
• Responses to the motivation questions
• Academic or professional background information
• Any additional information requested in the online application form.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1

Visit the official Youth Democracy Summit application portal.

Step 2

Choose your preferred participation category (Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Summit Pass or Self-Funded).

Step 3

Complete the online application form with your personal, academic and professional information.

Step 4

Answer the motivation questions explaining your leadership experience, aspirations and reasons for participating.

Step 5

Review your application carefully and agree to the programme terms and conditions.

Step 6

Submit the application together with the required application processing fee for scholarship categories.

Step 7

Await the outcome of the competitive selection process. Successful applicants will receive further instructions from CIPS.

Important Deadline

• Application Deadline: 10 August 2026
• Programme Dates: 1–4 October 2026

Related Opportunities

• UNESCO Youth for Peace: Intercultural Leadership Programme 2026
• Middle East Youth Summit (MEYS) 2026 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
• Civic Youth Forum 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark

Official Application Link

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The Youth Democracy Summit is highly competitive, particularly for the fully funded category. Your motivation responses play a significant role in the selection process. Focus on demonstrating genuine leadership experience, community impact and a clear commitment to promoting democratic values and international cooperation. Strong, authentic responses will greatly improve your chances of securing a scholarship.

Website: http://www.aktravelsltd.com