January 15–18, 2026 | Madrid, Spain
Organized by the Centre for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL)
About the Forum
The world is changing fast. From the rise of artificial intelligence to the climate emergency, youth unemployment, and growing economic uncertainty, the future holds both enormous promise and significant challenges.
Youth Global Forum 2026 is a one-of-a-kind international gathering that brings together young changemakers from around the world to lead dialogue on the future they want to build. Organized by the Centre for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL), an independent Canadian public policy institute, the forum is aligned with key European Union youth frameworks, including:
- EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027
- EU Youth Dialogue
- European Youth Work Agenda
This forum continues CGDL’s mission to empower youth through action, policy, and leadership on a global stage.
Forum Themes
“Leading the Future: Dialogue, Action, and Impact in an Age of Uncertainty”
The forum explores how young people can shape solutions in a world facing:
- Artificial Intelligence disruption
- Climate degradation and sustainability threats
- Economic instability and youth unemployment
- Erosion of democratic values and participation
- Mental health and wellbeing crises
- Peacebuilding and human rights protection
What to Expect
Youth Global Forum 2026 is not your typical conference. It blends high-level policy conversations with real-world experiences, cultural exchange, and deep collaboration.
Key Activities:
- Youth-led plenary sessions and policy roundtables
- Skill-building workshops and solution labs
- Mock global policy simulation
- Guided visits to the Spanish Parliament
- Cultural evenings and networking events
- Grant competition for community projects
Participation Categories
Each participation type has limited seats, so early application or registration is strongly recommended:
- 🟦 30 Fully Funded Seats (Competitive selection process)
- 🟩 40 Partially Funded Seats (Competitive selection process)
- 🟨 30 Forum Admission Seats (Guaranteed – First Come, First Served)
- 🟥 50 Self-Funded Seats (Guaranteed – First Come, First Served)
Youth Global Forum 2026 – Participation Categories Comparison
- Fully Funded (Competitive selection process)
- Round-trip Airfare
- 4-Star Shared Accommodation (3 nights)
- Visa Support (Invitation & Guidance)
- Lunch During Forum Days
- Full Forum Access & Session Participation
- Study Visits (Parliament, Hubs, etc.)
- Top-Quality Forum Merchandise
- Daily Breakfast
- Certificate of Participation
- Cultural Exchange Night & Networking
- Partially Funded (Competitive selection process)
- 4-Star Shared Accommodation (3 nights)
- Visa Support (Invitation & Guidance)
- Lunch During Forum Days
- Full Forum Access & Session Participation
- Study Visits (Parliament, Hubs, etc.)
- Top-Quality Forum Merchandise
- Daily Breakfast
- Certificate of Participation
- Cultural Exchange Night & Networking
Guaranteed Participation Categories
No competitive selection – confirmed spot upon payment.
- Forum Admission
- Visa Support (Invitation & Guidance)
- Lunch During Forum Days
- Full Forum Access & Session Participation
- Study Visits (Parliament, Hubs, etc.)
- Top-Quality Forum Merchandise
- Certificate of Participation
- Cultural Exchange Night & Networking
- Self-Funded
- 4-Star Shared Accommodation (3 nights)
- Visa Support (Invitation & Guidance)
- Lunch During Forum Days
- Full Forum Access & Session Participation
- Study Visits (Parliament, Hubs, etc.)
- Top-Quality Forum Merchandise
- Daily Breakfast
- Certificate of Participation
- Cultural Exchange Night & Networking
Who Should Apply?
We welcome young leaders aged 16–45 from every part of the world, including:
- Youth advocates and civil society actors
- Social entrepreneurs and tech innovators
- Environmental activists and sustainability leaders
- Policy students, researchers, and educators
- Creatives and storytellers shaping global narratives
Why Join?
- Connect with youth from over 100+ countries
- Co-create solutions to the world’s biggest challenges
- Experience political and cultural life in Madrid
- Build skills, networks, and global visibility
- Be part of a movement that puts youth at the center of global change
About the Organizers
The Centre for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL) is a Canadian policy institute that creates meaningful spaces for global dialogue, inclusive leadership, and youth-centered solutions. CGDL is a leader in the international conference industry and is committed to shaping a more just, innovative, and sustainable world—led by young people.
