Program Overview
AYFN Academy proudly presents youths from around the world with an exceptional international opportunity through its official partnership with the Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance (HISA): the Global Youth Festival (GYF) 2026. Built on six years of HISA’s global track record across cities including Washington DC, Sydney, Istanbul, and Cape Town, GYF 2026 is set to be the organization’s most ambitious edition yet, bringing together over 500 young leaders and changemakers from more than 120 countries for four transformative days in the heart of Paris, France.
Far more than a festival, GYF 2026 is thoughtfully designed as a transformative journey of leadership and global citizenship. Against the inspiring backdrop of Paris, the program is dedicated to cultivating vital global competencies, deepening cross-cultural empathy, and forging powerful, lifelong international networks. AYFN warmly invites passionate, forward-thinking youths from around the world to step onto the global stage and embark on an unforgettable journey that will profoundly shape their future leadership path.
Eligibility Requirements
- Open to youths aged 18 – 40 (exceptional candidates outside this range considered case by case).
- All nationalities welcome, with applications from underrepresented regions especially encouraged.
- No specific academic or professional background required.
- Able to communicate in English.
- Able to commit to the full four-day festival, 15 – 18 October 2026.
Core Objectives
- Global Thematic Immersion: Delegates engage deeply with today’s most pressing global issues, spanning eight core festival themes including climate action and environmental justice, peace and diplomacy, governance and civic participation, and technology and social innovation, all connected to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
- Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development: At the heart of GYF 2026 is a commitment to nurturing the potential of young changemakers, providing a supportive yet challenging environment where delegates can hone their leadership capabilities and significantly enhance their global readiness.
- Cultivating International Networking: The festival actively brings together a robust, diverse community of over 500 delegates from around the world, fostering meaningful, lifelong friendships and professional networks that extend well beyond the four days in Paris.
Participation Coverage
Please note that the Fully Funded Global Scholar, Partially Funded Scholar, and Festival Pass Scholar categories for GYF 2026 have officially concluded, with results already announced by HISA. Youths from all countries can still secure a confirmed seat at the festival through the guaranteed-admission tracks below.
Self-Funded Package — USD 499 (reduced from USD 790)
| Included | Excluded |
| Shared accommodation | International airfare |
| Visa support documentation | Personal expenses |
| Forum meals and daily breakfast | |
| Full forum and networking access | |
| Official HISA certification | |
| Forum merchandise | |
| Speaking opportunity |
Forum Access Pass — USD 299 (reduced from USD 550)
| Included | Excluded |
| Invitation letter and visa support | Accommodation |
| Forum meals | International airfare |
| Forum and networking access | Personal expenses |
| Official HISA certification | |
| Forum merchandise | |
| Speaking opportunity |
Visa Invitation Letter — USD 99
| Included | Excluded |
| Official forum invitation letter | Festival participation (available as a separate upgrade) |
| Visa documentation support | Accommodation |
| Embassy notification support | Airfare |
| Option to upgrade to a paid track later |
Event Details
| Location | Paris, France |
| Program Dates | 15 – 18 October 2026 |
| Organizer | Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance (HISA) |
Festival Highlights
- Eight Core Global Themes: From climate action and environmental justice to human rights, technology, and youth mental health, delegates choose sessions aligned with the causes they care most about, all connected to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
- A Truly Global Community: With over 500 delegates from more than 120 countries, GYF 2026 offers one of the most diverse international networking experiences available to young changemakers today.
- Six Years of Global Track Record: Building on previous editions in Washington DC, Sydney, Istanbul, and Cape Town, GYF 2026 brings HISA’s proven festival format to Paris for its most ambitious edition yet.
- Flexible Paid Participation Tracks: With three tiered self-funded packages — from a visa invitation letter to the full festival experience — GYF 2026 makes participation accessible and adaptable to different budgets and needs.
How to Apply
Ready to join the Global Youth Festival 2026 in Paris? As scholarship seats have officially closed, register directly through AYFN’s official partner link to secure your place in Paris this October.
