Program Overview
AYFN Academy is proud to bring youth from around the world an extraordinary international opportunity through its official partnership with the Center for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL): the Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2026. Now in its second edition, this distinguished global forum convenes 250 young leaders and changemakers from around the world for four transformative days in Geneva, Switzerland, one of the world’s most influential centers of international diplomacy.
Far more than a conference, YEF 2026 is thoughtfully designed as an immersive leadership journey. Set against the historic backdrop of the United Nations’ European headquarters, the forum is dedicated to cultivating diplomatic competencies, deepening global awareness, and forging powerful international networks. AYFN warmly invites passionate, forward-thinking youths from around the world to represent their nations on this prestigious global stage and embark on a journey that will profoundly shape their future leadership path.
Eligibility Requirements
- Open to all nationalities, with applicants aged 16 – 46.
- Passionate about global affairs, diplomacy, technology and innovation, peacebuilding, or humanitarian work.
- Able to communicate in English.
Core Objectives
- Global Diplomatic Exposure: Participants gain a profound, firsthand understanding of multilateral diplomacy and global governance through structured policy dialogues and expert-led workshops, moving beyond textbook learning into direct engagement with the mechanisms that shape international cooperation.
- Institutional Access and Real-World Learning: Delegates step inside two of the world’s most significant diplomatic institutions through guided study visits to the United Nations Headquarters at the Palais des Nations and the World Trade Organization, gaining rare insight into how global decisions are made.
- Cultivating International Networking: The forum brings together a dynamic, diverse community of delegates from around the world, fostering lifelong friendships and professional networks that extend far beyond the four days of the program, alongside the chance to compete for a 1,000 USD SDG Impact Grant for a delegate-led community project.
Participation Coverage
Please note that the Fully Funded and Partially Funded scholarship categories for YEF 2026 have officially concluded, with results already announced by CGDL. Youths from all countries can still secure a confirmed seat at the forum through the guaranteed-admission tracks below.
Self-Funded Track — USD 849
| Included | Excluded |
|
|
Forum Access Track — USD 549
| Included | Excluded |
|
|
Visa Invitation Letter — USD 99
| Included | Excluded |
|
|
Event Details
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland (Mercure Hotel) |
| Program Dates | 3 – 6 September 2026 |
| Organizer | Center for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL) |
Forum Highlights
- Two Distinct Leadership Tracks: Delegates choose between the Global Governance and Diplomatic Leadership track or the Global Institutions and International Cooperation track, each combining policy simulations, expert panels, and dedicated institutional visits tailored to their area of interest.
- A Rare Look Inside the United Nations: Through a guided visit to the Palais des Nations, delegates walk the same halls where major multilateral negotiations take place, transforming abstract diplomatic concepts into a vivid, tangible experience.
- Understanding Global Trade at the WTO: A dedicated study visit to the World Trade Organization headquarters gives delegates a firsthand look at how international trade policy is shaped and negotiated on the world stage.
- A Global Community of Changemakers: Beyond the formal program, delegates connect with 250 peers from around the world through networking receptions and cultural exchange moments, building a truly international circle of future leaders.
How to Apply
Ready to join the Youth Empowerment Forum 2026? As funded seats have officially closed, register directly through AYFN’s official partner link to secure your place in Geneva this September.
