Join emerging leaders at the Youth Global Forum 2026 in Madrid for powerful workshops, networking, and global innovation sessions.
Get set for an extraordinary event—moment by moment, the excitement is building. Stay tuned!
The world is undergoing rapid transformation—from breakthroughs in artificial intelligence to rising climate threats, youth unemployment, and increasing global uncertainty. These shifts bring both extraordinary opportunities and complex challenges for the next generation.
Youth Global Forum 2026 is a unique international platform that unites young changemakers from across the world to explore, debate, and design the future they want to lead. Organized by the Centre for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL), an independent Canadian public policy institute, the forum empowers youth through meaningful participation, policy engagement, and leadership development.
Aligned with major European Union youth frameworks, including:
EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027
EU Youth Dialogue
European Youth Work Agenda
The forum continues CGDL’s mission to elevate youth voices and equip emerging leaders to drive innovation, action, and impact at a global scale.
Explore the central themes that guide the forum’s discussions, workshops, and youth-led initiatives.
How AI is transforming jobs, society, and human identity.
Emerging economic pressures and pathways for youth empowerment.
Understanding global mental health challenges and support systems.
Addressing environmental risks and building a greener future.
Safeguarding civic engagement and strengthening democratic resilience.
Promoting global peace, justice, and protection of fundamental rights.
Become part of a global movement shaping the future. Gain skills, build networks, and experience the cultural and political heartbeat of Madrid.
Choose the plan that fits your goals—whether you want full funding, priority invitation, or a self-funded option. Each plan offers access to a complete research and learning experience.
Discover the powerful gatherings, workshops, and leadership initiatives coming your way. Each event is carefully crafted to equip young changemakers with skills, networks, and opportunities to lead impactful change in their communities and beyond.
Everything you need to know about attending, applying, partnering, and getting involved with Global Youth Conference 2026.
Young leaders aged 16–45 from any country are welcome to apply, including activists, students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives.
No. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Passion, motivation, and interest in global issues are the key criteria.
The fully funded award covers round-trip airfare, 4-star shared accommodation, visa support, meals, forum access, certificate, networking events, and more.
No. Fully funded seats follow a competitive selection process. Only the self-funded package offers guaranteed admission on a first-come basis.
Self-funded participants receive airfare, hotel stay, visa support, meals, merchandise, full forum access, certificate, and participation in all cultural and networking events.
Participants engage in policy dialogues, cultural exchange, workshops, innovation labs, a $1,000 pitch competition, policy simulations, and networking with youth and experts from 100+ countries.
