Young Political Economy Forum Hong Kong 2026

The Young Political Economy Forum Hong Kong 2026 is an Asia-focused international gathering organised by the Centre for International Political Economy Studies (CIPES).
The forum is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from 27 to 29 November 2026, with the main forum day on 28 November.
YPEF brings together young leaders, students, academics, entrepreneurs, researchers and professionals from around the world to explore major economic and social changes through the interconnected disciplines of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE).
The programme is structured around six themes: the Future of the Global Economy, Cities of the Future, the Future of Work, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, the Digital Economy, and Sustainable Growth & Future Prosperity.
Participants will take part in academic sessions, comparative discussions, workshops, field visits and networking activities. The programme is designed to encourage participants from different countries and backgrounds to compare perspectives on global economic and societal challenges.
CIPES states that the forum is being organised in collaboration with The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, whose PPE programme provides the academic context for the programme.
The published programme schedule is currently provisional and may be updated by the organisers before the event.

• Applicants must be between 16 and 40 years old.
• Applicants from all countries are eligible.
• Emerging youth leaders may apply.
• University students may apply.
• Young professionals may apply.
• Academics may apply.
• Entrepreneurs may apply.
• Researchers may apply.
• Applicants should have an interest in the future of the global economy and the interdisciplinary areas represented by Politics, Philosophy and Economics.

Fully Funded Scholarships – 10 Awards

• Accommodation during the forum.
• Reception dinner.
• Two international meals per day.
• Full forum access and participation.
• Local transportation.
• Certificate of participation.
• Airfare support ranging from US$300 to US$1,000 depending on the participant’s country of residence and actual travel costs.
• If an economy-class ticket costs less than US$300, the full ticket cost will be covered.
• Participation in programme modules and activities.
• Visa invitation support where required.

Partially Funded Scholarships – 20 Awards

• 50% reduction in the self-financed participation fee.

Additional Financial Support

Further financial assistance may be considered on a case-by-case basis according to factors including academic and professional merit, financial need, leadership potential and overall application strength.

Self-Funded Residential Route

The official page currently lists an early-bird price of US$599 per delegate, reduced from US$899, including:

• Three nights’ accommodation.
• Meals throughout the programme.
• Networking gala.
• Six programme modules and workshops.
• Field visits.
• Mentorship.
• Certificate of participation.
• Hong Kong visa invitation support.

Forum Access Route

The forum-access route is listed at US$200 and includes:

• Programme modules.
• Workshops.
• Field visits.
• Mentorship.
• Meals during sessions.
• Visa support.
• Certificate of participation.

Accommodation is not included in the Forum Access route.

The current online registration form requests information and documents including:

• Full name as shown on passport.
• Passport ID/details.
• Passport copy.
• Profile photograph.
• Contact information.
• Nationality.
• Date of birth.
• Education information.
• Degree and specialisation information where applicable.
• University/institution information.
• CV/résumé.
• Professional and personal experience information.
• Volunteering experience where applicable.
• Personal statement explaining why the applicant wants to join the programme.
• Additional information requested according to the selected participation route.

Funding and financial assistance may be assessed according to:

• Academic merit.
• Professional merit.
• Financial need.
• Leadership potential.
• Overall application strength.
• Review and approval by the Scholarship Committee.

For fully funded places, the organisers specifically state that scholarships are limited and awarded based on academic merit and demonstrated leadership.

Strong scholarship candidates may also be invited for a short interview.

• Explore global issues through Politics, Philosophy and Economics.
• Discuss the future of the global economy with participants from different countries.
• Develop comparative perspectives on economic and social challenges.
• Participate in workshops and interactive discussions.
• Build an international network of students, professionals, academics and entrepreneurs.
• Explore themes including digital economies, innovation and the future of work.
• Gain exposure to Hong Kong as a major international financial centre.
• Receive a certificate of participation after completing the programme.
• Access potential mentorship and further engagement with the CIPES network.