Young Leaders Assembly 2027 in Saudi Arabia

The Young Leaders Assembly 2027 (YLA 2027) is an international leadership and diplomatic forum organised by the Sustainable Development League. It is scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 23 to 25 January 2027.

The Assembly aims to bring together emerging leaders, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators and changemakers from different countries to discuss contemporary global challenges and strengthen their leadership abilities.

Participants will have opportunities to engage in interactive discussions, leadership sessions, diplomatic dialogue and cross-cultural networking.

The programme focuses on four principal themes:

• A New Middle East: Diplomacy, normalisation and regional cooperation.

• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Power: Emerging technologies and their influence on global politics and security.

• Saudi Vision 2030: Youth-led economic transformation, entrepreneurship and innovation.

• Red Sea Geopolitics: International trade, regional connectivity and security.

The organiser offers competitive fully funded places alongside other participation categories. Applicants should understand that paying the application fee does not guarantee selection, funding or attendance.

• Applicants must be between 16 and 50 years old.

• Applications are open to individuals from around the world.

• Students, young leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers may apply.

• Applicants should be interested in leadership, community development, international cooperation or creating positive change.

• Previous experience in sustainability is not required.

• No specific university degree or minimum GPA is stated.

• No IELTS score or specific English-language qualification is stated.

• Applicants should be able to attend the event in Jeddah if selected.

Fully Funded Delegates

The organiser advertises the following benefits for selected fully funded participants:

• Round-trip airfare and travel coverage.

• Accommodation during the Assembly.

• Meals provided during the programme.

• Visa assistance and travel guidance.

• Access to Assembly sessions and leadership discussions.

• Certificate of participation.

• Official invitation letter.

• Assembly toolkit and merchandise.

• International networking opportunities.

• Opportunities to speak and exchange ideas.

• Exposure to mentorship and possible career opportunities.

• Cultural activities in Saudi Arabia.

Other Participation Categories

Partially Funded: The organiser advertises accommodation, event meals, participation recognition and other activities, but does not clearly specify how applicants access this category.

Direct Entrance (£499): Advertised package includes event access, accommodation, meals, participation certificate, merchandise and networking activities.

Forum Access (£199): Advertised package includes event access, invitation letter, certificate, merchandise and selected activities.

The official application instructions confirm or refer to the following:

• Completed online delegate application form.

• Applicant's personal and delegate information.

• Passport details or national identity document.

• Payment of the relevant application fee.

For successful applicants:

• Valid passport before international travel.

• Any additional documents requested by the organiser for attendance or travel.

The organiser confirms that funded delegates are selected by an official selection committee.

The publicly available instructions do not specify a detailed scoring rubric, GPA threshold or interview requirement.

The Assembly is intended for applicants interested in:

• Leadership and positive community change.

• International collaboration.

• Innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Diplomacy and global affairs.

• Sustainable development and social impact.

• Explore international leadership and diplomacy.

• Discuss artificial intelligence, economic transformation and regional security.

• Exchange ideas with participants from different countries.

• Strengthen public speaking and cross-cultural communication skills.

• Build international professional connections.

• Gain exposure to Saudi Arabia's culture and development initiatives.

• Participate in conversations about global challenges and youth-led solutions.