Youth Action Summit 2027 Berlin

The Youth Action Summit (YAS) 2027 is an international youth leadership gathering organised by the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement (CDA). The 2027 edition will take place in Berlin, Germany, from 11 to 14 January 2027 and follows the first Youth Action Summit held in Milan in 2025.

The summit is designed for young leaders, students, emerging policymakers, entrepreneurs, activists, civic innovators and other individuals interested in international affairs, leadership and positive community action. CDA states that the programme is expected to bring together more than 250 participants from over 125 countries.

Participants will take part in keynote sessions, leadership and negotiation workshops, expert panels, policy discussions, networking activities and collaborative action projects. Topics highlighted by the organiser include climate action, digital governance, peacebuilding, public policy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The programme also includes institutional and cultural activities in Berlin. Selected delegates may participate in networking receptions, summit meals, institutional visits and opportunities to interact with an international group of young professionals and changemakers.

Applicants should carefully distinguish between the three scholarship categories. Only the 50 fully funded seats include airfare support and visa-fee reimbursement. The partially funded and Forum Access packages provide different levels of financial support.

• Applicants must be 16–45 years old.
• Applications are open to all nationalities.
• Applicants from all educational backgrounds may apply.
• Students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, activists, community leaders and other young changemakers are eligible.
• Applicants should have a working knowledge of English.
• No minimum professional or leadership experience is required.
• Applicants should be interested in contributing to global dialogue, leadership and positive community action.
• Previous participation in an international conference is not stated as a requirement.

Fully Funded Scholarship – 50 Seats

• Round-trip airfare support
• Shared 4-star accommodation
• Visa support and official invitation letter
• Visa-fee reimbursement
• Embassy coordination for visa processing
• Visa-documentation guidance
• Institutional visits
• Full access to summit sessions and workshops
• Networking events
• Summit meals
• Official CDA certificate
• Delegate kit and official merchandise
• Speaking opportunities
• Networking with international delegates

Partially Funded Scholarship – 100 Seats

• Shared 4-star accommodation
• Visa support and official invitation letter
• Embassy coordination for visa processing
• Visa-documentation guidance
• Institutional visits
• Full summit and workshop access
• Networking activities
• Summit meals
• Official CDA certificate
• Delegate kit and merchandise
• Speaking opportunities

Forum Access – 100 Seats

• Visa support and official invitation letter
• Embassy coordination
• Visa-documentation guidance
• Institutional visits
• Access to summit sessions and workshops
• Networking events
• Summit meals
• Official certificate
• Delegate kit
• Speaking opportunities

• Recent headshot/profile photograph in JPG, JPEG or PNG format — required
• CV/résumé — available as an upload field but not marked mandatory on the current application form
• Personal and contact information
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Country of residence
• Motivation response of up to 250 words
• Short background response explaining current studies, work or community activities — up to 250 words
• Previous national or international conference details, if applicable
• LinkedIn profile or active social-media link, if available

The organiser states that scholarship seats are awarded based on the strength of the application. The application particularly asks candidates to demonstrate:

• Motivation for attending Youth Action Summit 2027
• Current academic, professional or community involvement
• Leadership experience
• Interest in creating positive change
• Quality and relevance of written application responses
• Alignment with the summit's leadership and civic-engagement objectives

Previous conference experience can be included but is not stated as mandatory.

• Develop practical leadership, negotiation and public-speaking skills.
• Engage with topics including governance, peacebuilding, climate action and the SDGs.
• Network with young leaders from a wide range of countries.
• Participate in international policy and leadership discussions.
• Gain cross-cultural experience in Berlin.
• Work on collaborative projects with international delegates.
• Receive an official certificate of participation.
• Build experience relevant to future leadership, academic and professional applications.