Youth Leaders Summit 2026 in Italy

The Youth Leaders Summit 2026, or YLS 2026, is Ecovay’s international leadership conference scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy, from 10 to 13 December 2026. The programme is designed to bring together participants from different academic, professional and cultural backgrounds for leadership development and international exchange.

Over four days, delegates are expected to participate in leadership-development sessions, keynote addresses, interactive workshops, panel discussions, public-speaking opportunities, professional-development activities, cultural exchange and international networking. Ecovay describes the programme as combining leadership education, collaboration and cross-cultural learning.

The summit is not limited to university students. It is also open to graduates, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, volunteers, community leaders, social entrepreneurs, innovators, NGO representatives and youth advocates. Previous leadership experience is not stated as a requirement; the organiser says applicants with different levels of experience may apply.

There are 30 Fully Funded Scholarships and 50 Partially Funded Scholarships. Applicants submit one scholarship application, after which the Ecovay Selection Committee determines the scholarship category based on the application and available places. Separate Self Funded, Forum Access and Invitation Letter routes are also offered.

Ecovay describes itself as an organisation focused on youth leadership, global education, international conferences, cultural exchange and collaborative learning.

• Applicants must be aged 15–50 years at the time of application.
• Applicants from all nationalities are generally invited to apply.
• There is no specific academic field requirement.
• There is no specific degree-level requirement.
• Students, graduates and professionals may apply.
• Entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, volunteers, community leaders, social entrepreneurs, innovators, NGO representatives and youth advocates are among the listed eligible profiles.
• Previous leadership experience is not required.
• IELTS and TOEFL test scores are not required for the application.
• Scholarship selection is competitive rather than automatic.

Fully Funded Scholarship — 30 Places

• Round-trip airfare support
• Shared accommodation throughout the summit
• Meals during the event
• Full access to summit sessions and activities
• Official invitation letter
• Visa-support documentation
• Speaking opportunities
• Leadership Certificate
• Delegate Kit
• International networking opportunities

Partially Funded Scholarship — 50 Places

• Shared accommodation
• Meals throughout the summit
• Full summit access
• Official invitation letter
• Visa-support documentation
• Speaking opportunities
• Leadership Certificate
• Delegate Kit
• International networking opportunities

The current scholarship application form requests:

• Full name as shown on the applicant’s passport
• Email address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Nationality
• Country of residence
• Nearest airport
• Professional photograph in PNG, JPG or JPEG format, maximum 2 MB
• Motivation response of up to 250 words explaining why you want to attend YLS 2026 and how it relates to your personal or professional goals
• Agreement to the programme Terms & Conditions
• Payment and billing information for the application fee

The Ecovay Selection Committee states that applications are assessed using:

• Leadership potential
• Motivation and personal statement
• Academic or professional achievements
• Community involvement
• Vision for creating positive impact
• Overall quality of the application
• Merit and available scholarship places when allocating Fully Funded or Partially Funded awards

• Develop practical leadership and communication skills through interactive sessions.
• Gain public-speaking experience in an international setting.
• Participate in workshops, panels and collaborative activities.
• Meet students, professionals, entrepreneurs and emerging leaders from different countries.
• Build cross-cultural understanding through international exchange.
• Develop professional and international networks.
• Receive a Leadership Certificate after participation.
• Gain experience participating in a four-day international leadership programme in Milan.