Youth Forum on UN Global Goals 2026 in Geneva

The Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026 is the second edition of an international youth forum organised by the Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD). It will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 14–17 December 2026 and is designed for participants aged 15–45 from all nationalities and educational backgrounds.

The 2026 theme is Sustainable Development, Peace & Global Cooperation. The programme is structured around the UN Sustainable Development Goals, youth-led development, peacebuilding and social cohesion, inclusive growth, international partnerships, leadership and mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Across the four days, delegates are expected to participate in keynote sessions, policy discussions, leadership and mediation workshops, cultural exchange, networking, youth-led initiative presentations and the development of a closing youth declaration. The indicative programme also includes one institutional visit to the UN, WTO, WHO or CERN, although the specific institution remains to be confirmed. The forum is intentionally open to a wide range of applicants, including students, researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs, activists, public servants and legal professionals. No specific academic field is required.

CGAD offers 80 scholarship places across three categories: 15 Fully Funded, 15 Partially Funded and 50 Funded Forum Access seats. A single scholarship application is considered across all three funded tiers. Importantly, this programme should not be presented as a United Nations conference. CGAD explicitly states that YFGG is independently organised and is not an official UN event.

• Applicants must be between 15 and 45 years old.
• Applicants from all nationalities may apply.
• There is no specific academic discipline requirement.
• Undergraduate students may apply.
• Postgraduate students may apply.
• Researchers may apply.
• Professionals and entrepreneurs may apply.
• Youth leaders and activists may apply.
• Policymakers, lawyers, judges and public-sector applicants may apply.
• Applicants interested in the SDGs, development, diplomacy, mediation and peace are encouraged to apply.
• The official working language of the forum is English, although CGAD does not state a formal IELTS, TOEFL or other English-test requirement.

Fully Funded Category

• Forum/conference participation.
• Airfare support.
• Twin-shared accommodation.
• Visa invitation letter.
• Meals during the forum.
• Forum materials and delegate kit.
• Cultural exchange activities.
• Speaking opportunity.
• Access to workshops and sessions.
• Institutional visit to the UN, WTO, WHO or CERN — one institution, subject to confirmation.
• Official CGAD Certificate of Participation.

Partially Funded Category

• Twin-shared accommodation.
• Visa invitation letter.
• Meals during the forum.
• Forum materials and delegate kit.
• Cultural activities.
• Speaking opportunity.
• Workshop and session access.
• Institutional visit.
• Official CGAD certificate.
• Airfare must be arranged by the participant.

Funded Forum Access

• Forum programme costs covered.
• Visa invitation letter.
• Meals during the forum.
• Forum materials and delegate kit.
• Cultural activities.
• Networking opportunities.
• Workshops and sessions.
• Institutional visit.
• Official CGAD certificate.
• Participant arranges airfare and accommodation.

The current official scholarship application form requests:

• Personal information.
• Date of birth.
• Country.
• Email and phone details.
• A response of up to 250 words explaining the challenge/topic the applicant focuses on and why YFGG is relevant.
• A response of up to 250 words describing the applicant’s impact or initiative and intended next step after YFGG.
• Recent headshot photograph in PNG, JPG or JPEG format, maximum 1 MB.
• Acceptance of the programme Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and Refund Policy.
• Payment information for the scholarship application fee.

CGAD states that funded delegates are assessed on:

• Strength of the application.
• Quality of the motivation statement.
• Leadership experience or leadership potential.
• Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Commitment to development and peace.
• Diversity.
• Global representation.

• Participate in international discussions on the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Develop leadership, diplomacy and mediation skills.
• Connect with youth leaders and professionals from different countries.
• Gain practical exposure to SDG-focused policy dialogue.
• Participate in workshops, panels and cultural exchange.
• Present ideas and initiatives to an international audience.
• Build networks for future collaboration.
• Receive an official CGAD participation certificate.
• Experience Geneva’s international-policy environment.