Registration Deadline : November 25, 2025

Dates : January 15–18, 2026

Location : Madrid, Spain

The Youth Global Forum (YGF) is an international gathering designed to bring together young leaders, thinkers and innovators from across the globe. Organized by the Centre for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL), this forum aims to engage youth in meaningful dialogue, action and collaboration around critical global issues.

As the world navigates challenges like AI disruption, climate change, economic disparity and threats to democratic values, YGF 2026 seeks to empower youth to create solutions and drive positive change globally.

The forum is aligned with key European Union youth frameworks, including:

• EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027

• EU Youth Dialogue

• European Youth Work Agenda

This forum continues CGDL’s mission to empower youth through action, policy, and leadership on a global stage. Under the theme, “Leading the Future: Dialogue, Action, and Impact in an Age of Uncertainty”, the Forum aims to address several issues including:

• Artificial Intelligence disruption

• Climate degradation and sustainability threats

• Economic instability and youth unemployment

• Erosion of democratic values and participation

• Mental health and wellbeing crises

• Peacebuilding and human rights protection

Who Should Apply?

They are inviting young leaders aged 16-45 from every part of the world. Ideal candidates could be:

• Youth advocates and civil society actors

• Social entrepreneurs and tech innovators

• Environmental activists and sustainability leaders

• Policy students, researchers, and educators

• Creatives and storytellers shaping global narratives

Participation Categories

They are offering the following number of seats:

• Scholarship based – competitive selection (30 Fully Funded | 40 Partially Funded)

• Guaranteed Seats – confirmation upon payment (30 Forum Admission | 50 Self Funded)

YGF 2026 is more than just speeches. If you can participate in this, you will have the valuable opportunity to engage in workshops & innovation labs to develop practical tools and strategies, policy roundtables & plenary sessions where youth voices help shape agendas, a $1,000 pitch competition for outstanding community project ideas, cultural exchanges & networking events to deepen connection across borders and simulated policy exercises replicating international decision-making forums.

Don’t miss opportunity to lead change and inspire creativity beyond boundaries!

Visit the official page for Youth Global Forum 2026 – Madrid, Spain for more information including the financial benefits the program covers.