Geneva, Switzerland | 14–17 December 2026
160 young delegates from all nationalities expected to participate in a global platform for youth leadership, sustainable development and international cooperation
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — 18 September 2026 — The Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD) has officially announced the opening of applications for the Youth Forum on UN Global Goals 2026 (YFGG 2026), a four-day international youth forum scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 14 to 17 December 2026.
A GLOBAL GATHERING FOR YOUTH LEADERS. The forum is expected to bring together 160 young delegates from all nationalities, including young leaders, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators and civil-society practitioners. Participants will engage in plenary sessions, workshops, institutional engagement, networking and youth-led dialogue on sustainable development, global cooperation and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
FOCUSING ON SHARED GLOBAL PRIORITIES. YFGG 2026 will address six thematic pillars: the UN Sustainable Development Goals; Youth-Led Sustainable Development; Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion; Inclusive Growth and Global Partnerships; Leadership for Resilient Futures; and Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
BUILDING ON THE ISTANBUL YOUTH DECLARATION. The first edition of the Youth Forum on UN Global Goals was held in Istanbul, Türkiye, in April 2026, bringing together young leaders from across the globe. The gathering concluded with the signing of the historic Istanbul Youth Declaration, reflecting the shared commitment of participating youth to sustainable development, international cooperation and youth-led action.
CONTINUING MOMENTUM THROUGH GYIS PORTO. Earlier this month, CGAD also concluded the first edition of the Global Youth Impact Summit (GYIS) in Porto, Portugal. The summit brought together international youth leaders and stakeholders and culminated in the adoption of the Porto Youth Declaration, further strengthening CGAD’s efforts to promote youth participation in global dialogue and collaborative solutions to international challenges.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN. Applications are open to eligible participants from all nationalities and will close on Sunday, 18 October 2026. Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official platform at thecgad.org/yfgg. Places are confirmed on a rolling basis, and applicants requiring a Schengen visa are encouraged to apply early. Further participation information is available on the official website.A PLATFORM FOR DIALOGUE AND ACTION. The four-day programme will combine expert discussions, youth leadership activities, networking opportunities, institutional engagement, cultural exchange and collaborative work toward a youth declaration. Geneva’s position as a major centre of international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation will provide an important setting for participants to connect with international institutions and fellow emerging leaders.
