GENEVA, SWITZERLAND (GNP): The Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD) is now accepting applications for the Youth Forum on UN Global Goals 2026 (YFGG 2026), a four-day international event set to run in Geneva, Switzerland, from 14 to 17 December 2026.
Bringing young leaders together, Organisers plan to welcome 160 young delegates of any nationality, among them students, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators and civil-society practitioners, as well as emerging leaders. Over the four days, participants will take part in plenary sessions, workshops, visits and meetings with institutions, networking, and youth-led discussions on sustainable development, global cooperation and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Six themes, The programme is organised around six 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).
Following the Istanbul Youth Declaration, The inaugural Youth Forum on UN Global Goals took place in Istanbul, Türkiye, in April 2026 and drew young leaders from around the world. It ended with participants signing the Istanbul Youth Declaration, which expressed their joint commitment to sustainable development, international cooperation and action led by young people.
Momentum from Porto, CGAD also wrapped up the inaugural Global Youth Impact Summit (GYIS) in Porto, Portugal, earlier this month. International youth leaders and stakeholders attended, and the summit closed with the adoption of the Porto Youth Declaration, adding to CGAD’s work on encouraging young people to take part in global dialogue and in finding shared solutions to international problems.
How to apply, Eligible applicants of all nationalities can apply through the official platform at thecgad.org/yfgg until Sunday, 18 October 2026. Places are being confirmed on a rolling basis, so those who need a Schengen visa are advised to apply early. More details on participation can be found on the website.
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Dialogue and action in Geneva, The programme blends expert discussions, youth leadership activities, networking, engagement with institutions, cultural exchange and joint work towards a youth declaration. As a leading hub for diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, Geneva offers participants a valuable setting in which to meet international institutions and fellow emerging leaders.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
