The Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals (YFGG) 2026 is a four-day, in-person international youth forum scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 14–17, 2026. Organized by the Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD), the forum is designed for young people aged 15–45 from all nationalities and educational backgrounds.
The forum offers several participation categories, including Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Funded Forum Access, Self-Funded, and Forum Access options.
What Is the Youth Forum Switzerland 2026?
The Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026 is an international forum centered on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), youth leadership, peacebuilding, diplomacy, mediation, and global cooperation.
The second edition of the forum will bring together students, researchers, professionals, entrepreneurs, activists, youth leaders, policymakers, lawyers, judges, and other changemakers in Geneva. The 2026 theme is “Sustainable Development, Peace & Global Cooperation.” Its program is built around six major areas: 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).
Importantly, YFGG is an independent international youth forum organized by CGAD. Although it is inspired by the UN SDGs and uses UN-style dialogue, it is not an official United Nations event.
Youth Forum Switzerland 2026 Program Details
Here are the key details you should know before applying:
- Program: Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026 – 2nd Edition
- Host Organization: Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD)
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Dates: December 14–17, 2026
- Duration: 4 days
- Format: In-person
- Age Requirement: 15–45 years
- Nationality: All nationalities
- Academic Background: All educational backgrounds
- Working Language: English
- Theme: Sustainable Development, Peace & Global Cooperation
The official website currently states that the forum has 160 delegate places across five categories, providing applicants with several ways to participate.
Why Is Geneva, Switzerland Important for This Youth Forum?
Geneva is internationally recognized as a major center for diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and international organizations. Holding a youth forum in Geneva, Switzerland allows participants to experience a city closely associated with global policy and international cooperation.
Geneva is home to or associated with institutions including the United Nations Office at Geneva, World Health Organization (WHO), World Trade Organization (WTO), and CERN. The YFGG program includes an institutional visit to one of these organizations, with the specific destination to be confirmed.
For young people interested in international development, diplomacy, peacebuilding, law, science, or the Sustainable Development Goals, Geneva provides a particularly relevant setting.
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Youth Forum Switzerland 2026 Funding Categories
One of the main attractions of YFGG 2026 is its range of funding and participation options.
1. Fully Funded Category
The Fully Funded category is designed for selected applicants who want comprehensive support for participating in the forum.
The official package includes:
- Round airfare support
- Twin-sharing accommodation
- Visa invitation letter
- Meals during the forum
- Forum materials and delegate kit
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunity
- Workshop and session access
- Institutional visit to UN, WTO, WHO, or CERN
- Official CGAD certificate
The official FAQ currently lists 15 Fully Funded seats. Selection is based on factors such as the strength of the application, motivation, leadership potential, commitment to the SDGs and peace, and diversity.
2. Partially Funded Category
The Partially Funded category provides another opportunity for applicants who want to attend the fully organized forum but can arrange their own airfare.
According to the official information, this package includes:
- Twin-sharing accommodation,
- A visa invitation letter, meals,
- Forum materials, cultural activities,
- Speaking opportunities,
- Workshops,
- The institutional visit,
- And an official certificate.
- Airfare is arranged by the delegate.
There are currently 15 Partially Funded seats.
3. Funded Forum Access
The Funded Forum Access category focuses on participation in the program itself.
Benefits include:
- Visa invitation letter
- Meals during the forum
- Forum materials
- Cultural exchange
- Global networking
- Workshop and session access
- Institutional visit
- Official CGAD certificate
Under this option, airfare and accommodation are arranged by the delegate. The official page lists 50 Funded Forum Access seats.
What Are the Benefits of the Youth Forum Switzerland 2026?
Participating in an international fully funded forum can offer benefits beyond simply attending a conference.
Participants can develop leadership and communication skills while interacting with people from different countries and professional backgrounds. The forum also provides opportunities to discuss the UN Global Goals, sustainable development, peacebuilding, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
Other potential benefits include:
- International networking
- Youth leadership development
- Exposure to global policy discussions
- SDG-focused workshops
- Mediation and ADR training
- Cultural exchange
- Speaking opportunities
- Collaboration with other young changemakers
- Institutional exposure
- Official CGAD participation certificate
The program is designed to be interactive rather than simply lecture-based. Participants can take part in panels, workshops, networking sessions, cultural activities, and youth-led initiative discussions.
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What Will Participants Do During the Four-Day Forum?
The indicative program begins on December 14, 2026, with delegate registration, the opening ceremony, a keynote session, introductions, and a networking reception.
The second day focuses on dialogue and diplomacy, including discussions about the SDGs, peacebuilding, social cohesion, mediation, ADR, inclusive growth, and global partnerships.
On the third day, participants are expected to take part in an institutional visit to one of the UN, WTO, WHO, or CERN, alongside a Geneva city tour and youth-led initiative activities.
The final day focuses on converting global goals into local action, developing a closing youth declaration, reflections, and the certificate ceremony. The organizers note that the program is indicative and subject to confirmation.
Who Can Apply for Youth Forum Switzerland 2026?
The YFGG 2026 application is open to a broad range of applicants.
Eligible participants can include:
- Students
- Undergraduate and postgraduate researchers
- Young professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Social entrepreneurs
- Youth leaders
- Activists
- Community organizers
- Policymakers
- Lawyers
- Judges
- Other changemakers
Applicants must be between 15 and 45 years old, and the program is open to applicants from all countries. No specific academic degree or field of study is required.
The official working language of the forum is English.
Application Fee: $15.99 for the scholarship categories
How to Apply for Youth Forum Switzerland 2026?
The application process is completed through the official YFGG application portal.
Generally, applicants should:
Visit the official YFGG application page.
Review the available funding and participation categories.
Complete the online application form.
Provide accurate personal and educational or professional information.
Explain your motivation and interest in the Global Goals.
Pay the applicable application fee.
Submit the application before the deadline.
According to the official website, one application covers the three scholarship tiers—Fully Funded, Partially Funded, and Funded Forum Access—and applicants are ranked according to merit.
Youth Forum Switzerland 2026 Application Deadline
Application Deadline: October 18, 2026
If you are interested in this international youth forum, it is advisable to prepare your application early. Give yourself enough time to write a strong motivation statement and check all information before submitting your application.
Why Should You Apply for This Fully Funded Forum in Switzerland?
The Youth Forum on UN Global Goals 2026 may be particularly valuable for students and young professionals who want international exposure without limiting their experience to a traditional academic program.
The opportunity combines leadership development, SDG discussions, networking, cultural exchange, diplomacy, and exposure to Geneva's international environment.
For applicants interested in sustainable development, international relations, psychology, law, entrepreneurship, social impact, policymaking, or community development, the forum can also provide a platform to meet people working in different fields.
However, applicants should carefully review the funding conditions before applying, particularly the distinction between airfare support, accommodation, and the different participation categories.
Final Thoughts
The Youth Forum Switzerland 2026 is an international youth forum taking place in Geneva from December 14–17, 2026. Organized by the Council for Global Affairs & Development, the four-day event focuses on the UN Global Goals, sustainable development, peacebuilding, diplomacy, youth leadership, and global cooperation.
With Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Funded Forum Access, Self-Funded, and Forum Access options, applicants have multiple ways to participate. The eligibility criteria are broad, with applicants aged 15–45 from all nationalities and educational backgrounds able to apply.
If this fully funded forum in Geneva matches your interests and profile, review the official requirements carefully and submit your application before October 18, 2026.
