Applications are available for the Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, an international four-day youth forum bringing together participants interested in sustainable development, peacebuilding, diplomacy, global cooperation and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The in-person forum will take place in Geneva from December 14–17, 2026 and is open to applicants aged 15–45 from all nationalities and educational backgrounds.
Organized by the Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD), YFGG Geneva 2026 offers several participation categories, including Fully Funded, Partially Funded and Funded Forum Access opportunities.
According to the organizer, there are 80 scholarship awards across the three funded categories, comprising 15 Fully Funded seats, 15 Partially Funded seats and 50 Funded Forum Access seats.
Applicants submit one scholarship application and are considered across all three scholarship tiers based on merit. The scholarship application carries a non-refundable US$15.99 application fee, and payment does not guarantee selection.
Importantly, YFGG is not an official United Nations event. It is an independent international youth forum organized by CGAD and inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Youth Forum on UN Global Goals 2026 |
| Abbreviation | YFGG 2026 |
| Organizer | Council for Global Affairs & Development |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Dates | December 14–17, 2026 |
| Format | In person |
| Duration | 4 days |
| Age Requirement | 15–45 years |
| Nationalities | All nationalities |
| Academic Background | Any educational background |
| Working Language | English |
| Total Delegates | 160 |
| Fully Funded | 15 seats |
| Partially Funded | 15 seats |
| Funded Forum Access | 50 seats |
| Self-Funded | 40 seats |
| Forum Access | 40 passes |
| Scholarship Application Fee | US$15.99 |
| Main Themes | SDGs, peacebuilding, leadership, diplomacy, mediation, global cooperation |
| Certificate | CGAD Certificate of Participation |
| UN Affiliation | Independent forum; not an official UN event |
What Is the Youth Forum on UN Global Goals?
The Youth Forum on UN Global Goals is an international youth conference designed to connect global policy discussions with youth-led and grassroots action.
The 2026 Geneva edition aims to bring together young changemakers from different countries, professions and educational backgrounds to explore how the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals can be translated into practical initiatives.
The forum is particularly focused on:
- Sustainable development
- Peacebuilding
- Social cohesion
- Youth leadership
- Global cooperation
- Inclusive growth
- Diplomacy
- Mediation
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- International partnerships
Participants are expected to take part in workshops, discussions, networking activities and other interactive sessions during the four-day programme.
Is YFGG an Official United Nations Event?
No.
This distinction is particularly important for prospective applicants.
The organizer explicitly states that the Youth Forum on UN Global Goals is an independent international youth forum inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
It is organized by the Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD) and is not an official United Nations event.
References to the United Nations and the SDGs describe the forum’s thematic framework and proposed activities rather than institutional sponsorship by the UN.
Applicants should therefore not describe participation as attending an official United Nations conference.
Why Is YFGG 2026 Being Held in Geneva?
Geneva is one of the world’s major centres for international diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
The city hosts major international institutions, including the:
- United Nations Office at Geneva
- World Health Organization
- World Trade Organization
CERN is also located in the Geneva region.
CGAD says the Geneva setting is intended to provide a relevant environment for discussions about diplomacy, mediation, international cooperation and sustainable development.
YFGG Geneva 2026 Theme
The central theme of the 2026 forum is:
Sustainable Development, Peace & Global Cooperation
The programme is organized around six connected pillars.
1. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 SDGs provide the broad framework for sessions, workshops and dialogue throughout the forum.
2. Youth-Led Sustainable Development
Participants will explore initiatives developed and led by young people, ranging from community-level projects to international programmes.
3. Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion
Sessions are expected to address:
- Tolerance
- Peaceful solutions
- Intercultural understanding
- Community cohesion
4. Inclusive Growth and Global Partnerships
The forum will examine economic participation and international cooperation with an emphasis on inclusive development.
5. Leadership for Resilient Futures
Participants can develop skills connected with:
- Diplomacy
- Critical thinking
- Leadership
- Policy dialogue
6. Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) form a distinctive component of the YFGG programme.
Participants are expected to receive practical exposure to mediation and dispute-resolution concepts.
Who Can Apply for YFGG Geneva 2026?
Eligibility is deliberately broad.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between:
15 and 45 years old.
This allows participation from school-age changemakers through to established professionals.
Nationality
The programme is open to:
All nationalities.
CGAD says diversity and global representation are considered during selection.
Educational Background
There is no specific academic discipline required.
Applicants can come from different educational and professional backgrounds.
Potential participants include:
- Students
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Researchers
- Professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Social entrepreneurs
- Youth leaders
- Activists
- Community organizers
- Policymakers
- Lawyers
- Judges
- Public servants
Candidates interested in sustainable development, peace, diplomacy and international cooperation are particularly relevant.
Do You Need a University Degree?
No.
The organizer states that no specific educational qualification or academic background is required.
This makes the programme accessible to candidates at different stages of education and professional development.
Applicants are instead expected to demonstrate motivation, ideas, leadership potential and commitment to issues related to the SDGs, development and peace.
Language Requirements
The official working language of YFGG 2026 is:
English.
The organizer states that no other language is compulsory.
The supplied programme information does not specify a standardized English-language test such as IELTS or TOEFL.
How Many Funded Seats Are Available?
The organizer’s detailed FAQ lists 80 scholarship awards across three categories:
- 15 Fully Funded seats
- 15 Partially Funded seats
- 50 Funded Forum Access seats
In addition, there are:
- 40 Self-Funded seats
- 40 Forum Access passes
This creates several different routes for participating in the Geneva forum.
YFGG Fully Funded Scholarship
The Fully Funded category provides the most comprehensive financial support.
According to CGAD, the package includes:
- Forum/conference registration
- Airfare support
- Twin-shared accommodation
- Visa invitation letter
- Meals during the forum
- Forum materials and delegate kit
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunity
- Workshop and session access
- Institutional visit
- Official CGAD Certificate of Participation
Important Airfare Clarification
The programme page uses both “round airfare support” and, in its FAQ, clarifies that full international airfare is not necessarily included unless explicitly mentioned.
The safest interpretation is therefore that selected Fully Funded delegates receive airfare support, rather than assuming that every recipient’s entire international airfare will automatically be paid.
Applicants should obtain confirmation from CGAD regarding the exact airfare arrangement applicable to their award before making travel commitments.
Partially Funded Category
The Partially Funded package covers the participant’s stay and programme participation but requires the delegate to arrange airfare.
Benefits listed include:
- Twin-shared accommodation
- Visa invitation letter
- Meals during the forum
- Forum materials and delegate kit
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunity
- Workshop and session access
- Institutional visit
- Official CGAD certificate
Airfare is arranged by the delegate.
Funded Forum Access
The Funded Forum Access category covers programme participation but does not include airfare or accommodation.
The package includes:
- Visa invitation letter
- Meals during the forum
- Forum materials and delegate kit
- Cultural exchange activities
- Global networking
- Workshops and sessions
- Institutional visit
- Official CGAD certificate
Recipients must arrange their own:
- International travel
- Accommodation
One Scholarship Application for Three Categories
Applicants do not need to submit separate scholarship applications for the three funded tiers.
According to CGAD, one scholarship application automatically places a candidate under consideration for:
- Fully Funded
- Partially Funded
- Funded Forum Access
Candidates are ranked on merit.
This means someone who is not selected for a Fully Funded place could potentially still be considered for another funded participation category.
Scholarship Application Fee
The scholarship application fee is:
US$15.99
The fee applies to the scholarship application covering the Fully Funded, Partially Funded and Funded Forum Access categories.
The organizer clearly states that the fee is:
Non-refundable.
Paying the application fee also does not guarantee selection.
Applicants should take this into account before submitting payment.
How Are Fully Funded Participants Selected?
CGAD states that scholarship selection considers:
- Strength of the application
- Motivation statement
- Leadership experience
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to the SDGs
- Commitment to development
- Interest in peace
- Diversity
- Global representation
Applicants should therefore focus on demonstrating what they have already done as well as what they hope to gain from the forum.
What Should You Emphasize in Your Application?
A competitive application should clearly explain your connection to the programme.
For example, candidates may discuss:
- Community projects
- Volunteer activities
- SDG initiatives
- Youth leadership
- Advocacy
- Research
- Entrepreneurship
- Peacebuilding activities
- Environmental initiatives
- Education projects
- Social-impact work
- Policy interests
Applicants without extensive professional experience can still demonstrate potential through school, university, community or volunteer activities.
YFGG 2026 Programme Schedule
The organizer describes the programme as indicative and subject to confirmation.
This qualification is important because specific sessions and institutional visits may change.
Day 1 – December 14, 2026
Arrival and Opening
Activities are expected to include:
- Delegate registration
- Welcome-kit collection
- Opening ceremony
- CGAD welcome address
- Keynote on youth and the Global Goals
- Delegate introductions
- Country roll call
- Welcome reception
- Networking dinner
Day 2 – December 15, 2026
Dialogue and Diplomacy
Planned activities include:
- SDG plenary
- Peacebuilding and social-cohesion panel
- Mediation and ADR workshop
- Inclusive-growth breakout sessions
- Partnership discussions
- Cultural exchange
Day 3 – December 16, 2026
Institutions and Geneva
The indicative programme includes:
- Institutional visit
- Geneva city tour
- Youth initiative pitches
- Partnership roundtables
- Networking
Day 4 – December 17, 2026
Impact and Closing
The final day is expected to include:
- Global Goals to local action workshop
- Closing youth declaration
- Final plenary
- Delegate reflections
- Certificate ceremony
- Official group photograph
- Farewell dinner
Institutional Visit: Important Clarification
The programme lists an institutional visit to one of the UN, WTO, WHO or CERN, subject to confirmation.
Applicants should therefore not assume that participation guarantees visits to all four organizations.
The organizer describes the institutional visit as:
UN, WTO, WHO or CERN – one, to be confirmed.
The final institution may therefore depend on programme arrangements and availability.
Activities at YFGG Geneva 2026
Participants can expect activities such as:
- Geneva city tour
- Cultural exchange
- SDG workshops
- Development workshops
- Peacebuilding discussions
- Panel discussions
- Networking sessions
- Idea-sharing activities
- Mediation and ADR training
- Youth initiative pitches
- International collaboration
The forum is designed to emphasize active participation rather than passive attendance.
Certificate of Participation
Participants receive an official Certificate of Participation issued by CGAD.
This should not be described as a United Nations certificate.
The certificate comes from the Council for Global Affairs & Development, the organization running the forum.
Self-Funded Package
Candidates who do not want to compete for scholarship selection can purchase a Self-Funded place.
The listed price is:
US$849
There are 40 Self-Funded seats.
The package includes:
- Forum registration
- Twin-shared accommodation
- Visa invitation letter
- Meals
- Speaking opportunity
- Forum materials
- Cultural exchange
- Workshop and session access
- Institutional visit
- CGAD Certificate of Participation
This category offers direct booking rather than scholarship selection.
Forum Access Pass
The Forum Access package costs:
US$449
There are 40 passes.
It includes:
- Access to forum sessions
- Visa invitation letter
- Panel participation
- Speaking opportunities
- Networking
- Meals
- Cultural exchange
- Institutional visit
- CGAD certificate
Accommodation must be arranged by the delegate.
Visa Invitation Letter
CGAD also advertises a standalone invitation-letter service for:
US$99
The package includes:
- QR-code stamped CGAD invitation letter
- Official confirmation letter
- Confirmation email to the embassy
- Visa application guidance
- Option to upgrade
Does an Invitation Letter Guarantee a Swiss Visa?
No.
CGAD explicitly states that visa approval remains at the discretion of the relevant embassy.
An invitation letter can support an application, but it does not guarantee:
- Visa approval
- Entry into Switzerland
- Faster visa processing
Applicants remain responsible for satisfying Swiss immigration requirements.
Why Attend YFGG Geneva 2026?
The organizer identifies several potential benefits.
Participants can:
- Participate in international dialogue
- Discuss the Sustainable Development Goals
- Develop leadership skills
- Explore diplomacy and mediation
- Meet young leaders from different countries
- Build international networks
- Exchange ideas
- Develop potential collaborations
- Learn from practitioners
- Experience cultural exchange
- Develop SDG-aligned initiatives
The programme may particularly appeal to young people seeking international exposure in sustainable development, policy, diplomacy, peacebuilding and leadership.
Previous YFGG Edition
The Geneva event is described as the second edition of the programme.
According to CGAD, the first Youth Forum on UN Global Goals took place in:
Istanbul, Türkiye, April 27–30, 2026.
The organizer reports that the first edition brought together:
- Youth leaders
- Students
- Innovators
- Activists
- Lawyers
- Media professionals
- Politicians
- Other professionals
The Geneva edition builds on that programme while shifting the setting to a major centre of international diplomacy.
How to Apply for YFGG Geneva 2026
Applicants seeking scholarship consideration should use the official YFGG scholarship application process.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you are between 15 and 45 years old.
Step 2: Choose the Scholarship Route
One scholarship application covers:
- Fully Funded
- Partially Funded
- Funded Forum Access
You do not need separate scholarship applications for each tier.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Focus particularly on:
- Motivation
- Leadership experience or potential
- Commitment to the SDGs
- Development interests
- Peacebuilding interests
- Relevant activities
- Community impact
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The scholarship application fee is:
US$15.99
It is non-refundable and does not guarantee selection.
Step 5: Submit Through the Official Application Portal
Applicants should complete the online application through the organizer’s official YFGG application portal.
Application Deadline
The source supplied does not clearly state a scholarship application deadline.
Applicants should therefore not rely on a deadline published by an unofficial third-party website unless it can be confirmed by CGAD.
Candidates should check the official application portal for the current closing date.
Application Tips
Connect Your Story to the SDGs
Instead of discussing sustainable development broadly, identify the SDGs most relevant to your experience and goals.
Give Evidence of Leadership
Leadership does not necessarily mean holding a formal title.
You could discuss situations where you:
- Organized others
- Solved a community problem
- Started an initiative
- Led a project
- Advocated for change
- Helped others achieve a shared goal
Explain Why Geneva Matters
A strong application should explain how participating in an international forum would help advance your existing work or future plans.
Demonstrate Impact
Where possible, quantify what you have achieved.
For example, mention:
- People reached
- Students trained
- Projects launched
- Communities supported
- Funds raised
- Events organized
- Partnerships established
Avoid Generic Motivation Statements
Statements such as “I am passionate about leadership” are weaker than specific examples demonstrating what you have actually done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is YFGG Geneva 2026?
The Youth Forum on UN Global Goals is an international youth forum organized by CGAD focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals, peacebuilding, development, diplomacy and global cooperation.
Where will it take place?
The forum will take place in Geneva, Switzerland.
When is YFGG Geneva 2026?
The event is scheduled for December 14–17, 2026.
Is YFGG an official United Nations conference?
No. It is an independent international youth forum organized by CGAD and inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Who can apply?
Applicants aged 15–45 from all nationalities can apply.
Do I need a university degree?
No. No specific academic background is required.
Can students apply?
Yes. Students, including undergraduates and postgraduates, are among the eligible groups.
Can professionals apply?
Yes. Professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, lawyers, judges, activists and other young changemakers can apply within the age range.
How many Fully Funded seats are available?
The detailed programme FAQ lists 15 Fully Funded seats.
How many scholarship opportunities are available overall?
The organizer lists 80 awards across Fully Funded, Partially Funded and Funded Forum Access categories.
What does Fully Funded cover?
The listed package includes registration, accommodation, meals, programme participation, materials, visa invitation documentation and airfare support, among other benefits.
Is full airfare guaranteed?
The FAQ cautions that full international airfare is not included unless explicitly stated. Applicants should therefore interpret the benefit as airfare support and confirm the exact amount or arrangement with CGAD.
What is the scholarship application fee?
The fee is US$15.99.
Is the application fee refundable?
No. It is explicitly described as non-refundable.
Does paying guarantee selection?
No.
Will I receive a United Nations certificate?
No. Participants receive an official certificate issued by CGAD, not the United Nations.
Will participants visit the United Nations?
The indicative programme lists an institutional visit to one of the UN, WTO, WHO or CERN, subject to confirmation. A specific institution is therefore not guaranteed at this stage.
Does the invitation letter guarantee a visa?
No. Swiss visa approval remains entirely at the discretion of the relevant authorities.
What is the official language?
English.
Final Thoughts
The Youth Forum on UN Global Goals 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland provides an international platform for young people interested in sustainable development, diplomacy, leadership, peacebuilding and global cooperation.
Scheduled for December 14–17, 2026, the four-day in-person forum is open to applicants aged 15–45 from all nationalities and educational backgrounds.
CGAD lists 80 scholarship awards across three funded categories, including 15 Fully Funded, 15 Partially Funded and 50 Funded Forum Access opportunities. A single US$15.99 non-refundable scholarship application places applicants under consideration for all three tiers.
The Fully Funded category includes accommodation, meals, programme participation, visa invitation documentation and airfare support, among other benefits. Candidates should nevertheless verify the exact airfare contribution before assuming that their entire international flight will be paid.
Applicants should also remember that, despite its focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and its Geneva setting, YFGG is not an official United Nations event. It is independently organized by the Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD).
For eligible young people seeking international exposure and practical engagement with the SDGs, diplomacy, mediation and peacebuilding, YFGG Geneva 2026 may be worth considering after carefully reviewing the funding category, application fee, visa requirements and participation terms.
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