The Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026 is a four-day international youth forum taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 14–17, 2026. It is organized by the Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD) and welcomes applicants aged 15–45 from all nationalities and educational backgrounds.
The forum focuses on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), youth leadership, peacebuilding, diplomacy, sustainable development, and global cooperation. Selected applicants can be considered for Fully Funded, Partially Funded, or Funded Forum Access opportunities.
Important: YFGG is an independent international youth forum inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is not an official United Nations event.
Quick Highlights FOR Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Forum | Youth Forum on UN Global Goals 2026 |
| Organization | Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD) |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Location | Geneva |
| Dates | December 14–17, 2026 |
| Edition | 2nd Edition |
| Format | In-person, 4-day forum |
| Total Seats | 160 |
| Scholarship Seats | 80 |
| Fully Funded Seats | 15 |
| Partially Funded Seats | 15 |
| Funded Forum Access | 50 |
| Age Limit | 15–45 years |
| Eligibility | All nationalities and educational backgrounds |
| Working Language | English |
| Application Fee | $15.99 for funded categories |
| Application Deadline | 18 Oct 2026. |
| Official Website | YFGG 2026 Official Page |
The current official page states that YFGG has 160 seats across five categories, including 80 scholarship opportunities, 40 self-funded seats, and 40 Forum Access passes.
About the Forum
YFGG 2026 is designed to bring young people together in Geneva for discussions and practical activities related to global development and the SDGs.
The forum’s six main pillars are 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).
The four-day program is expected to include keynote sessions, policy discussions, workshops, networking, cultural exchange, and a youth-led initiative pitch.
An institutional visit to one of the UN, WTO, WHO, or CERN is listed in the indicative program, but the specific destination is still to be confirmed.
Related Opportunities : One Future Conference 2027 in Canada (Fully Funded)
Financial Benefits for Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026
Fully Funded Seats
The official page lists 15 Fully Funded seats. Benefits include:
- Round airfare support
- Twin-sharing accommodation
- Stamped 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
The official wording describes airfare as support, so applicants should not assume that the entire international airfare will necessarily be reimbursed.
Partially Funded Seats
There are 15 Partially Funded seats. They include:
- Twin-sharing accommodation
- Stamped visa invitation letter
- Meals
- Forum materials and delegate kit
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunity
- Workshop and session access
- Institutional visit
- Official CGAD certificate
International airfare is arranged by the delegate.
Funded Forum Access
The forum also offers 50 Funded Forum Access places, including:
- Stamped visa invitation letter
- Meals
- Forum materials and delegate kit
- Cultural exchange activities
- Global networking opportunities
- Workshop and session access
- Institutional visit
- Official CGAD certificate
Airfare and accommodation are arranged by the delegate.
A single application considers applicants for all three funded categories. The application fee is $15.99, and it is non-refundable. Paying the fee does not guarantee selection.
Eligibility Criteria for Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026
You can apply if you:
- Are between 15 and 45 years old
- Hold any nationality
- Have any academic background
- Are a student, researcher, professional, entrepreneur, activist, youth leader, lawyer, judge, or another relevant changemaker
- Have an interest in the SDGs, sustainable development, diplomacy, peace, mediation, or related global issues
You cannot apply if you:
- Are under 15 or over 45 years old
CGAD does not require a specific academic field or degree. The official working language is English, but the page states that no language is compulsory.
Meeting the basic criteria does not guarantee a funded place because applications are assessed competitively.
Requirements for Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026
Applicants should be ready to provide information about:
- Personal and contact details
- Educational or professional background
- Leadership or relevant experience
- Motivation for attending the forum
- Interest in the SDGs, development, peace, diplomacy, or related areas
The current official page does not list a specific degree, IELTS score, or TOEFL score as an application requirement.
Selection Process for Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026
Funded applications are reviewed based on factors including:
- Strength of the application and motivation
- Leadership experience or potential
- Commitment to the SDGs, development, and peace
- Diversity and global representation
The $15.99 application fee only covers consideration for the funded categories. It does not guarantee selection.
Application Process for Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026
- Visit the official YFGG 2026 application page.
- Complete the online application form.
- Provide your personal, educational, professional, and motivation details.
- Pay the $15.99 non-refundable application fee.
- Submit the application for consideration across the funded categories.
- Wait for the selection decision.
The official page states that one application covers all three scholarship tiers.
Related Opportunities : Citadel Conference Travel Grant 2026 |Fully Funded Travel
Important Dates for Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Forum Dates | December 14–17, 2026 |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Application Deadline | 18 Oct 2026. |
| Program | Indicative schedule, subject to confirmation |
The current official page does not state a confirmed application deadline. Applicants should therefore check the official YFGG page before submitting an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is YFGG 2026 an official UN event?
No. YFGG is an independent international youth forum organized by CGAD and inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is not an official United Nations event.
How many Fully Funded seats are available?
The official page lists 15 Fully Funded seats, 15 Partially Funded seats, and 50 Funded Forum Access places.
Do I need a specific degree?
No. Applicants from all educational and professional backgrounds can apply, and no specific academic qualification is required.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No specific IELTS or TOEFL score is listed. English is the official working language of the forum.
Is the application fee refundable?
No. The $15.99 application fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee selection.
Does Fully Funded mean all airfare is covered?
Not necessarily. CGAD describes the benefit as round airfare support, and its FAQ specifically says full international airfare is not included unless explicitly mentioned.