Civic Youth Forum 2026
Register Now
Civic Youth Forum 2026
Register Now
Civic Youth Forum 2026

CENTRE FOR DIPLOMATIC ADVANCEMENT · CYF 2026

Civic Youth
Forum 2026

Copenhagen · Denmark · Sept 17–20

500

Scholarships Available

100 Fully Funded · 150 Partial · 250 Free Access
Register Now
Explore The Forum

DEADLINE APPROACHING

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
500+
YOUTH DELEGATES
100
FULLY FUNDED SEATS
4
IMMERSIVE DAYS
1
APPLICATION FOR ALL
  • 17–20 September 2026 · 4 Days
  • Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Open to All Nationalities · Age 16-45
  • 500 Scholarship Awards Available
  • Program in English

ABOUT THE FORUM

What is the
Civic Youth Forum 2026?

CYF 2026 is a flagship international forum in Copenhagen, Denmark, bringing together youth delegates from across Europe and the world for an intensive learning and networking experience.

This global policy-learning experience combines training, diplomacy-style dialogue, leadership development, and international networking – all within one of the world’s most progressive democracies.

  • Civic leadership and democratic participation
  • Public policy design and implementation
  • Governance, accountability, and inclusion
  • Community organizing and evidence-based advocacy
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HOST CITY

Denmark

Why Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is consistently recognized as a global example of good governance, innovation, sustainability, and citizen participation. Hosting CYF 2026 in Denmark provides participants with a real-world environment to understand how democratic systems function, how public trust is built, and how policy can improve everyday life.
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WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE

Program Highlights

Four days of structured learning, dialogue, and leadership development 17-20 September 2026.

Policy Labs

Build real solutions to governance challenges. Work in teams to produce evidence-based policy proposals.

Democracy Dialogues

Youth-led discussions structured around policy frameworks. Explore voting systems, civic rights, and inclusion.

Civic Leadership Workshops

Advocacy, leadership communication, and negotiation skills – taught by experienced practitioners.

SDG & Governance Track

Connect SDG targets to real policy tools. Understand how governance accelerates sustainable development.

International Networking

Delegates from multiple countries. Build cross-border partnerships for long-term civic collaboration.

Certification & Recognition

Receive an international certificate of participation. Gain a speaking opportunity at the forum stage.

Civic Tech Track

Technology for civic engagement – digital participation tools, ethics in tech, and civic innovation design.

Copenhagen Cultural Exchange

Experience one of Europe’s most progressive capitals. Community learning, local exposure, and city exploration.

SCHEDULE

Program Agenda
Sept 17-20, 2026

A carefully structured four-day journey from civic foundations through to policy solutions and leadership practice – culminating in a graduation ceremony.

Welcome, Orientation & Civic Foundations
Thursday, 17 September 2026
12:00 – 15:00

Registration & Check-in

Badge collection, networking lounge open
15:00 – 15:30

Opening Ceremony & Forum Briefing

Welcome remarks, program overview, delegate code of conduct
15:30 – 16:30

Plenary: Youth in Democracy & Decision-Making

Civic participation, institutions, rights & responsibilities
16:45 – 18:00

Skills Workshop: Advocacy & Policy Influence 101

Strategy, messaging, coalition-building
19:00 – 20:00

Welcome Dinner

10:00 – 10:30

Morning Plenary: Governance That Works

Transparency, accountability, citizen trust, inclusion
10:45 – 12:45

Track Sessions - Round 1

Democracy · Governance · Policy Lab · Civic Tech
14:00 – 16:00

Track Sessions - Round 2

Anti-corruption, digital ethics, evidence gathering
16:15 – 17:30

Cross-Track Dialogue

What Should Youth Change First? Mixed group policy recommendations
10:30 – 11:30

Leadership Sprint

Communication for policy influence, negotiation, stakeholder persuasion
11:30 – 12:30

Youth Statements

Delegate speeches
13:30 – 15:30

Session III

Details to be announced
16:30 – 17:00

Graduation Ceremony

Certificate presentation and closing remarks

OUR MISSION

Core Objectives

CYF 2026 is designed to produce measurable outcomes for young leaders and their communities.
01

Strengthen Youth Civic
Leadership

Build practical skills in governance, policy engagement, and democratic participation.
02

Promote Youth Inclusion in Decision-Making

Connect delegates to civic frameworks and institutional pathways for youth voice.
03

Develop Public Policy
Literacy

Equip young leaders to understand, analyze, and propose evidence-based policy solutions.
04

Support Community-Led
Innovation

Develop civic projects through policy labs that address real community challenges.
05

Advance Democratic
Values

Promote transparency, accountability, equity, and rights-based governance at all levels.
06

Build Cross-Border
Collaboration

Connect youth leaders from Europe and beyond for long-term partnerships and impact.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Open to All Nationalities

The Civic Youth Forum 2026 welcomes motivated applicants from all backgrounds who are passionate about civic leadership, governance, and public policy.

Age Range

Open to participants aged 16-45, including students and young professionals.

All Nationalities Welcome

No geographic restriction. We aim for a globally diverse cohort across countries and perspectives.

Who Is It For?

Students, youth activists, NGO leaders, researchers, aspiring policymakers, social entrepreneurs, and young public servants.

Language Requirement

Program delivered in English. Comfortable working proficiency required.
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500
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
One application. All categories.
500

SCHOLARSHIPS

SCHOLARSHIP CATEGORIES

One Application.
All Three Categories.

Submit a single application and you are automatically considered for all scholarship categories – we place you in the best available option based on selection.

Fully Funded

100

Partial Funded

150

Forum Access

250

SCHOLARSHIPS

100 Seats

Full Funded

Most Competitive – All-Inclusive

  • Airfare Support
  • Shared Accommodation
  • Official Invitation Letter
  • Forum Access + Speaking Opportunity
  • International Certificate
  • Leadership Recognition
  • Visa Fee Coverage

SCHOLARSHIPS

150 Seats

Partial Funded

Accommodation + Meals Included

  • Shared Accommodation
  • Forum Meals
  • Official Invitation Letter
  • Forum & Networking Access
  • Speaking Opportunity
  • International Certificate
  • Leadership Recognition

SCHOLARSHIPS

250 Seats

Forum Access

Forum Access Scholarship

  • Forum Meals
  • Official Invitation Letter
  • Forum & Networking Access
  • Speaking Opportunity
  • International Certificate
  • Policy Labs Access

One application unlocks your chances for all three scholarship categories – you are automatically considered for the best available option.

Click Here to Submit Your Application

PAID PARTICIPATION OPTIONS

Not Applying for Scholarship?

Join on your own terms with flexible paid packages.

INVITATION LETTER

$99 + $26 tax

Original $199
  • Forum Letter & Official Invitation
  • Opportunity to Pay Later
  • Upgrade Options Available
  • Visa Documentation Support
  • Embassy Email Notification
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FORUM ACCESS PASS

$299 + $50 tax

Original $699
  • Invitation Letter & Visa Support
  • Forum Meals
  • Forum & Networking Access
  • Official Certification
  • Forum Merchandise
  • Speaking Opportunity
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SELF FUNDED PACKAGE

$550 + $50 tax

Original $999
  • Shared Accommodation
  • Visa Support Documents
  • Forum Meals & Daily Breakfast
  • Forum & Networking Access
  • Official Certification
  • Forum Merchandise
  • Speaking Opportunity
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SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION

How Delegates Are Selected

Applications for scholarships are competitive. Selection is based on a holistic review of the following criteria.
01

Motivation & Purpose

Why this forum matters to you and your future goals – and your plan to apply the learning.

02

Civic & Community Impact

Volunteer work, initiatives, leadership roles, or advocacy that demonstrates real-world engagement.

03

Policy Interest & Governance Understanding

Your demonstrated interest in democracy, policy, inclusion, and institutional change.
04

Communication & Leadership Potential

Ability to contribute, collaborate, and represent your community effectively.
05

Diversity & Inclusion

We aim for a diverse cohort across countries, backgrounds, gender, and perspectives.
06

Quality of Application

Strong answers, clarity, commitment, and realistic learning goals that demonstrate preparation.

VOICES FROM THE PROGRAM

What Our Alumni Says

Fernanda Barrios

Fernanda Barrios

Master logistics and supply chain

VIEW LINKEDIN POST
孟繁彤 (Meng, Fan Tung)

Meng, Fan Tung

Customer Support Specialist

VIEW LINKEDIN POST
Alexey Gusakov

Alexey Gusakov

Data-Driven Strategist

VIEW LINKEDIN POST
Luwam Mebrahtu Gebrehiwet

Luwam Mebrahtu Gebrehiwet

Human Rights Advocate

VIEW LINKEDIN POST
John Sley PIERRE’s

John Sley PIERRE

Cultural Mediator

VIEW LINKEDIN POST

Kawsar Arzomand

Doctoral Researcher in Artificial Intelligence

VIEW LINKEDIN POST

TRACK RECORD

Our Previous Programs

CYF 2026 is part of a growing family of international youth forums by the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement.

World Youth Forum 2026

Held at the Porto Palacio Hotel in Porto, Portugal, the second edition of this global initiative brought together young leaders for four days of leadership, innovation, and global challenge discussions.
Portugal

Youth Action Summit 2025

Hosted in Milan, Italy, this summit empowered emerging civic leaders and policy advocates through high-impact discussions on global governance and grassroots activism.
Italy

World Youth Forum 2024

Held at the prestigious Porto Palacio Hotel in Porto, Portugal, the inaugural edition convened diverse young global leaders around climate, digital innovation, and youth engagement.
Portugal
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GOT QUESTIONS?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about CYF 2026, scholarships, eligibility, and the application process.
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What is Civic Youth Forum 2026?

Civic Youth Forum 2026 is an international youth forum in Copenhagen, Denmark (17-20 September 2026) focused on democracy, governance, civic leadership, and public policy engagement.

The forum will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark, one of Europe’s leading cities for governance innovation, sustainability, and civic participation.
Yes. There are 100 fully funded, 150 partial funded, and 250 free forum access seats available for eligible applicants.

Applicants from all nationalities can apply. The forum is open to students, young professionals, activists, researchers, and community leaders aged 16-45.

It is not a university semester program, but it is a short-term international learning experience in Europe that offers leadership training, policy learning, and cross-cultural exposure similar to study-abroad style programs.
Yes. Delegates who successfully participate receive an international certificate of participation.
Successful delegates typically receive official participation confirmation and supporting documentation guidance. Visa outcomes depend on embassy/consulate decisions and individual profiles.
Yes, the program is delivered in English.
Yes. Applicants may be considered for a category based on availability and selection outcome.
Democracy, governance, civic engagement, public policy literacy, youth participation, leadership communication, advocacy strategy, and community-level policy innovation.
Show authentic civic impact, clear motivation, realistic goals, and your plan to apply the learning in your community after the forum.
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

Your Voice Belongs
in Copenhagen.

500 scholarship awards. One application. Don’t miss your opportunity to join the next generation of civic leaders shaping democratic futures.
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Explore Scholarships

Event Dates: 17-20 September 2026 • Copenhagen, Denmark