World Youth Forum 2026
Porto Palacio Hotel, Portugal
19th - 22nd, February
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Program Description
The 2nd Edition of the World Youth Forum 2026 is an intensive, four-day program designed to cultivate leadership skills, foster innovation, and inspire young minds to become agents of positive change. Being held from February 19th to 22nd, 2026, at the prestigious Porto Palacio Hotel, World Trade Centre in Porto, Portugal, this forum brings together aspiring young leaders from diverse backgrounds to engage in dynamic discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Participants will explore critical global challenges and develop practical solutions, empowering them to make a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
Limited Seats Available
Program Objectives
The World Youth Forum 2026 aims to empower young leaders by fostering innovation, encouraging cross-cultural collaboration, and equipping participants with practical skills to tackle global challenges. Through dialogue, learning, and action, the forum seeks to inspire a new generation of changemakers committed to creating a better future.
Promote Youth & Civic Activism:
Empower young people to actively participate in civic life, advocate for social change, and engage in meaningful activism within their communities and globally.
Enhance Capacity Building:
Strengthen the skills, knowledge, and abilities of young participants in areas such as project management, advocacy, policy development, and community organizing.
Foster Social Innovation:
Inspire and support young leaders in developing innovative solutions to pressing social issues, encouraging entrepreneurial approaches to community challenges.
Cultivate Global Collaboration:
Facilitate connections and partnerships among young activists and organizations worldwide, fostering a collaborative environment for addressing shared global challenges.
Inspire Sustainable Action:
Motivate participants to initiate and sustain impactful projects and movements that contribute to long-term positive change in their respective fields.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the World Youth Forum 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age
Must be between 18 and 45 years old at the time of application (for Scholarship Seats). There is no age restriction for Self-Funded Seats.
Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Language Proficiency
Proficient in English (all sessions will be conducted in English).
Passion for Leadership
Demonstrated interest in leadership, community development,
and global issues.
Commitment
Ability to commit to the full duration of the four-day program.
Program Themes
The World Youth Forum 2026 will delve into a range of pertinent themes, including:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Exploring innovative approaches to achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Youth Entrepreneurship & Innovation:
Fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and supporting youth-led initiatives.
Digital Transformation & Future Technologies:
Understanding the impact of technology on society and leveraging it for positive change.
Climate Action & Environmental Stewardship:
Addressing climate change and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
Global Citizenship & Intercultural Dialogue:
Promoting understanding, respect, and collaboration across cultures.
AI Usage & Policy:
Discussing the ethical implications, societal impact, and policy frameworks surrounding Artificial Intelligence.
Blockchain Education from Early Age:
Exploring the fundamentals of blockchain technology and its potential applications, emphasizing the importance of early education in this field.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE WORLD YOUTH FORUM 2024
1st Edition
The World Youth Forum 2024, hosted at Porto’s prestigious Porto Palacio Hotel by the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement (CDA) from December 20–23, brought together an inspiring diverse group of young leaders including activists, lawyers, healthcare professionals, and students from across the globe. The CDA leveraged the hotel’s world-class facilities to foster a dynamic environment for cross-border dialogue and diplomatic exchange, emphasizing international peace, cooperation, and community engagement. At this pivotal event, attendees participated in high‑level discussions centered on global issues, igniting meaningful collaborations and nurturing a new generation of civic-minded changemakers committed to building a more peaceful, prosperous future.
Scholarship Seats
The World Youth Forum 2026 is committed to inclusivity and provides scholarship opportunities to deserving candidates. We are proud to offer:
PARTIAL FUNDED SEATS
100
These seats include shared accommodation, visa support and acceptance letter, forum meals, premium program toolkit and merchandise, speaking engagement, and networking opportunity.
FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS
50
These scholarships include air tickets, shared accommodation, visa support and acceptance letter, forum meals, premium program toolkit and merchandise, speaking engagement, and networking opportunity
FREE FORUM ACCESS
100
This access includes visa support and acceptance letter, forum meals, premium program toolkit and merchandise, speaking engagement, and networking opportunity.
Selection Criteria
These scholarships and opportunities aim to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder participation for talented individuals.
01
Leadership Potential
Demonstrated leadership experience, whether in academic, extracurricular, or community settings.
02
Community Engagement
Involvement in community service, volunteer work, or social initiatives.
03
Communication Skills
Ability to articulate ideas clearly and engage in constructive dialogue.
04
Motivation and Vision
A clear understanding of why they wish to participate and how they envision contributing to global challenges.
World Youth Forum Participation Tiers
Fully Funded
This tier is designed for exceptional delegates who are granted full sponsorship to join the World Youth Forum without financial burden. It covers all core elements of participation along with additional benefits to maximize the experience.
$17
What You Get:
Round-trip airfare covered, so you can focus on the experience without travel expenses.
Unwind and recharge in comfort with shared accommodation at a top-tier hotel, providing a serene environment after a day of intense discussions.
Receive your acceptance confirmation along with complimentary guidance from our expert consultant for a smooth visa process.
Navigate the visa application process with ease thanks to a personalized online session with our knowledgeable consultant, offering tailored advice and support.
Engage deeply with all forum activities, from inspiring keynotes to interactive workshops, maximizing your learning and networking.
Enjoy all standard forum meals during forum hours only.
Receive a thoughtfully curated collection of high-quality, branded merchandise, designed to enhance your forum experience and serve as a lasting memento.
Invitation Letter
Forum Letter: An official invitation confirming your eligibility to participate in the forum.
Opportunity to Pay Later: Flexibility to complete payment for forum-related expenses at a later stage, ensuring ease of financial planning.
Choose the experience that best suits your goals and budget for an unforgettable journey at the World Youth Forum.
Basic Access Tier: Your Essential Gateway
This tier is designed for the focused delegate eager to immerse themselves in the core discussions and networking opportunities of the World Youth Forum. It’s your direct pass to intellectual engagement and global connections without additional frills.
What You Get:
Dive into every keynote, panel discussion, and workshop, gaining insights from world leaders and youth changemakers.
Receive the formal documentation you need for travel and official purposes, smoothing your preparation.
Benefit from essential assistance with your visa documentation, helping to ensure a straightforward application process.
Stay energized throughout the day with provided meals,
allowing you to focus on the program and networking.
Take home a piece of the World Youth Forum with
essential branded merchandise, a tangible reminder of your participation
Premium Tier: The Enhanced & Comfortable Experience
Elevate your World Youth Forum experience with our Premium Tier, offering enhanced comfort and dedicated support. This package is perfect for delegates seeking a more relaxed stay and personalized guidance, allowing you to fully concentrate on the forum’s enriching agenda.
What You Get:
Unwind and recharge in comfort with shared accommodation at a top-tier hotel, providing a serene environment after a day of intense discussions.
Secure your participation with a formal acceptance letter, crucial for your travel and administrative needs.
Navigate the visa application process with ease thanks to a personalized online session with our knowledgeable consultant, offering tailored advice and support.
Engage deeply with all forum activities, from inspiring keynotes to interactive workshops, maximizing your learning and networking.
Enjoy all standard forum meals during forum hours only.
Receive a thoughtfully curated collection of high-quality, branded merchandise, designed to enhance your forum experience and serve as a lasting memento.
What Our Alumni Says
Yasmine Frikha
Finance student
Meng, Fan Tung
Customer Support Specialist
Fernanda Barrios
Master logistics and supply chain
Alexey Gusakov
Data-Driven Strategist
Luwam Mebrahtu Gebrehiwet
Human Rights Advocate
John Sley PIERRE
Cultural Mediator
OUR PREVIOUS PROGRAMS
Youth Action Summit 2025
The Youth Action Summit 2025, hosted by the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement in Milan, Italy, was a powerful gathering that empowered emerging civic leaders and policy advocates. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Italy’s cultural capital, the summit brought together young changemakers who engaged in high-impact discussions on global governance, sustainable innovation, and grassroots activism. Through interactive sessions, policy simulations, and collaborative workshops, participants gained practical tools to drive community-centered change on both local and global levels.
Italy
The Youth Action Summit 2025, hosted by the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement in Milan, Italy, was a powerful gathering that empowered emerging civic leaders and policy advocates. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Italy’s cultural capital, the summit brought together young changemakers who engaged in high-impact discussions on global governance, sustainable innovation, and grassroots activism. Through interactive sessions, policy simulations, and collaborative workshops, participants gained practical tools to drive community-centered change on both local and global levels.
World Youth Forum 2024
The World Youth Forum 2024, held at the prestigious Porto Palacio Hotel in Porto, Portugal, was a landmark initiative by the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement. The forum successfully convened a diverse cohort of young global leaders to explore pressing global challenges such as climate change, digital innovation, and youth engagement. With a strong focus on intercultural dialogue and sustainable development, the event fostered cross-border collaboration and empowered participants to transform ideas into tangible solutions for their communities
Portugal
The World Youth Forum 2024, held at the prestigious Porto Palacio Hotel in Porto, Portugal, was a landmark initiative by the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement. The forum successfully convened a diverse cohort of young global leaders to explore pressing global challenges such as climate change, digital innovation, and youth engagement. With a strong focus on intercultural dialogue and sustainable development, the event fostered cross-border collaboration and empowered participants to transform ideas into tangible solutions for their communities
Global Diplomatic Forum 2024
The Global Diplomatic Forum 2024 took place in Brussels, Belgium, positioning the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement as a leading convener of meaningful diplomatic dialogue. This high-level gathering brought together young diplomats, policy scholars, and global practitioners who deliberated on topics such as multilateral cooperation, peacebuilding, and inclusive foreign policy. The forum served as a vital platform for emerging voices to connect with institutional leaders, reinforcing youth-driven diplomacy on the global stage.
Belgium
The Global Diplomatic Forum 2024 took place in Brussels, Belgium, positioning the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement as a leading convener of meaningful diplomatic dialogue. This high-level gathering brought together young diplomats, policy scholars, and global practitioners who deliberated on topics such as multilateral cooperation, peacebuilding, and inclusive foreign policy. The forum served as a vital platform for emerging voices to connect with institutional leaders, reinforcing youth-driven diplomacy on the global stage.
Mandela Residential Fellowship 2023
The Mandela Residential Fellowship 2023, organized by CDA in Istanbul, Turkey, provided an immersive and transformative leadership experience inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy. This week-long residential program brought together a carefully selected group of young leaders focused on conflict resolution, social justice, and transformative leadership. Through mentorship sessions, cultural exchange, and reflective dialogue, the fellowship empowered participants to return to their communities as more compassionate and capable agents of change.
Turkey
The Mandela Residential Fellowship 2023, organized by CDA in Istanbul, Turkey, provided an immersive and transformative leadership experience inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy. This week-long residential program brought together a carefully selected group of young leaders focused on conflict resolution, social justice, and transformative leadership. Through mentorship sessions, cultural exchange, and reflective dialogue, the fellowship empowered participants to return to their communities as more compassionate and capable agents of change.
FAQs
The World Youth Forum 2026 is a four-day international leadership program hosted by the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement, taking place from February 19-22, 2026, in Porto, Portugal. It is designed for young leaders aged 18-45 who are passionate about leadership, innovation, sustainability, and global development.
Core themes include Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Youth Entrepreneurship, Climate Action, Digital Transformation, AI Policy, Blockchain Education, and Global Citizenship. These sessions offer hands-on engagement and solution-driven dialogue on the world’s most pressing challenges.
The forum offers:
- 50 Fully Funded Scholarships (includes flight, hotel, visa support, meals, toolkit, speaking
opportunity) - 100 Partial Funded Seats (includes hotel, visa support, meals, toolkit, speaking opportunity)
- 100 Free Forum Access (includes visa support, meals, and participation access)
Yes, the forum is open to applicants from all countries. It celebrates global diversity and promotes
intercultural exchange among young leaders from all backgrounds.
Applicants must be between 18 and 45 years old, proficient in English, and show demonstrated
interest or experience in leadership, community engagement, or global development. Commitment to
the full 4-day program is essential.
- Fully Funded ($16.5): Forum access, official acceptance letter, visa support session, full meals with farewell dinner, premium merchandise, travel tickets covered
- Basic Access ($299): Forum access, visa support, meals, merchandise
- Premium Tier ($750): Forum access, 5-star shared hotel, full meals, visa support session,
farewell dinner, premium merchandise - Invitation Letter Tier ($99): Confirmation letter and ability to pay later
Selection is based on leadership potential, community involvement, communication skills, and motivation. The evaluation process is merit-based and competitive to ensure that the most passionate and committed individuals are chosen.
Yes. All selected participants—whether scholarship holders or self-funded—will receive official visa support documents, including a forum acceptance letter, accommodation confirmation (if applicable), and embassy notification assistance.
- Application Deadline: November 20th, 2025
- Results Announcement: December 10th, 2025
Absolutely. The forum welcomes both experienced and first-time delegates who show a genuine
passion for learning, growth, and global engagement. Prior international exposure is not required.