Youth Global Forum 2027 in Paris, France

Introduction

Applications are now open for the Youth Global Forum 2027 in Paris, France. Bringing together 250 young leaders from around the world for four days of leadership development, policy dialogue, and institutional visits, including guided access to UNESCO Headquarters, this forum offers 30 fully funded and 40 partially funded seats through competitive selection.

About the Organization

The Youth Global Forum is organized by the Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL), the same organization behind the Youth Empowerment Forum in Geneva. CGDL builds its programs around direct engagement with major international institutions rather than purely theoretical conference content, and the Paris edition continues that approach with guided visits to UNESCO Headquarters and other international organizations.

Scholarship Overview

The forum takes place from 20-23 January 2027 in Paris, France, with an application deadline of 18 November 2026. Of the 250 total seats, 30 are fully funded and 40 are partially funded. Sessions cover Leadership & Global Governance, Public Policy & Diplomacy, AI & Digital Transformation, Climate Action & Sustainability, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Youth Participation & Global Cooperation, Human Rights & Social Inclusion, and Sustainable Development Goals, delivered through keynote addresses, panel discussions, interactive workshops, policy masterclasses, and cultural exchange activities.

Eligibility Explained

• Be aged 16 to 46 years old.
• Have an interest in leadership, global affairs, policy, sustainability, innovation, or international cooperation.
• Be a student, young professional, social entrepreneur, policy enthusiast, activist, human rights defender, content creator, youth worker, NGO leader, innovator, or changemaker.
• Be able to communicate effectively in English.
• Be available to attend the full four-day forum in Paris.

Benefits Explained

Fully Funded category:

• Round-trip international airfare support.
• Twin-shared accommodation at a 4-star hotel.
• Meals and coffee breaks.
• Full forum participation, interactive workshops, and policy masterclasses.
• Institutional visits, including UNESCO Headquarters.
• Conference materials and Certificate of Recognition.

Partially Funded category:

• Twin-shared 4-star hotel accommodation.
• Meals and coffee breaks.
• Full forum participation, workshops, and policy masterclasses.
• Institutional visits and conference materials.
• Certificate of Recognition.
• Visa Invitation Letter and Support.
• Note: international airfare is not included in this category.

Required Documents

• Completed online application form through the official Youth Global Forum 2027 application page.
• Payment of the $16.99 application fee for the Fully/Partially Funded category.
• Personal and background details as requested in the application form.
• Any additional supporting documents requested during the review process.

Application Process (Step by Step)

1. Visit the official Youth Global Forum 2027 application page.
2. Complete the online application form with your personal and background details.
3. Pay the $16.99 application fee.
4. Indicate your interest in the fully funded or partially funded category.
5. Submit your complete application before 18 November 2026.

How to Improve Your Chances

• Connect your application clearly to one or more of the forum's eight specific themes, rather than expressing general interest in "leadership" or "global affairs."
• If you're a content creator, activist, or NGO leader, highlight concrete examples of your work, since the forum explicitly welcomes these non-traditional applicant profiles alongside students and professionals.
• Apply well before the 18 November 2026 deadline, since fully funded seats are limited to 30 out of 250 total spots.
• Don't forget to complete the $16.99 application fee payment as part of your submission.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to pay the application fee, which is required regardless of which funding category you're applying to.
• Assuming all 250 seats are funded, only 30 are fully funded and 40 partially funded; the remainder are presumably self-funded.
• Submitting a generic application not tied to any specific forum theme.
• Overlooking that the Partially Funded category does not include international airfare.

FAQs

How many fully funded seats are available? 30 out of 250 total seats, with 40 additional seats partially funded.

Is there an application fee? Yes, $16.99 for the Fully/Partially Funded category.

What's included in the Partially Funded category? Hotel, meals, forum participation, and visa support, but not international airfare.

Can non-students apply? Yes, the forum explicitly welcomes young professionals, social entrepreneurs, activists, content creators, and NGO leaders, not just students.

Final Advice

For young leaders across a genuinely broad range of profiles, students, activists, entrepreneurs, and content creators alike, the Youth Global Forum 2027 offers a fully funded route to Paris with direct access to UNESCO Headquarters and other international institutions. Apply early and connect your background clearly to the forum's specific themes, since competition for the 30 fully funded seats is likely to be strong.

Key Details at a Glance

• Host Country: France
• Location: Paris
• Organizer: Center for Global Dialogue & Leadership (CGDL)
• Event Dates: 20-23 January 2027
• Total Seats: 250
• Fully Funded Seats: 30
• Partially Funded Seats: 40
• Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
• Application Fee: $16.99
• Age Range: 16-46 years

Disclaimer: Program details, deadlines, and requirements are subject to change by the organizing committee. Applicants should verify all current information directly through the official Youth Global Forum application page before applying.