Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 in Switzerland
Description
Are you a passionate enthusiast eager to make a positive impact in your community? The Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 is a 4-day, fully-funded international conference organized by the Center for Global Development and Leadership (CGDL). It will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 4–7, 2025. Around 150 young leaders from around the world will attend.
In line with the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027 and the UN’s Youth 2030 initiative, YEF 2025 aims to equip young change makers with the skills, networks, and knowledge to drive positive impact. The program includes interactive workshops, panel discussions, policy dialogues and special study visits (including tours of the United Nations headquarters and CERN).Participants will also experience Swiss culture through local networking events. Check Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship 2025-2026
Benefits of Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 in Switzerland
- Global Networking: Meet and learn alongside 150+ youth leaders from around the world. You can exchange ideas with peers and even have speaking opportunities on an international stage
- Skill Development: Hands-on workshops and high-level panels will enhance your leadership, public policy, and sustainable development skills. These sessions focus on real-world challenges (e.g. climate action, digital innovation, peacebuilding).
- Certification: All delegates earn a Global UN SDGs Leadership Certificate, recognizing their participation, credential highlights your commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and youth leadership.
- Fully Funded Package: For selected delegates, the forum covers round-trip airfare to Geneva, shared accommodation, meals, local transportation, conference access, and all scheduled visits. Visa support letters and a Geneva transport card are also provided. You will even receive an official training kit and event merchandise.
- Unique Experiences: Enjoy an official study trip to the UN headquarters and a tour of CERN (Europe’s leading science center), as well as Swiss cultural outings
- Youth Grant Opportunity: One delegate will win the Kofi Annan Youth Seed Grant of up to $1,000 for their social-impact project. Shortlisted participants can pitch their ideas during the forum, and the most innovative project receives funding and mentorship. Also apply for DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme 2025-26.
Eligibility Criteria of Youth Empowerment Forum 2025
- Age: 16 to 46 years old
- Nationality: Open to applicants from any country (no nationality restrictions)
- Background: Welcomes students, recent graduates, young professionals, NGO or civil-society members, media or anyone passionate about global change
- Experience: No previous leadership or policy experience is required; emerging change makers are encouraged to apply
- Language: Not officially stated, but fluency in English is recommended for full participation.
Application Process of Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 in Switzerland
- Apply Online via Official Portal: Visit the official YEF 2025 application page (hosted by CGDL) and complete the online form. This includes your details and a short motivation statement explaining your interest in the forum.
- Choose Your Funding Category: On the form, you can select “Fully Funded” (highly recommended), “Partially Funded,” “Self-Funded,” or “Forum Access Only.” Fully Funded cover all expenses; other options reduce coverage accordingly
- Fill Out the Form: Provide basic info (name, contact, nationality, etc.) and answer any essay questions. Be honest and specific about your leadership experience, interests, and how you will contribute.
- Pay the Application Fee: Submit the small non-refundable fee (around USD 15.99) online. This covers processing of your application.
- Submit by Deadline: Complete and submit the form before June 25, 2025.
- Selection & Notification: A review panel evaluates all entries. Successful applicants will be notified by email (and results may be announced on YEF’s social media).Once selected, you will receive official confirmation and any required visa support letters.
Documents Required
- A recent passport-style photo for your profile
- A copy of your passport or government ID (JPEG/PNG/PDF) to verify your identity
- A brief curriculum vitae (CV or resume) highlighting your education and activities
- A motivation statement or answers in the application form (no separate essay upload is needed). Explain your background and why you want to attend.
Note: No additional essays, recommendations, or transcripts are requested at the initial stage
Application Tips
- Be Genuine and Concise: Clearly and honestly describe your experiences and motivations. Use concrete examples of your leadership or community projectsAvoid vague generalities.
- Tailor to YEF Goals: Link your interests to the forum’s themes (e.g. youth empowerment, sustainable development, policy). Show how attending YEF aligns with your goals and would benefit your community
- Proofread Carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can distract reviewers. Re-read every answer to ensure clarity and correctness
- Highlight Impact: Emphasize what you aim to learn and contribute. Make it clear how you will use this opportunity (for instance, mention specific SDGs or youth programs you care about)
- Follow Instructions: Fill out every required field and upload documents in the correct format. Don’t skip sections and double-check country codes or dates.
- Meet the Deadline: Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so submit well before June 25.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t submit generic templates. Tailor your answers to this forum (read the themes listed above). Common errors include missing information, unclear essays, or forgetting to pay the fee in time.
Application Deadline For Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 in Switzerland
The last date to apply for the YEF Program 2025 is June 25, 2025.







