The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2025 was a high-level leadership summit held in Geneva, Switzerland, from September 4–7, 2025. Organized by the Center for Global Development and Leadership (CGDL), the forum brought together 120 delegates from over 100 countries to engage with the diplomatic and scientific hubs of Europe.
Aligned with the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027 and the UN Youth2030 Strategy, the event focused on bridging the gap between young changemakers and global policy-making institutions.
Forum Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Mercure Hotel, Geneva, Switzerland |
| Primary Theme | “Lead the Conversation on Global Youth Empowerment” |
| Key Visits | UN Headquarters (Palais des Nations) & CERN |
| Youth Grant | $1,000 Seed Grant (Awarded to Ruby Riethmuller) |
| Participation | 40 Fully Funded, 30 Partially Funded, 80 Self-Funded/Admission |
Key Program Highlights
The forum was structured to be more than a series of lectures, offering immersive “off-site” learning experiences:
- UN Headquarters Study Trip: Delegates explored the Human Rights Council and observed live sessions on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems, gaining a rare look at security diplomacy.
- CERN Visit: A tour of the world’s largest particle physics lab to discuss how AI and technological innovation can drive the SDGs.
- Policy Proposals: Participants collaborated in small groups to produce eight youth-led policy recommendations focused on climate action, digital governance, and human rights.
Fully Funded Benefits
For the 40 competitive scholarship winners, the forum covered:
- Travel: Round-trip airfare and a Geneva public transport card.
- Visa Support: Official Schengen visa invitation letters.
- Stay: Shared accommodation at a 4-star hotel (Mercure) and all meals.
- Certification: A Global UN SDGs Leadership Certificate upon completion.
Eligibility & Selection
While the 2025 cycle has concluded, the criteria typically include:
- Age: 16 to 46 years old.
- Background: Open to students, professionals, and activists from any nationality.
- Language: Conducted entirely in English (no IELTS/TOEFL required if the applicant shows proficiency).
- Prior Experience: Not mandatory; the forum specifically looks for “leadership potential” and a commitment to social impact.
Looking Ahead: Youth Future Summit 2026
Since the 2025 Forum has ended, the organizers (CGDL/CIPS) have announced the Youth Future Summit 2026, which will also be held in Geneva.