21 – 24 May 2026 – Istanbul, Türkiye
Organized by Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace
Empowering youth leaders to bridge generations and build sustainable futures through dialogue, innovation, and peacebuilding.
Why This Summit Matters
Yet despite their energy and innovation, youth voices often remain excluded from decision-making spaces that shape their futures. Barriers to participation, such as limited resources, geographic distance, and limited networks, prevent many young leaders from contributing to global sustainability efforts.
The Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP) convenes this summit to break down those barriers, creating a platform where diverse youth leaders can connect, collaborate, and catalyse change. We believe that sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace, and that young people are essential architects of both.
Global Collaboration
Youth Empowerment
Innovative Solutions
Future Leadership
“Bridging Generations, Building Sustainable Futures”
True sustainability requires intergenerational collaboration, honouring the wisdom of experienced leaders while centring the urgency and innovation of youth. Our theme reflects this principle.
We approach sustainability not as an isolated environmental issue, but as deeply intertwined with peacebuilding, social inclusion, economic justice, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Climate action without equity is incomplete. Peace without sustainability is fragile.
Istanbul, a city that bridges East and West, tradition and innovation, serves as the perfect backdrop for this dialogue. Here, we will build bridges between generations, cultures, and sectors to create lasting change.
Summit Objectives
Amplify Youth Voices
Foster Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Build Capacity & Skills
Istanbul Declaration 2026
Multi-Sector Partnerships
Launch Innovation Initiatives
What to Expect
Plenary Sessions
Thematic Workshops
Dialogue Circles
Workshop Tracks Include
Outcomes and Legacy
Istanbul Youth Sustainability Declaration 2026
Global Network of Leaders
Youth Sustainability Fellowship
Who Should Attend
Ready to Join Us?Limited seats available for 100+ youth delegates from around the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Global Youth Summit for Sustainability is a dynamic international gathering designed to empower young leaders to advance sustainable solutions to today’s most pressing global challenges, including climate action, social equity, sustainable development, and inclusive innovation. Hosted in the historic crossroads of cultures and ideas, Istanbul, Türkiye, the summit provides a vibrant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and youth-led action, bringing together emerging leaders, policymakers, and changemakers committed to building a more sustainable and resilient future.
The Global Youth Summit for Sustainability 2026 aims to catalyse a new wave of youth-led sustainable action, embedding peace and dialogue as central pillars of the global sustainability agenda. By bringing together voices from diverse regions and disciplines, the summit will promote collective leadership and innovative solutions to shared global challenges.
Youth aged 18 to 35 from across the globe are welcome to apply, including:
The scholarship covers all components of the full package except airfare.
A non-refundable application fee of 10 CHF is payable only by applicants who wish to apply for the scholarship.
Participants applying without a scholarship are not required to pay this fee.
Please note that the scholarship selection process is highly competitive and strictly merit-based.
Applicants who are not selected for a scholarship or who prefer not to apply, may still participate by choosing either Summit Access or the Full Package at the standard participation rates.
Selected scholarship recipients will receive accommodation, meals, full summit access, an official invitation, and all included benefits of the Full Summit Package.
Full Package — 699 CHF (with accommodation)
Designed for emerging leaders committed to advancing sustainability, climate action, social equity, and inclusive innovation, this all-inclusive package ensures a meaningful and inspiring summit experience in Istanbul.
Premium Shared Accommodation: Comfortable, gender-specific shared accommodation for the full summit duration at a carefully selected 4-star hotel.
Daily Breakfast Included: Buffet breakfast provided for three days to support full days of learning and collaboration.
Official Invitation Letter: Formal invitation and selection letter suitable for visa applications, institutional approvals, and sponsorship purposes.
Full Summit Access & Merchandise: Access to all summit sessions, including keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking events, along with exclusive summit-branded merchandise.
Speaking Opportunity: Opportunity to present ideas and perspectives on sustainability and global challenges before an international audience.
Official Certification: Certificate of Participation and Recognition issued by Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP).
Summit Access Package — 299 CHF (without accommodation)
Designed for participants who wish to engage fully in the summit experience without accommodation.
Official Invitation Letter: Formal confirmation and invitation letter provided upon selection, suitable for institutional or visa-related purposes.
Full Summit Access & Merchandise: Access to all summit sessions, including keynotes, panels, workshops, and networking events, along with exclusive summit-branded merchandise.
Speaking Opportunity: Opportunity to share ideas, insights, and solutions during designated speaking sessions with an international audience.
Official Certification: Certificate of Participation and Recognition issued by Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP).
