Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2025 in Geneva: Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Leaders

Are you a young changemaker passionate about creating a better world? The Youth Empowerment Forum (YEF) 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, is your chance to connect with global leaders, gain new skills, and make a lasting impact! This exciting 4-day international youth conference, hosted by the Center for Global Dialogue and Leadership (CGDL), will take place from September 4–7, 2025, in the heart of global diplomacy. With 150 seats available, including 40 fully funded and 30 partially funded scholarships, YEF 2025 is open to students, professionals, and activists aged 16–46 from all over the world. Read on to learn how you can join this transformative event!

What is YEF 2025?

The Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 is a dynamic platform designed to empower young leaders to tackle global challenges like climate change, peacebuilding, digital innovation, and sustainable development. Aligned with the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027 and the UN Youth2030 Strategy, YEF offers an immersive experience featuring:

• Interactive workshops to build leadership and policy-making skills.
• High-level panel discussions with global experts.
• Exclusive study visits to the United Nations Headquarters and CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.
• Networking events over traditional Swiss cuisine for cross-cultural connections.
• A chance to win the Kofi Annan Youth Grant of $1,000 for the best social action project pitch.

Held at the prestigious Mercure Hotel in Geneva, this forum is perfect for anyone eager to grow, learn, and contribute to a better future.

Who Can Apply?

YEF 2025 welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and nationalities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced leader, your passion for global change matters most. Here’s who can apply:

• Age: 16 to 46 years old.
• Eligible Applicants: Students, graduates, young professionals, media personnel, NGO employees, think tank officials, or anyone interested in youth empowerment.
• Experience: No prior volunteering or leadership experience is required—just a strong motivation to learn and contribute.
• Language: English proficiency is recommended, as the event is conducted in English (no IELTS required).

Scholarship and Funding Options

YEF 2025 offers 150 seats with three participation categories to make the event accessible to everyone:

1. Fully Funded Scholarships (40 Spots)

Covers all expenses, including:

• Round-trip airfare.
• Shared accommodation.
• Meals and breakfast during the event.
• Full conference access.
• Study visits to the UN Headquarters and CERN.
• Geneva Transport Card for free public transport.
• UN SDGs Leadership Certificate.
• Official Schengen visa support letter.
• Premium training kit and event merchandise.

2. Partially Funded Scholarships (30 Spots)

Includes everything in the fully funded package except airfare. You’ll need to cover your own travel to Geneva.

3. Self-Funded Category

For those who want guaranteed participation without the selection process, you can choose:

• Forum Admission: $499 (covers accommodation, meals, conference access, study trips, merchandise).
• Self-Funded: $999 (same benefits as Forum Admission, with guaranteed selection).
• Visa Invitation Letter: $120 (for Schengen visa support; cost adjustable if upgrading to another category).

Note: A non-refundable $15.99 application fee is required for all applicants, except those choosing the self-funded category for guaranteed spots.

Benefits of Attending YEF 2025

Participating in YEF 2025 is more than just a conference—it’s a life-changing opportunity. Here’s what you’ll gain:

• Global Exposure: Speak on a global stage and share your ideas with international peers.
• Leadership Skills: Learn how to influence policy and drive change through hands-on workshops.
• Networking: Connect with 150 young leaders, experts, and policymakers from around the world.
• Cultural Experience: Enjoy Swiss culture through networking events and traditional cuisine.
• Certificates and Grants: Earn a UN SDGs Leadership Certificate and compete for the $1,000 Kofi Annan Youth Grant for your social action project.
• Exclusive Visits: Explore the UN Headquarters and CERN, gaining insights into diplomacy and cutting-edge science.

How to Apply

The application process is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to secure your spot:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to https://thecgdl.org/yef2025/ref/13/ to access the online application form.
2. Complete the Form: Provide your personal details, express your passion for youth empowerment, and share any relevant experiences (leadership or volunteering experience is optional).
3. Pay the Application Fee: Submit the $15.99 non-refundable fee (not required for self-funded applicants).
4. Indicate Funding Preference: Specify if you’re applying for a fully funded, partially funded, or self-funded spot.
5. Submit by the Deadline: Applications now extented and will close on July 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM GMT. Early applications are encouraged due to high competition.

Selection Process:

• Applications are reviewed by a diverse panel to ensure fairness and impartiality.
• Selection is based on merit, motivation, and leadership potential.
• Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email, and the final list will be published on the YEF website and social media.

Visa Support: Fully and partially funded participants receive an official Schengen visa support letter, and applicant details are shared with Swiss embassies to streamline the process. However, securing a visa is your responsibility.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline Extended: July 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM GMT.
• Event Dates: September 4–7, 2025.
• Notification of Results: Successful applicants will be informed via email and published on the official website.

Tips for a Strong Application

Want to stand out? Here are some tips to boost your chances:

• Be Authentic: Share your genuine passion for creating change in your community or globally.
• Highlight Motivation: Explain why YEF 2025 matters to you and how you’ll use the experience.
• Keep It Clear: Avoid jargon and write concisely about your goals and experiences.
• Apply Early: Early submissions show enthusiasm and give you time to address any issues.
• Check the FAQ: Visit the official YEF website for detailed FAQs to clarify any doubts.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss YEF 2025

YEF 2025 is more than a conference—it’s a launchpad for young leaders to shape the future. Whether you’re interested in diplomacy, sustainability, or innovation, this forum equips you with the tools, connections, and inspiration to make a difference. With fully funded scholarships, exclusive visits to the UN and CERN, and a vibrant community of 150 global changemakers, this is your chance to shine on the world stage.

Don’t wait! Apply now for the Youth Empowerment Forum 2025 and take the first step toward becoming a global leader. Visit https://thecgdl.org/yef2025/ref/13/ to start your application today.

Have questions? Check the official YEF website for FAQs or contact the organizing team for support. Stay tuned to our website for more scholarship and conference opportunities worldwide!

Source: Official YEF 2025 Website, Opportunities Radar, Scholarship Union