Youth Forum on Global UN Goals 2026 in Türkiye (YFGG)

If you are passionate about sustainable development (SDGs), community work, and global peace – and you are looking for a strong international forum to expand your network and boost your CV – then the Youth Forum on Global UN Goals 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye (YFGG 2026) is one of the most important opportunities available for young people this year. Over four intensive days, young leaders, change-makers, and innovators from more than 100 countries come together for dialogue, workshops, and networking under the umbrella of the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development, led by the Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD).

Although the forum draws its vision and themes from the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is an independent event and not an official UN conference. It provides a serious, youth-driven international space for practical and policy-oriented discussions around global challenges.

Overview of YFGG 2026 in Istanbul

Host country: Türkiye
City: Istanbul
Duration: 4 days
Dates: 27–30 April 2026
Organizer: Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD)
Type of event: International youth forum / conference on the SDGs
Total seats: Around 150 participants from different countries
Funding categories: Fully funded, partially funded, self-funded, Forum Access Pass

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Why is this forum a valuable opportunity for youth?

Strong academic and professional value: Joining an international SDG-focused forum in a strategic city like Istanbul is a powerful addition to any CV, especially if you are targeting scholarships, fellowships, or jobs in development, peacebuilding, or humanitarian work.
International certificate of participation: Participants receive an official certificate from CGAD, which can be attached to scholarship, internship, and job applications.
Global networking opportunities: You will connect with youth, activists, social entrepreneurs, and researchers from multiple regions, enabling future collaborations on projects and initiatives after the forum.
Direct focus on the SDGs: Sessions and workshops address key SDG themes such as poverty reduction, quality education, gender equality, climate action, peace and justice, and partnerships for the Goals.

Funding categories for YFGG 2026

The organizers offer several participation categories so that applicants can choose what best fits their financial situation.

1. Fully Funded Seats

These usually cover:

Forum registration fees
Accommodation for the full four days
Meals during the event
Training materials and delegate kit
Cultural exchange activities and city tours in Istanbul
Visa support documents (e.g., invitation letter, visa support letter)
Official certificate from CGAD
Full access to all sessions, workshops, side events, and networking activities

2. Partially Funded Seats

These provide partial financial support that may include:

Full or partial registration fees
Some meals during the event
Forum materials and a certificate of participation
In some cases, limited support for accommodation

This category is suitable for applicants who can cover part of the expenses (such as flights or part of their stay) but still need to reduce overall costs through partial funding.

3. Forum Access Pass

This option targets participants who can arrange their own accommodation but still want full academic and networking access. It usually offers:

Access to sessions and workshops
Forum materials and delegate kit
Some meals during the forum
Cultural and networking activities
Certificate of participation and available visa support documentation

4. Self-Funded Category

The participant covers all costs and fees as listed on the official website.
In return, they receive the complete experience: accommodation, meals, access to sessions and workshops, cultural and networking activities, materials, and an official certificate plus visa support documents offered by the organizers.

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Main objectives of the Youth Forum on Global UN Goals 2026

The forum is designed to generate real impact at both individual and community levels. Key objectives include:

Enhancing youth participation: Amplifying young people’s voices in global discussions on sustainable development and positioning them as solution-makers rather than passive recipients.
Inspiring action for the SDGs: Encouraging youth-led initiatives and projects in areas like education, public health, environment, gender equality, and climate action.
Building bridges between cultures: Creating a genuine space for intercultural dialogue that strengthens understanding and cooperation between participants from diverse backgrounds.
Promoting peace and inclusive development: Fostering responsible leadership, conflict resolution skills, and community resilience in the face of crises.
Strengthening civic engagement: Equipping participants with advocacy skills and practical tools to influence public policy and lead organized community work.

Who can apply? (Eligibility)

The eligibility criteria are flexible and designed to encourage broad youth participation:

Age between 18 and 45 years
Open to all nationalities from any country
No specific academic major or degree required
Suitable for students, graduates, professionals, activists, entrepreneurs, and researchers
A good command of English is preferred to actively engage in international sessions and workshops

These conditions make the forum an excellent fit for anyone wishing to build a professional or academic path in international development, humanitarian work, advocacy, peacebuilding, or social entrepreneurship.

Application deadline and how to apply

Application deadline: 1 March 2026, or earlier if seats are filled as announced by the organizers.

Basic application steps:

Choose the funding/participation category that suits your situation.
Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, academic, and professional details.
Answer the motivation and impact questions carefully, showing your genuine interest.
Review your application to correct errors or unclear answers.
Submit the form and wait for the decision from the organizing team via email.

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Tips to increase your chances of selection

Highlight your SDG connection: Clearly explain how your volunteering, projects, or studies relate to one or more SDGs (such as quality education, gender equality, climate action, or poverty reduction).
Focus on real impact: Instead of listing many activities, choose 2–3 key initiatives where you played a significant role and describe the tangible results.
Show your post-forum plan: Mention how you intend to use the experience after returning home (e.g., launching a community project, scaling a social initiative, or expanding an SDG club at your university).
Write in a clear and authentic voice: Use formal but simple English, avoid copy-paste from the internet; the selection committee is interested in your personal story and perspective.
Apply early: Submitting your application well before the deadline helps avoid technical issues and shows seriousness.

Conclusion

The Youth Forum on Global UN Goals 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye, is a powerful opportunity for any young person aged 18–45 who wants to engage seriously with sustainable development issues, build an international network, and experience a high-level global youth forum in one of the region’s most dynamic cities. Even though fully funded seats are limited and highly competitive, the academic, professional, and personal value of this experience makes applying to YFGG 2026 a strategic step for anyone aiming for a strong future in development, peace, and community-driven change.