Apply Link: https://thecgdl.org/ydf2026/ref/35/?utm

 

Application Deadline & Timeline

• 🗓 Application Deadline: 10 March 2026 (for fully and partially funded seats).

 

Event Details:

Location: Berlin, Germany

Dates: 710 May 2026                           

Duration: 4 Days

Total Seats: 200 Participants

 

Fully Funded Scholarship What It Is:

A Fully Funded Scholarship is a category of the most competitive and most supportive scholarships that YDF 2026 has to offer. Only 30 seats are allocated for this category and they are providing almost 100% of the costs of participation, therefore, the participants can attend without any concern about finances.

What Is Included (Fully Funded):

Fully funded delegates who are selected receive a package of support the components of which vary but generally include:

1. One international round, trip ticket to Berlin, Germany (economy class)
2. Accommodation in the same hotel but different rooms for the whole duration of the forum
3. Meals daily breakfasts, plus lunches and dinners during the event
4. Free access to all official sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and activities Certificate of Participation from CGDL upon completion
5. Delegate kit with conference materials and learning resources
6. An educational tour of Berlin including visits to historical, diplomatic, and cultural sites
7. Comprehensive visa support comprising of an official visa support letter and document guidanceBesides the financial assistance,

this support is also aimed to help the participants be worry, free about the arrangements and focus on the learning, sharing, and networking.

 

Why This Opportunity Matters:

Youth Development Forum is not just a conference, it’s a professional and personal development accelerator in several key areas:

Global Leadership:                           

Through work sessions and specialist dialogues, young people are empowered to develop leadership skills that focus on real, world challenges, influencing policy, and engaging in society.

Youth Diplomacy & Policy:

The delegates take part in the debate on diplomacy, peacebuilding and the role of youth in governance where they are also exposed to German political institutions.

Innovation & Emerging Technologies:

Workshops often cover digital leadership, AI governance, and innovation strategies for community impact.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

 

Age:

Generally, the age of applicants must be between 16 and 46 years of age.

Nationality:

The invitation is worldwide; the call is without territorial restrictions.

Background:

It really doesn’t matter if you are a student, an undergraduate, a professional, a volunteer, a community leader, or a business person; you will all be equally welcomed.

English Language Proficiency:

English is the language of the forum, and participants need to be quite comfortable with it (a formal test is not required).

Aspirations:

Leadership, development, problem, solving, and a desire to be globally involved are indeed strong and powerful qualities.

There are no specific roles or subjects the winner’s application depends on how motivated, promising, and aligned with the forum’s objectives that person is.

 

Required Documents and Application Components:

Exact application requirements should be checked on the official portal but typical expectaions are:

Core Application Items:

• Personal informations and contacts.
• Updated CV or resume,
• Motivation letter explaining your goals and why you should be selected.
• Copy of a valid passport (for visa facilitation),
• Professional photo (for delegate profile)

Some programs also require submitting additional documents such as proof of schooling or recommendation letters do always confirm the requirements before you submit.

 

Key Themes & Learning Tracks:

The forum’s learning program revolves around essential issues in the world today that correspond to the demands of youth and future world leaders:

1. Human Rights & Democratic Engagement:

Look into youth engagement in civic life, rights advocacy, and democratic institutions.

2. Media, Digital Storytelling & Influence:                       

3. Leadership, Innovation & Entrepreneurship:

Youth leadership, ideation, and entrepreneurial thinking for the social impact of youth through project, based learning and leadership workshops.

These areas are mixed so that the attendees are provided with a comprehensive global education experience that can be utilized for careers, advocacy, and community projects.

 

Selection Criteria How Applicants Are EvaluatedFully funded seats selection is competitive and based on several factors:

 

Evaluative Priorities:

Quality of motivation letter and clarity of purpose. Leadership potential and previous community engagement. Forum theme alignment such as youth leadership, innovation, and global development. Global perspective and commitment to learning.They are trying to pick out such a participants who will serve the forum and be the point of attraction of the forum and beyond.

 

Application Tips:

How to Make Your Submission Noticeable

Below are some smart tips that can increase your chances:

Compelling Motivation:

Explain your passion, goals, and how attending will shape your future with a truthfully motivated, goal, oriented, and specific letter.

Be In Agreement With Themes:

Illustrate your experience/stories through the lens of the major issues to be discussed at the forum such as leadership, diplomacy, sustainability, innovation, or social impact.

Demonstrate Experience:

If you have any leadership experience in a non, professional context like volunteering or being involved in community work, it will definitely make your application more interesting to the reviewer.

Make an Early Application:

Turn in your application before the deadline to be safe from last, minute problems and to get full attention.

 

📅 Event Details

 

Final Thoughts:

 

The forum is more than a learning event; it is a platform provided by the organizers giving you connections, experiences, and exposure that can first of all, shape your career and secondly, help you in the change and development of your community. If you are a student, professional, or a youth leader who is enthusiastic about global issues, then you definitely need to think about and apply for this amazing chance to raise your voice and quicken your journey to making a positive impact.