Applications are officially open for the Global Youth Festival (GYF) 2026, one of the world’s largest international youth leadership events. Organized by the Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance (HISA), this prestigious festival will take place from 15–18 October 2026 in Paris, France, bringing together more than 500 delegates from over 120 countries.
The Global Youth Festival is designed to inspire, educate, and connect the next generation of global leaders by providing a platform for dialogue, innovation, leadership development, diplomacy, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Whether you are a university student, researcher, entrepreneur, NGO worker, social activist, young professional, or community leader, this international event provides an outstanding opportunity to learn from global experts, develop leadership skills, and build an international network of changemakers.
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About the Global Youth Festival 2026
The Global Youth Festival is HISA’s flagship international leadership program aimed at empowering young people to contribute meaningfully toward solving global challenges.
Unlike traditional conferences, GYF combines leadership development, diplomacy, policy discussions, innovation workshops, networking sessions, mentorship opportunities, and cultural exchange into one comprehensive international experience.
Participants will engage in interactive learning experiences, collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, and explore practical solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues.
The event is hosted in Paris, one of Europe’s most iconic cities, providing delegates with a unique opportunity to experience French culture while participating in an internationally recognized leadership program.
Event Details
Event: Global Youth Festival 2026
Organizer: Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance (HISA)
Location: Paris, France
Dates: 15–18 October 2026
Participants: 500+ Delegates
Countries Represented: 120+
Conference Themes
The festival focuses on eight major global themes:
- Climate Action and Environmental Justice
- Peace, Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution
- Governance, Democracy and Civic Participation
- Education, Innovation and the Future of Work
- Human Rights, Equality and Social Justice
- Technology and Social Innovation
- Global Citizenship and Cultural Identity
- Mental Health, Well-being and Youth Resilience
Each theme includes keynote sessions, panel discussions, practical workshops, policy dialogues, and collaborative group activities.
Scholarship Opportunities
HISA is offering 350 scholarship awards divided into three categories.
Fully Funded Scholarship (100 Awards)
Successful applicants will receive:
- Airfare support
- Shared accommodation in Paris
- Daily breakfast and conference meals
- Visa support documentation
- Visa fee reimbursement
- Full access to all conference sessions
- Official delegate merchandise
- Speaking opportunity
- Certificate of Participation
- Mentorship sessions
- International networking opportunities
Partially Funded Scholarship (100 Awards)
Benefits include:
- Shared accommodation
- Conference meals
- Visa support
- Delegate kit
- Full conference access
- Certificate of Participation
- Networking opportunities
Festival Pass Scholarship (150 Awards)
Includes:
- Full festival participation
- Official merchandise
- Speaking opportunity
- Certificate
- Networking sessions
- Mentorship opportunities
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open worldwide.
Eligible applicants include:
- University students
- Recent graduates
- Young professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Researchers
- NGO representatives
- Social innovators
- Community leaders
- Policy enthusiasts
- Artists and creatives
Applicants should:
- Be between 18 and 40 years old
- Demonstrate leadership potential
- Have a passion for creating positive social impact
- Possess working proficiency in English
- Be available to attend the complete four-day program
No IELTS is required.
No specific academic background is required.
Why Attend the Global Youth Festival?
Attending GYF 2026 offers numerous professional and personal development opportunities, including:
- Building international leadership skills
- Developing public speaking confidence
- Learning diplomacy and negotiation techniques
- Networking with delegates from over 120 countries
- Participating in hands-on workshops
- Learning from internationally recognized speakers
- Collaborating on global challenges
- Receiving an internationally recognized certificate
- Becoming part of HISA’s growing alumni network
Participants often leave the festival with lifelong friendships, valuable professional connections, and enhanced leadership capabilities.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the HISA Admissions Committee based on:
- Leadership potential
- Motivation statement
- Vision for community impact
- Diversity of experiences
- Commitment to international collaboration
Successful applicants will receive an official acceptance letter followed by onboarding instructions and visa support documentation where applicable.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit an online application through the official HISA website.
Applicants are generally required to provide:
- Personal information
- Motivation statement
- Leadership experience
- Community engagement details
- Description of a project or initiative they have contributed to
Benefits of Participating
Participants will have opportunities to:
- Learn from global experts
- Participate in leadership workshops
- Join international policy discussions
- Improve communication and diplomacy skills
- Experience cultural exchange
- Expand international professional networks
- Enhance career prospects
- Gain international exposure
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Global Youth Festival 2026?
Young leaders aged 18–40 from any country are welcome to apply.
2. Where will the event take place?
The festival will be held in Paris, France.
3. When is the Global Youth Festival 2026?
The event will take place from 15–18 October 2026.
4. Is IELTS required?
No. IELTS is not required.
5. How many scholarships are available?
A total of 350 scholarships are available, including 100 fully funded awards.
6. What does the fully funded scholarship include?
It includes airfare support, accommodation, meals, visa support, conference access, certification, and networking opportunities.
7. Is the festival open to all nationalities?
Yes. Applicants from all countries are encouraged to apply.
8. Who organizes the event?
The festival is organized by the Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance (HISA).
9. What is the age requirement?
Applicants should generally be between 18 and 40 years old.
10. How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official HISA website.
Helen Oesha holds a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship and is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment through education. Since 2021, she has been guiding students toward scholarships and international opportunities, making higher education more accessible worldwide. Oesha platform is widely regarded as a leading source for discovering global opportunities. Having personally experienced the challenges and success of funded doctoral studies, she is passionate about bridging the gap between ambition and access, helping students realize their dreams and reach their highest potential. this helen oesha remove and write Azhar ul Haq Wahid PhD in journalism from university of complutense Madrid,Spain Journalist write accodingly