Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals 2026 in Turkey is a fully funded international youth opportunity in Istanbul that brings together young leaders to work on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This guide covers all details about the scholarship, eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application process, and tips to increase your chances of selection.
Basic information about the scholarship
The Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals 2026 will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 27–30 April 2026 and is designed for young leaders, activists, innovators, and changemakers from all over the world. The forum focuses on the UN Global Goals (Sustainable Development Goals) and aims to empower youth to design, pitch, and scale sustainable solutions for global challenges.
Key facts:
- Location: Istanbul, Türkiye 🇹🇷
- Date: April 27–30, 2026
- Duration: 4 days
- Total Seats: 150 participants
- Deadline: Approaching (30 days remaining)
- Deadline mentioned: 1 March 2026 on a major opportunity portal.
- Type of opportunity: Fully funded and partially funded forum (scholarship-style sponsorship)
- Eligible nationality: All nationalities can apply
- Application mode: Online application form with a small application fee
- Available Seats
- Fully Funded: 25
- Partially Funded: 35
- Self-Funded: 40
- Forum Access Pass: 50
The main goal of this forum is to strengthen youth participation in SDG decision‑making, inspire action, and build cross‑cultural networks that promote peace, sustainability, and global cooperation.
Purpose of YFGG 2026
- Empower youth to engage with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Promote youth leadership, diplomacy, and global cooperation
- Encourage peacebuilding, civic engagement, and sustainable development
- Build cross-cultural understanding and lifelong global networks
University/Institution details
The Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals 2026 is not tied to a traditional university degree; it is an international conference‑format program hosted in Istanbul, Turkey. The event is organized by a dedicated youth and global‑goals–focused organization that works to bring together students, young professionals, social entrepreneurs, and activists for SDG‑driven dialogue and projects.
Institution‑related details:
- Location: Istanbul, one of Turkey’s largest and most vibrant educational and cultural hubs.
- Format: Professional conference, workshops, high‑level sessions, and networking—similar to a short‑term leadership program rather than a long academic course.
- Partners: The forum is aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and often collaborates with NGOs, youth networks, and development‑focused organizations.
This setting gives participants access to mentors, speakers, and institutions that work directly or indirectly with UN‑aligned development programs.
Study areas and thematic tracks
Although this is not a degree scholarship, the Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals 2026 offers structured thematic tracks aligned with SDGs, which function like “program areas” for participants. These areas allow you to focus your contribution and networking on topics that match your academic or professional interests.
Typical thematic or program areas include:
- SDG leadership and governance (youth leadership, policy engagement, civic participation)
- Climate action and environmental sustainability (SDG 13 and related goals)
- Quality education, skills, and innovation (SDG 4, youth skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation labs)
- Social inclusion, peacebuilding, and human rights (links to SDG 16 and equality‑focused goals)
- Economic empowerment and decent work (youth entrepreneurship, social business, SDG 8)
These tracks make the program relevant for students and young professionals from diverse disciplines, including social sciences, environmental studies, economics, public policy, international relations, and business.
Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals benefits
The Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals 2026 offers multiple categories of support, including fully funded and partially funded spots. The fully funded seats are particularly competitive and attractive for international applicants who cannot afford travel and accommodation costs.
Main benefits (for fully funded delegates):
- Accommodation
- All meals during the forum
- Forum materials & delegate kit
- Cultural exchange activities
- Visa support
- Workshops & sessions
- Certificate & global networking
Some partially funded or self‑funded options may include:
- Discount on program fees
- Access to certificates, workshops, and networking even if travel is self‑funded
All participants gain a certificate of participation, international networking, and exposure to mentors and global youth leaders, which strongly boosts both academic and professional profiles.
Benefits not included
Even fully funded opportunities usually have some exclusions, and planning ahead helps avoid surprises.
Common non‑covered or partially covered items:
- Visa fees and related embassy costs are often not included and must usually be paid by the participant.
- Personal expenses such as shopping, tourism, and extra meals outside the official program are not covered.
- Travel insurance may or may not be covered; applicants should be prepared to arrange their own if not explicitly included.
- Local transportation in your home country (to and from the airport) is normally the responsibility of the participant.
Always check the official call to see the exact wording of what the fully funded and partially funded categories include or exclude.
Eligibility criteria for Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals
Typical eligibility requirements:
- Youth aged 15–45 years
- All nationalities welcome
- Students, professionals, activists, entrepreneurs, researchers
- No specific academic background required
- Interest in SDGs: Demonstrated passion for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, community work, or social impact projects.
- Good communication skills in English, as the working language of the forum is commonly English, even when no official test score is required.
- A clean record and commitment to peace, inclusion, and non‑violence.
- Registration Categories
- Fully Funded – $13.99 application fee
- Forum Access Pass – $199 (no accommodation)
- Self-Funded – $499 (full access with accommodation)
No specific degree field is mandatory, making this opportunity accessible for applicants from any academic discipline who want to contribute to global change.
Required documents
To complete a strong application for this youth forum, you will need to prepare a small but impactful application package.
Commonly required documents and inputs include:
- Updated CV or résumé highlighting education, work, volunteering, and leadership roles
- Passport or national ID information for verification and travel planning
- Short essay or motivation statement describing your interest in the UN Global Goals and what you plan to contribute at the forum
- Details of previous projects, initiatives, or community work related to SDGs or youth leadership
- A professional‑style photo for your profile badge and promotional materials
- Proof of ability to pay the small application fee (often paid online via card or digital payment)
Some calls may also ask for social media links, portfolio links, or recommendation contacts, especially if you are applying for a fully funded or high‑impact category.
Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals application process (step‑by‑step)
Step‑by‑step guide:
- Choose your registration category
- Complete the online application form
- Pay the application fee
- Submit your application
- Receive confirmation if selected
Tips for a successful application
A strong and compelling application significantly increases your chances of being selected for the fully funded category.
Practical tips:
- Be specific about your impact
- Explain clearly what SDG challenge you work on (for example, climate, education, gender, or poverty) and provide concrete examples of your projects.
- Highlight leadership and initiative
- Showcase times you led a team, started a campaign, organized events, or solved a community problem, even on a small scale.
- Align with SDG language
- Use clear SDG‑related keywords such as “sustainable development,” “youth participation,” “social innovation,” “climate resilience,” and “inclusive growth” to show your understanding of the UN Global Goals.
- Tailor your motivation letter
- Avoid generic text; write a focused statement explaining why Istanbul, this specific forum, and networking with global youth will help your long‑term goals.
- Proofread everything
- Check spelling, grammar, and clarity; a clean, professional application reflects seriousness and respect for the organizers.
Monthly living expenses in Turkey (USD)
Even though the forum itself is short, many applicants plan extended stays or future studies in Turkey, so it is useful to understand typical living costs for international students.
Average monthly living expenses in Turkey for students:
- Overall range: Approximately 300–600 USD per month, depending on city and lifestyle.
- Smaller cities: Around 300–400 USD for modest living.
- Larger cities (Ankara, Izmir): Often 400–500 USD monthly.
- Istanbul: Can go higher, sometimes up to 800 USD or more for comfortable living, especially with private housing.
This estimated budget usually covers:
- Accommodation (dorm or shared apartment)
- Food and groceries
- Local transportation
- Basic health insurance and personal expenses
Participants for a short 4‑day forum should still budget some extra funds for sightseeing, souvenirs, and any food or activities not provided by the organizers.
Why choose this scholarship? (minimum 5 reasons)
There are many international youth programs, but the Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals 2026 in Turkey stands out for several strong reasons.
Key reasons to apply:
- International certificate from CGAD
- Workshops with global experts & SDG advocates
- Networking with youth leaders from around the world
- Cultural exchange in Istanbul – where continents meet
Additional advantages:
- Exposure to mentors, speakers, and organizations already working with SDG implementation.
- Opportunity to present your ideas and potentially gain support for your projects.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals 2026 in Turkey fully funded?
Yes, the program offers fully funded seats covering airfare, accommodation, meals, and forum access, along with partially funded and self‑funded categories.
2. Who can apply for this youth forum?
Applicants from all nationalities, academic backgrounds, and professional fields are welcome, as long as they are youth or young professionals deeply interested in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
3. What is the application deadline for 2026?
One major call lists 1 March 2026 as the deadline, but some partner announcements mention earlier dates; always check and follow the deadline on the official application portal.
4. Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is a small non‑refundable application fee (around the equivalent of 13.99 USD in similar editions) that must be paid during online submission.
5. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply?
Most youth forums of this type do not require formal English tests, but good English communication skills are essential because sessions, networking, and workshops are conducted in English.
6. How long is the program and where is it held?
The forum lasts four days and is hosted in Istanbul, Turkey, a globally connected city that bridges Europe and Asia.
7. Can I apply if I am still a student?
Yes, undergraduate and postgraduate students are highly encouraged to apply, along with fresh graduates, early‑career professionals, and social entrepreneurs.
8. Will I receive a certificate?
Participants typically receive an official certificate of participation, which is valuable for academic and professional portfolios.
Deadline mentioned: 1 March 2026 on a major opportunity portal.
Official Link:
YFGG 2026 is more than a forum — it’s a global leadership opportunity to learn, connect, and create real impact for the UN Global Goals.
