Be Part of a Global Movement
Join youth leaders from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and regions united by a shared vision for a better world.
One World. One Movement. One IYF.
6th International Youth Forum Where Global Youth Leaders Unite
IYF connects emerging leaders with experts, institutions, and ideas that turn sustainable development priorities into measurable action.
- 100+
- Countries
- 5
- Editions
- 12
- Policy themes
Event Date
24-25, September 2026
Venue
United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok
About IYF
One World.
One Movement.
One IYF.
A Global Movement for Young Leaders
The International Youth Forum is more than a forum - it's a global movement of bold, visionary young leaders uniting to shape the future. Bringing together changemakers, policymakers, and innovators from across the world, IYF2026 is a high-impact platform for tackling the world's most pressing challenges - from climate change and inequality to innovation and sustainable development. Through powerful dialogue, strategic collaboration, and transformative action, this forum ignites the ideas, energy, and leadership needed to drive global change.
Transforming ideas into action for a sustainable future.
IYF creates space for young leaders to learn from global experts, develop practical solutions, and form long-term collaborations across countries, sectors, and communities.
Develop Actionable Solutions
Participate in collaborative workshops designed to create real-world solutions to pressing global issues.
Learn from Global Experts
Engage with distinguished speakers and mentors, including policymakers, entrepreneurs, and activists.
Enhance Leadership Skills
Gain insights and tools to become a more effective leader and advocate for change in your community.
Network with Change-Makers
Build lasting connections with like-minded peers and professionals, opening doors to future collaborations.
Our Themes
Human rights, sustainability, governance, and youth-led action.
The 6th Edition continues the forum's multi-sector approach, connecting policy dialogue with practical youth leadership.
Youth Rights Advocacy
Empowering youth to comprehend, assert, and safeguard inalienable human rights.
Gender Parity and Justice
Promoting systemic equity, social justice, and dignity across gender identities.
Inclusive Governance and Leadership
Facilitating equitable leadership to drive transformative societal change.
Youth Capacity-Building and Empowerment
Enhancing competencies, agency, and socio-economic opportunities for youth-led development.
Civic Engagement and Political Participation
Mobilizing youth to engage in democratic processes and policy formulation.
SDG Advocacy and Accountability
Advancing, monitoring, and evaluating global Sustainable Development Goals frameworks.
Global Citizenship and Solidarity
Building responsibility within a universal, interconnected global framework.
Social Innovation and Impact
Catalyzing youth-driven solutions for complex socio-economic challenges.
Digital Equity and Technological Inclusion
Ensuring access to digital infrastructure while safeguarding privacy and rights.
Climate Justice and Environmental Stewardship
Advancing ecological justice, climate resilience, and sustainable governance.
Peacebuilding and Diplomatic Dialogue
Supporting youth-led peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue, and conflict mediation.
Social Justice and Equity Reform
Advocating policy reforms that reduce discrimination and improve access to resources.
Get Involved
Shape the Future of Youth Leadership
IYF connects emerging leaders with experts, institutions, and partners through dialogue, workshops, cultural exchange, and action planning.
Speaker Sessions
Our Featured Speakers
Dialogue with global youth leaders, policymakers, and experts.
Show all speakers
Program Agenda
IYF 6.0 Program Agenda
Keynotes, workshops, cultural exchange, and action planning.
View Program
Venue
United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok.
IYF 2026 at the UNCC, Bangkok offers delegates a unique opportunity to experience global engagement in a venue that has hosted some of the world's most important conversations on sustainable development, peace, innovation, and international cooperation.
Registration
Ready to Join the 6th Edition?
Complete your delegate application and become part of a global movement of young leaders shaping the future.
Apply NowTestimonials
Voices that believe in youth leadership.
Reflections from public leaders, UN advocates, and youth development partners who have engaged with the International Youth Forum.
“The International Youth Forum represents the kind of global platform the world urgently needs—one that empowers young people not merely to participate, but to lead. IYF is shaping a generation of informed, responsible, and action-driven leaders committed to advancing sustainable development and global peace.”
Felipe Paullier
Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, United Nations“IYF provides an extraordinary platform for youth to understand their rights, responsibilities, and power to create change. When young people are educated and empowered, they become unstoppable forces for peace, justice, and human dignity.”
Mary Shuttleworth
President, Youth for Human Rights International“The future of governance, democracy, and development depends on meaningful youth engagement. The International Youth Forum is building bridges between leadership and youth voices, creating pathways for real and lasting impact.”
Ganesh Prasad Timilsina
Chairperson, National Assembly, Federal Parliament of Nepal“Young leaders today are driving conversations around inclusion, equality, and justice. IYF plays a crucial role in ensuring these voices are heard and translated into action that builds a more equitable and inclusive future.”
Christine Arab
Regional Director, UN Women Asia and the Pacific“Youth leadership must remain central to sustainable development. IYF has successfully built a dynamic platform where innovation, policy dialogue, and collective action come together to inspire meaningful change.”
Srinivas Tata
Director, Social Development Division, ESCAP“The International Youth Forum demonstrates the power of dialogue, collaboration, and international cooperation. It is encouraging to see young leaders engaging seriously with global issues and contributing to solutions.”
Patrick Bourne
Ambassador of Ireland“IYF is cultivating a global ecosystem of young changemakers. Through dialogue and collaboration, it enables youth to become active contributors to international peace, diplomacy, and sustainable progress.”
Paolo Dionisi
Ambassador of Italy“Youth are not just the future—they are powerful agents of change today. IYF provides the leadership space necessary for young voices to influence policies, communities, and global development.”
Ilse Lilian Ferrer Silva
Ambassador of Mexico“Education remains one of the strongest tools to empower youth. IYF effectively brings together education, leadership, and innovation to inspire the next generation of impactful global leaders.”
Datuk Dr. Habibah Abdul Rahim
Director, SEAMEO“Climate action needs youth leadership now more than ever. IYF empowers young people to become bold, informed, and courageous leaders who can champion sustainability and protect our shared future.”
Alexander Rendell
UNEP Goodwill Ambassador - Thailand“In the digital era, empowering youth with knowledge, technology, and leadership opportunities is essential. IYF stands as a strong platform for preparing future leaders in an interconnected world.”
Dr. Masanori Kondo
Secretary General, Asia-Pacific Telecommunity“Youth engagement is essential for building resilient economies and stronger nations. IYF is successfully nurturing a generation of leaders who understand both local realities and global responsibilities.”
Ram Sharan Mahat
Former Minister of Finance, Nepal“IYF was built on one powerful belief—that youth are not waiting for the future; they are creating it. Our mission is to connect, empower, and inspire young leaders to become catalysts of meaningful global change.”
Dr. Datchanamoorthy Ramu
Co-Founder, International Youth Forum“The International Youth Forum was created to build a truly global platform where young leaders, policymakers, and changemakers can connect, collaborate, and create solutions. IYF is empowering youth to transform ideas into action and leadership into lasting global impact.”
Rahul K C
Co-Founder, International Youth ForumGallery
Moments from past International Youth Forum editions.
