The Youth Democracy Summit 2026 is a four-day gathering in Rome run by the Center for International Policy and Sustainability (CIPS), a policy-and-leadership organisation. It convenes around 300 young people from 150-plus countries for panels, policy-dialogue workshops, negotiation simulations, and a guided visit to the UN FAO headquarters. The program is built around six themes spanning democratic governance, youth participation in policy, diplomacy, human rights, sustainable development, and digital civic innovation. Delegates receive a certificate of participation and access to the CIPS alumni network. Participation runs on a mix of competitive scholarships and paid registration.
Benefits & funding
- Four attendance tiers across 300 delegates:
- Fully Funded (30 seats): round-trip international airfare, accommodation, meals, conference access, and visa-letter support.
- Partially Funded (90 seats): meals, conference access, and visa support; airfare and accommodation not covered.
- Summit Pass (100 seats): conference sessions and meals only, USD 499.
- Self-Sponsored (80 seats): hotel, meals, and conference, USD 699.
- Funded categories require a competitive, merit-based application and a processing fee of about USD 17.99 (roughly USD 21 with service charges). The fee buys consideration, not a seat — only 30 of 300 places are fully funded.
- All delegates receive a certificate of participation and CIPS alumni-network access. A visa invitation letter is offered separately for USD 99.
Eligibility
- Ages 16 to 46.
- Open to all nationalities; students, professionals, and aspiring leaders interested in democracy, governance, and global cooperation.
- Fluent English communication; no IELTS or TOEFL required.
Can you apply?
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Age requirement
16–46 yrs
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Application process
- 1Choose a category — a funded (competitive) application or a direct paid registration.
- 2For funded seats, complete the online form: personal and contact details, two short motivation essays, and a profile photo.
- 3Pay the application processing fee (about USD 17.99) via the online payment step.
- 4Await the merit-based review; funded selection weighs leadership potential, motivation, thematic alignment, community impact, and diversity.
- 5Selected delegates arrange travel to Rome for 1–4 October 2026, with a visa letter available on request.
Program timeline
Application deadline for funded seats
10 August 2026
Summit in Rome
1–4 October 2026