Global Youth Summit 2026
Join 260 changemakers in New York for three days of diplomacy simulations, interactive workshops, and direct engagement with the world's most pressing challenges.
Advancing Youth Leadership for Sustainable Development
Over three days, participants will take part in structured educational activities focused on diplomacy, negotiation, advocacy, and community-driven action aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The summit will culminate in the development of a Youth Resolution for 2030, reflecting participants’ collective recommendations and commitments toward sustainable development and global cooperation.
Model UN Simulation
Participate in educational diplomacy simulations focused on current global challenges and multilateral cooperation.
Interactive Workshops
Develop practical skills in public speaking, negotiation, leadership, and diplomatic engagement.
Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
Engage with institutions, experts, educators, and organizations contributing to sustainable development and international cooperation.
Global Network
Connect with 260 young leaders representing diverse regions and perspectives from around the world.
Three Educational Tracks, One Shared Mission
01
Diplomacy & Negotiation
Explore multilateral dialogue and consensus-building through educational simulations and collaborative exercises.
02
Public Speaking & Advocacy
Strengthen communication and advocacy skills through structured workshops and practical exercises.
03
Global Issues & Youth Action
Examine the Sustainable Development Goals and develop community-based initiatives that promote positive social impact.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Diplomatic Talent
Training Pathway
May 30, 2026 — Online
Understanding World Peace
Lectures by international NGO representatives on peace challenges facing the global community.
June 10 & 20, 2026 — Online
Communication & Presentation Skills
Workshops with peace-building experts on logical structures for communicating peace internationally.
Ongoing — In-country
National Peace Training
Each NOM conducts local training connecting global themes to national and community contexts.
July 29–31, 2026 — New York City
Global Youth Summit
In-person workshops, discussions with experts, cross-cultural exchange, and achievement presentations.
The Impact Cycle
"The Global Youth Summit is an opportunity for young leaders to strengthen their understanding of international cooperation, dialogue, and sustainable development through education and collaboration."
Three Days That Shape Global Leaders
July 29
July 30
July 31
Global Youth Summit Plenary Session
Learn From Global Leaders & Changemakers
Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn is the Executive Director, Workforce and International Labor Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where she leads education, workforce, unemployment insurance, and international labor policy. She represents U.S. employers at the International Labor Conference and is a leading advocate for policies that support working Americans and address barriers to workforce participation.
Stephanie serves as the Vice President of the Board of UWC Strategy where she works to modernize and improve the nation’s unemployment insurance system and serves on the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) Advisory Council as well as the REFORM Alliance Work Matters Advisory Committee, where she helps shape policy solutions that expand employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals.
Stephanie began her career working for Senator Dean Heller and subsequently worked on the public policy team at Amazon. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish Language & Literature as well as her Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Nevada.
Alyssa leads company engagement with the UN Global Compact for American small and medium-sized enterprises and mid-sized companies, supporting their progress on sustainability and human rights. She also leads the planning and execution of regional, industry-specific, and thematic convenings for UN Global Compact Network USA's participants, designed to foster peer-to-peer learning, open dialogue, and multi-stakeholder engagement. With a thematic focus on SMEs and supply chains, Alyssa is dedicated to highlighting the pivotal role of SMEs in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Read more
Bradley M. M. Bewkes is a technology and social-impact leader, entrepreneur, and former elected official with more than 20 years of experience driving innovation across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors.
He serves as Director of Business Development at Idealist, where he leads strategic partnerships and revenue initiatives following the merger of Idealist and VolunteerMatch. Together, the organizations support a network of more than 200,000 nonprofit organizations and community groups, connecting millions of people with opportunities to volunteer, work, and create positive social change around the world.
From 2017 to 2023, Bradley served as a volunteer elected member of the Stamford, Connecticut Board of Representatives, the legislative and oversight body for a city of approximately 135,000 residents and a $650 million annual budget. This work demonstrated his belief that leadership and public service can be pursued alongside a full-time career. During his tenure, he helped guide Stamford through the COVID-19 pandemic while increasing civic participation, transparency, and accountability.
Bradley holds a Bachelor of Science in International Trade and Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology, graduating summa cum laude, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Miami Herbert Business School.
Ishaan Shah is the Global Lead Next Generation Fellow at the United Nations Foundation, where he supports efforts to rebuild trust in multilateralism and strengthen intergovernmental processes across the UN system. He is also the founder of Stolen Dreams UK. His work spans normative standards, intergovernmental negotiations, systems thinking, and policy processes across the UN architecture, with a focus on the General Assembly, ECOSOC, Security Council reform, the selection of the next UN Secretary-General, and the UN80 initiative. He also serves as Lead for Intergovernmental Support and Pact for the Future Follow-Up and Implementation at the Coalition for the UN We Need, and is a member of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
Previously, Ishaan worked with the UN Foundation as a researcher and consultant and served as the UK Youth Delegate to the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. He holds a BA in International Relations from King’s College London.
Helen Perham is the Communications Coordinator for the SDG Academy at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, where she manages content strategy, global partnerships, and the promotion of open-source education on the Sustainable Development Goals. With 7+ years in non-profit social change organizations, her work spans digital communications, community building, and advocacy focused on gender and economic justice. Helen holds a Master's degree in International Development and Social Change from Clark University.
Read more
Desiree is an emerging leader in AI safety and governance focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and equity. She has led community initiatives and policy research projects focused on digital access and AI governance. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Bell Project, an independent digital media initiative that centers emerging technology and digital equity, where she publishes thought leadership essays analyzing AI’s societal impacts and shaping discourse on digital equity.
As an AI Safety & Governance Fellow with UC Berkeley’s AI Safety Initiative, Desiree explores critical questions around how society perceives and should regulate advanced AI systems. Her research portfolio includes evaluating how AI systems handle complex decision-making situations and identifying patterns that inform efforts to build more trustworthy and safe AI technologies.
While serving as a Paragon Fellow she aided in the development of crafting a state government’s AI safety standards and designed frameworks to reduce bias in AI interactions. As a Policy Primer Scholar with the Aspen Policy Academy, she wrote policy memos addressing AI-powered dynamic pricing systems and authored critical analyses of AI detection tools in academic settings.
Her commitment to advancing equity in technology extends to her leadership roles, including serving as a Black Wings Leader for Rewriting the Code and her ongoing work as an Alumni and Mentor with Girl Up, championing women and girls’ access to education globally.
She is committed to promoting transparent and safe systems for the betterment of society and safe use for all.
Luisa Scarcella is the Global Policy Lead – Taxation and Trade at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), based at the ICC - UN Permanent Observer Office in NYC. She leads ICC's engagement on international tax policy and before joining ICC, Luisa was a postdoctoral researcher at the DigiTax Centre of the University of Antwerp (Belgium), where she focused on the intersection between tax law and new technologies. In 2020, Luisa earned her PhD in tax law with distinction (highest honors) from the University of Graz and won several academic awards.
Read more
Kate is a philanthropic and nonprofit leader with nearly twenty years of experience in a variety of grantmaking, donor engagement, and organizational development roles that advance gender, racial and economic equity both in the U.S. and abroad. She formerly served as Vice President of Programs and Institutional Advancement at The New York Women’s Foundation where she oversaw a variety of local and national grantmaking and fundraising initiatives totaling $10 million annually on issues such as women’s economic security, LGBTQI rights, criminal justice reform, gender-based violence and civic engagement. Previously, she also held the role of Executive Director of The New Haven/Leon Sister City Project, a bi-national organization advancing educational equity, women’s leadership, and environmental health in rural Nicaragua. She is passionate about promoting philanthropic and cross-sector collaboration to build sustainable infrastructure in support of equity and justice for women, LGNTQI communities and youth. Her academic background includes a Master of Public Administration from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish from Rutgers College.
Read more
Ximena is a Mechanical Engineer, TEDx speaker and Project Manager with extensive experience driving continuous improvement in cosmetic and storage manufacturing. A passionate DE&I advocate dedicated to empowering women in STEM, she is an alumni of the Masdar Youth for Sustainability (Y4S) program. Ximena has featured as a speaker at several global forums, including Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the NASA Young Citizens Conferences, MILSET Exposciences International, as well as conferences in several universities.
Read more
Mr. Beniamin Strzelecki serves as the Global Focal Point for SDG7 Youth Constituency, the official space for youth engagement on energy topics within the UN system. He is a civil engineering student at New York University Abu Dhabi. He engaged with the energy sector by participation in the IRENA Youth Forum, contributing to policy recommendations for different multilateral bodies and reviewing publications.
Read more
Birgitte Bryld serves as Chief of the Operational Activities Policy Branch at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), where she leads efforts to strengthen policy coordination and intergovernmental collaboration in support of sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Read more
Nesley Fairburn is an international actress, director, acting coach, and filmmaker based in London and Marbella. A graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), she has trained in a wide range of theatre and performance disciplines, including Physical Theatre, Stanislavski, Method Acting, and Meisner technique, collaborating with renowned practitioners across the UK, USA, and Italy. She had the honor of sharing the stage with veteran actor Trader Faulkner for over a decade and later took over his acclaimed production "The Evocation of Lorca," recognized by the King of Spain. As the founder of Actors Act Studio since 2013, Nesley has delivered workshops for actors and business professionals across London, Madrid, and Marbella, with a particular passion for empowering young people to build confidence and find their authentic voice through performance.
Read more
Lopa Banerjee is the Executive Coordinator of the Generation Equality Forum and Director of the Civil Society Division at UN Women, where she leads strategic engagement and partnership initiatives with civil society, youth groups, and human rights networks to advance gender equality globally. A seasoned gender and human rights expert, her work spans feminist policy advocacy, inclusive partnership building, and stakeholder accountability across international development. Prior to joining the United Nations, she worked in advertising and media in India, and has lived and worked across India, South Africa, Iran, Bangladesh, and the United States.
Read more
Wellington Bencosme is the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations in New York, a position he has held since March 2025. A career diplomat with over two decades of experience, he previously served as Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados, and as Minister Counsellor at the Dominican Republic's Permanent Mission to the UN during its tenure as a Non-Permanent Member of the Security Council. He has also served as Director of Relations with the United States and Canada at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and as Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, D.C. Beyond diplomacy, Ambassador Bencosme has worked as an economist and consultant specializing in international trade and economic integration, and has contributed to academic institutions in the Dominican Republic. He holds a Master of Science in Applied Economics from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Read more
Katarzyna Braczyk is the Vice President of Marketing and Outgoing Exchanges at AIESEC in the USA and Chief Business Development Officer at AIESEC International, where she leads strategic partnership development and business growth initiatives. With a background in journalism, social communication, and economics from the University of Economics in Katowice, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to youth leadership and international exchange. Prior to her current roles, she gained experience in real estate, radio journalism, and English education. She is also an accomplished vocalist, reflecting her passion for creative expression and communication.
Read more
Katherine Sparkes MBE is an entrepreneur, charity leader, and corporate responsibility consultant with a lifelong passion for social change. She is the founder of Flamingo Chicks, a dance organisation that has given over 60,000 disabled children the chance to dance across more than 30 countries, and of Spark Maker, a consultancy bridging the gap between companies and charities to drive meaningful impact. Katherine has served as CEO of multiple charitable organisations and has worked with global institutions including KPMG, Accenture, Credit Suisse, and the British government, where she is a regular speaker at the Cabinet Office. Her work has spanned Kenya, Brazil, Ghana, and beyond, always focused on long-term, sustainable empowerment. She has been recognised with numerous awards, including an MBE for services to disabled children, a Point of Light Award from the Prime Minister, and the Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award.
Read more
David Ponet leads UNICEF’s Global Volunteer Initiative (GVI), an organizational reform effort that seeks to leverage the power of people in communities to drive positive impact for children and young people. In addition to his role with GVI, Ponet also leads UNICEF’s Green Rising initiative, mobilizing millions of young people across the globe to take green actions at the grassroots level. At UNICEF headquarters, Ponet previously led parliamentary engagement and spearheaded the organization’s movement-building efforts during the global refugee crisis in 2015-16, rallying public support and shaping discourse across multiple countries. David has a background in research and politics and holds a PhD in political science.
Read moreParticipation Information
Want to join?
Participation Includes
Full Educational Program
Access to all workshops, simulations, keynote sessions, and educational activities across the three-day Summit.
Workshops & Leadership Activities
Interactive learning experiences focused on diplomacy, negotiation, public speaking, and sustainable development.
Dialogues & Expert Sessions
Opportunities to engage with practitioners, educators, institutional representatives, and experienced leaders.
International Networking
Exchange perspectives and experiences with participants from around the world.
Lunch Provided
Light lunch service during the three days of the Summit.
Visa Support Available
Official invitation letters may be issued to confirmed participants who have completed the registration process and submitted the Visa Request Form.
Participants are encouraged to begin the visa application process at least two to three months in advance, as appointment availability varies by country. Invitation letters are provided solely in support of visa applications and do not guarantee visa approval.
Not included: Accommodation, flights, airport transfers, daily transportation, visa expenses, breakfast, dinner, and personal expenses. We provide hotel recommendations and visa support to help you plan.
Important Information
The Global Youth Summit is an educational and non-commercial initiative organized to promote youth leadership, international cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development.
Any participation fees associated with the Summit are assessed solely to offset operational and programmatic costs related to the organization of the educational activities of the Summit, including logistics, materials, staffing, participant services, and venue-related expenses. No commercial sales, product promotion, private business solicitation, fundraising activity, or organizational commercial activity will be conducted as part of the program.
Participants of the Summit may not use the event or related venues to advance private organizational interests, proprietary objectives, or commercial aims.
All public communications, promotional materials, and participant information related to the Summit are subject to review to ensure consistency with the educational and non-commercial nature of the program.
An Educational Experience in the Heart of New York
Japan Society
333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017
The venue will host workshops, leadership sessions, simulations, and educational activities throughout the Summit.
Accommodation Information
Premium
The Westin New York Grand Central
Modern, upscale comfort just a few minutes from the venue
InterContinental New York Barclay
Classic luxury hotel with refined design and premium service
mid-range
Grand Hyatt New York
Reliable comfort offering a modern experience
Hilton Garden Inn Midtown East
Reliable comfort with great value and central location
DoubleTree by Hilton Metropolitan
Recently renovated, offering a modern and spacious experience
smart stay
Courtyard by Marriott Midtown East
Well-balanced option with comfort and convenience
Hampton Inn Manhattan Grand Central
Great value, includes breakfast, ideal for delegates
Holiday Inn Express Manhattan Times Square South
Simple, reliable, and budget-friendly option
Leadership in Action
Join the Global Youth Summit 2026
Submit your interest through the registration form to receive participation details and next steps for confirming your attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend the Global Youth Summit?
The Global Youth Summit is open to young leaders from all around the globe. Participants should be between 18-40 years old with a demonstrated interest in global affairs and youth leadership.
How to join?
Please submit your interest through this form to receive full information on how your spot can be secured.
Where does the Summit take place?
The Summit will be hosted at Japan Society, located at 333 East 47th Street in New York City, which will serve as the main venue for workshops, simulations, and educational sessions.
Will I need a visa to attend?
Depending on your nationality, you may need a US visa. Official invitation letters will be issued to participants who have completed registration and purchased their ticket. You must also submit the Visa Request Form. We recommend starting the visa process 2-3 months in advance, as embassy wait times vary significantly by country. Invitation letters support your application but do not guarantee approval.
Where should I stay?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. Suggested accommodation options located near the Summit venues will be shared for convenience purposes only and do not constitute endorsement by the organizers.
Participants are encouraged to book accommodation early due to seasonal demand in New York City.
What is the Model UN simulation?
The Summit includes educational diplomacy simulations designed to introduce participants to multilateral dialogue, negotiation, and consensus-building processes inspired by international institutions and global cooperation frameworks.
Participants will engage in research, collaborative discussions, drafting exercises, and simulated negotiations focused on current global challenges. Prior Model UN experience is not required.
What meals are provided?
Light lunch is provided each of the three Summit days (July 29-31) to ensure a smooth and continuous experience. Breakfast and dinner are not included. The Midtown East area offers a wide variety of dining options within walking distance of both venues.
Is prior experience required?
Not at all. The Summit is designed for all experience levels. Day 1 includes a comprehensive briefing and committee formation session. Whether you’re a seasoned delegate or attending your first international event, the program will meet you where you are.
How do I get a visa invitation letter?
Invitation letters are issued only after you complete registration, purchase your ticket in full, and submit the official Visa Request Form with accurate information. Letters are issued strictly to support visa applications and cannot be provided before ticket purchase is confirmed.
What are the arrival and departure dates?
Arrival day is July 28 (Tuesday) with registration and a welcome reception. The Summit program runs July 29-31 (Wednesday through Friday). Departure is August 1 (Saturday). Plan your flights accordingly and allow buffer time if you need to process a visa.
Terms and Conditions
JCI Global Youth Summit 2026
By completing your registration for the JCI Global Youth Summit 2026 (“the Summit”), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the following Terms and Conditions.
Code of Conduct Compliance
Participants are expected to comply with the JCI Event Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy at all times and contribute to a safe, respectful, inclusive, and professional environment for all participants, speakers, organizers, and collaborating institutions.
Personal Data and Media Consent
Participants consent to the collection, processing, and use of personal information for Summit-related administrative and operational purposes, including registration, communications, logistical coordination, participant management, and post-event follow-up.
Participants also grant JCI permission to use photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, or other media captured during the Summit for educational, informational, archival, communications, and reporting purposes related to the activities and mission of JCI and the Summit.
Personal data will be processed in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection laws.
Participation and Access
Participation in certain Summit sessions or activities may be subject to security procedures, identification requirements, venue regulations, and capacity limitations.
Participants are expected to comply with all venue access and security requirements communicated by the organizers.
Visa Policy
Participants requiring a visa to attend the Summit are solely responsible for initiating and managing their visa application process in a timely manner and for complying with all applicable immigration requirements.
JCI World Headquarters may provide an official invitation letter upon request for participants who have completed the registration requirements and applicable participation fee process.
Invitation letters are issued solely to support visa applications and do not guarantee visa approval.
Participant Responsibility
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel, accommodation, insurance, transportation, and personal expenses unless otherwise expressly stated by the organizers.
Health and Insurance
Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain appropriate travel and health insurance coverage for the duration of their participation in the Summit.
JCI shall not be responsible for medical expenses, travel disruptions, or personal losses incurred during participation in the Summit.
Behavioral Expectations
Participants are expected to maintain respectful and professional conduct throughout the Summit.
Harassment, discrimination, intimidation, disruptive conduct, or behavior inconsistent with the JCI Code of Conduct may result in removal from participation and potential restriction from future JCI activities.
Complaint and Incident Reporting
Participants acknowledge awareness of the procedures available for reporting incidents, concerns, or violations of the JCI Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy.
All reports will be handled with appropriate confidentiality and seriousness.
Third-Party Services and Venues
Certain Summit activities may take place at external venues or involve services provided by third parties, including transportation, accommodation providers, or event facilities.
Such services remain subject to the operational policies and responsibility of the respective third-party providers.
Assumption of Risk
Participants acknowledge that participation in an international event may involve certain inherent risks, including travel disruptions, health-related risks, accidents, security measures, or changes in governmental regulations or entry requirements.
By participating in the Summit, participants voluntarily assume such risks associated with travel and attendance.
Limitation of Liability
To the extent permitted by applicable law, JCI and collaborating organizations shall not be responsible for personal injury, illness, delay, loss, theft, damage, or other unforeseen circumstances arising from participation in or travel related to the Summit, except where caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Force Majeure
JCI reserves the right to modify, postpone, or cancel the Summit due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, public health emergencies, government restrictions, labor disruptions, security incidents, or other force majeure events.
Acceptance
By completing your registration, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions for participation in the JCI Global Youth Summit 2026.
.on-view-section {
opacity: 0;
transform: translateY(100px);
transition: opacity .7s ease-out, transform .7s ease-out;
}
.on-view-section.is-visible {
opacity: 1;
transform: translateY(0);
}
document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', () => {
const sections = document.querySelectorAll('.on-view-section');
const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries) => {
entries.forEach(entry => {
if (entry.isIntersecting) {
entry.target.classList.add('is-visible'); // use entry.target
observer.unobserve(entry.target); // optional: stop observing
}
});
}, {
root: null, // viewport
threshold: 0.1 // 10% visible
});
sections.forEach(section => observer.observe(section));
});