HISA Global Youth Festival 2026

HISA Global Youth Festival 2026 – Paris, France – Fully Funded and Partial Scholarships Available

The Global Youth Festival (GYF) 2026 is HISA's flagship international summit, bringing together young leaders, changemakers, and visionaries from over 120 countries for four transformative days of leadership, cross-cultural exchange, and meaningful dialogue in Paris, France .

Hosted by the Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance (HISA), this event is designed to amplify youth voices in global decision-making and equip participants with practical leadership and diplomacy skills . For more leadership and conference opportunities, explore fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students.

About the Global Youth Festival

GYF 2026 is HISA's most ambitious programme to date, building on a track record of transformative events in cities including Washington DC, Sydney, Milan, Brussels, Oxford, Cape Town, Bangkok, and Istanbul .

The festival offers delegates a platform to engage in real policy conversations, participate in creative workshops, and build lifelong international networks . Delegates will leave with an official HISA certification and the clarity to create change in their communities .

Programme Themes

The festival explores eight key themes that connect youth action to the UN's 2030 Agenda :

• Climate Action & Environmental Justice

• Peace, Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution

• Education, Innovation & the Future of Work

• Governance, Democracy & Civic Participation

• Human Rights, Equality & Social Justice

• Technology & Social Innovation

• Global Citizenship & Cultural Identity

• Mental Health, Well-being & Youth Resilience

Scholarship Awards

HISA is offering 350 scholarship awards for GYF 2026, making it one of the largest scholarship programmes of any international youth event . Applicants are automatically considered for all three scholarship tiers when they submit one application .

Tier 1: Fully Funded Global Scholar (100 Awards)
This prestigious award covers everything, including round-trip airfare, visa fee reimbursement, shared accommodation for 3 nights in Paris, daily breakfast and forum meals, full festival access, official HISA merchandise, a Youth Statement speaking opportunity, official certification, and mentorship access .

Tier 2: Partially Funded Scholar (100 Awards)
HISA covers your complete in-programme experience, including shared accommodation for 4 nights in Paris, daily breakfast and forum meals, full festival access, official merchandise, a speaking opportunity, certification, and mentorship . You arrange your own travel to Paris .

Tier 3: Festival Pass Scholar (150 Awards)
Once you arrive in Paris, HISA covers full festival access, official merchandise, a speaking opportunity, certification, and mentorship . You arrange your own travel and accommodation .

For similar conference and leadership opportunities, check the latest scholarships in France for all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

GYF 2026 is open to young leaders worldwide . Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 40 years of age at the time of the event

• Have a working proficiency in English

• Be available for the full four-day programme (October 15–18, 2026)

• No specific academic or professional background is required

• HISA especially encourages applications from underrepresented regions including Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Pacific Islands

Selection Criteria

HISA looks for:

• A genuine passion for positive change

• A clear personal vision and evidence of community impact

• Leadership experience – formal or informal

• Openness to cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration

• A commitment to bringing the GYF experience back to your community

Paid Participation Options

For those not applying for scholarships, flexible paid packages are available :

• Invitation Letter : $99 – Includes forum letter, official invitation, and visa documentation support

• Forum Access Pass : $299 – Includes invitation letter, visa support, forum meals, networking access, official certification, merchandise, and speaking opportunity

• Self-Funded Package : $499 – Includes shared accommodation, visa support, forum meals, daily breakfast, full festival access, certification, merchandise, and speaking opportunity

Application Process

The application process is transparent and merit-based :

1. Submit Your Application : Apply online at headwayinstitute.org with a motivation statement and a brief description of a project or initiative you have contributed to

2. Review by HISA Admissions Committee : Applications are reviewed after the deadline based on motivation, vision, leadership potential, and diversity of the cohort

3. Acceptance & Onboarding : Successful applicants receive an official acceptance letter, visa support documentation, a welcome pack, and access to the delegate community

Application Deadline

The application deadline is approaching quickly . Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to secure their chance to participate in this life-changing event.

For a broader view of funding options in Europe, refer to financial aids for students in Europe.

Final Thoughts

The Global Youth Festival 2026 in Paris is a rare opportunity to join 1,000+ youth leaders from 120+ countries for an unforgettable experience of dialogue, leadership, and cultural exchange . With 350 scholarship awards available, this event is accessible to motivated young leaders from all backgrounds .

Don't miss your chance to be part of this movement—apply now before the deadline!

Apply Now for Global Youth Festival 2026