Applications now open · Rome, Italy
Italy Is Hosting A Fully Funded Conference
Join 300 young leaders from every continent at the Youth Democracy Forum 2026 — four days of high-level dialogue, policymaking, and institutional learning inside the heart of Rome.
- Oct 1 – 4, 2026
- Rome, Italy
- 300 delegates
- 120 scholarship seats
Applications close in
seats available
Scholarship deadline — Aug 15, 2026
No IELTS required · Open to ages 16 – 46 · All nationalities welcome
Youth Democracy Forum 2026 in Rome, Italy
Italy will host the Youth Democracy Forum 2026 in the historic city of Rome from October 1–4, 2026. Organized by the Center for International Policy and Sustainability, this global convening will bring together 300 young leaders and professionals from across the world to engage in high-level dialogue, policymaking, and leadership development focused on democracy, governance, and global cooperation.
With 120 global scholarship seats (covering major travel and accommodation expenses) and 180 confirmed participation seats, the forum offers a unique opportunity to experience international policymaking, institutional exposure, and cultural exchange in one of the world's most iconic capitals.
120 /300
Global scholarship seats — travel & stay supported
4 days
Oct 1–4, 2026 · Rome, Italy
150+ Nations
Open to delegates from every corner of the world.
One city. Four days. Everything changes in between.
Every session, visit, and workshop is curated to move you from understanding democracy to practising it.
Flagship visit
Inside the United Nations FAO Headquarters
A guided tour of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome offers a brief, inside look at how the United Nations tackles global hunger and food security—exploring key spaces where international decisions are made.
Workshops
Policy dialogues
Interactive negotiation simulations on governance, diplomacy, and youth leadership.
Credential
Certification & alumni
Internationally recognised certificate of participation + lifelong membership in the CIPS alumni network.
Cultural programme
Inside the Roman Colosseum
A private guided walkthrough with licensed Roman historians on civic power, public theatre, and the architecture of authority — inside the arena where Rome was made.
A vivid glimpse into the drama and strategy of ancient Rome.
300 seats at the table · four ways in
120 scholarship
180 guaranteed
Fully Funded
30
Partially Funded
90
Summit Pass
100
Self Sponsored
80
Scholarship Categories (Funded Seats)
A total of 80 funded seats are available through a competitive, merit-based selection process.
32.7% OFF
Fully Funded
Our most comprehensive scholarship. For exceptional applicants.
$17.99 USD 26.7 3
30 seats
- Round-trip international airfare support
- Premium hotel accommodation in Rome
- Meals and coffee breaks during the forum
- Full conference access
- Official invitation letter for visa support
- Certificate of participation
- Access to all sessions and activities
- Guided Visit to United Nations FAO Headquarters
- Guided Visit to Roman Colosseum
- Networking and speaking opportunities
Partially Funded
Your conference & on-site experience in Rome, covered.
32.7% OFF
$17.99 USD 26.7 3
90 seats
- Full conference access
- Meals and coffee breaks during the forum
- Official invitation letter for visa support
- Certificate of participation
- Access to all sessions and activities
- Guided Visit to United Nations FAO Headquarters
- Guided Visit to Roman Colosseum
- Networking and speaking opportunities
- Round-trip international airfare support
- Premium hotel accommodation in Rome
Fully Funded and Partially Funded seats share a single application form. Application Fee (Scholarship Categories):
$17.99 26.7 3
Guaranteed Participation Categories
For applicants seeking assured participation without a selection process, the following options are available:
Summit Pass
Direct Access
44.5% OFF
$499 USD 899
100 seats
- Full conference access
- Meals and coffee breaks during the forum
- Official invitation letter for visa support
- Certificate of participation
- Access to all sessions and activities
- Guided Visit to United Nations FAO Headquarters
- Guided Visit to Roman Colosseum
- Networking and speaking opportunities
What’s Not Included
- Round-trip international airfare support
- Premium hotel accommodation in Rome
Self-Sponsored
Direct Access
41.7% OFF
$699 USD 1199
80 seats
- Guaranteed participation
- Premium Hotel Accommodation in Rome
- Full conference access
- Meals and coffee breaks during the forum
- Official invitation letter for visa support
- Certificate of participation
- Access to all sessions and activities
- Guided Visit to United Nations FAO Headquarters
- Guided Visit to Roman Colosseum
- Networking and speaking opportunities
What’s Not Included
- Round-trip international airfare support
Visa Invitation Letter
For schengen visa purpose
$99 USD 257
- Official Visa Invitation Letter for Italy
- Visa Documents Checklist
- Embassy coordination & facilitation support
- Applicants can upgrade later, with visa costs fully adjusted.
Six tracks. The full spectrum of 21st-century democracy.
01
Democracy & Democratic Governance
02
Youth Participation in Public Policy
03
Global Diplomacy & International Relations
04
Human Rights & Social Justice
05
Sustainable Development & Global Cooperation
06
Digital Democracy & Civic Innovation
Five things Rome gives you that a classroom can't.
01 — ✶
Global exposure
First-hand insight into how democratic processes and policy are actually made.
02 — ✶
Institutional access
Direct engagement with international institutions and multilateral bodies.
03 — ✶
Practical skills
Workshops & simulations that sharpen negotiation, advocacy and policy drafting.
04 — ✶
Cross-cultural fluency
Days of deep collaboration with delegates from every region on earth.
05 — ✶
A lifelong network
Entry into a growing CIPS alumni network of future leaders and policymakers.
About the Organizer
The Center for International Policy and Sustainability (CIPS) exists to advance policy dialogue, leadership and sustainable development on a global scale.
We connect young leaders with international institutions — fostering meaningful participation in the global decision-making processes that shape all of our futures.
Policy dialogue
Global leadership
Sustainable development
Open criteria. Competitive review. Global representation.
01
The door
Who's this for?
- Passionate about democracy, governance & global cooperation
- Curious, thoughtful, ready to engage in real dialogue
- Willing to represent your country, community or field
02
The rubric
How scholarships are scored
Our Strategic Alignments
Questions, answered.
What is the Youth Democracy Forum 2026?
The Youth Democracy Forum 2026 is an international conference organized by the Center for International Policy and Sustainability, bringing together young leaders from around the world in Rome, Italy to engage in discussions on democracy, governance, and global cooperation.
When and where will the forum take place?
The forum will be held in Rome, Italy from October 1–4, 2026.
Who can apply for the forum?
Anyone aged 16 to 46 years from any country and any academic or professional background can apply. Applicants should have an interest in democracy, leadership, public policy, or global change.
Is there any English language requirement?
No. There is no IELTS or TOEFL requirement. Applicants should simply be able to communicate in English.
What are the available participation categories?
The forum offers:
- Fully Funded (30 seats)
- Partially Funded (90 seats)
- Summit Pass – $499 USD (100 seats)
- Self-Funded – $699 USD (80 seats)
What does the fully funded category include?
The fully funded category covers:
- Round-trip airfare support
- Accommodation
- Meals during the forum
- Conference access
- Visa support letter
- Certificate of participation
What is included in the partially funded category?
The partially funded category includes:
- Conference access
- Meals during forum days
- Visa support letter
- Certificate
It does not include airfare and accommodation.
Are there any guaranteed participation options?
Yes. The following categories offer guaranteed participation without a competitive selection process:
- Summit Pass ($499 USD)
- Self-Funded ($699 USD)
What is included in the self-funded category?
The self-funded category includes:
- Accommodation in Rome
- Meals during the forum
- Conference access
- Certificate
- Visa support letter
Is there an application fee?
Yes, a small application processing fee may apply for scholarship categories to support the evaluation process.
How are scholarship applicants selected?
Applications are reviewed through a competitive and merit-based evaluation process, considering:
- Leadership potential
- Motivation and clarity
- Alignment with forum themes
- Potential impact
- Diversity and global representation
Will I receive a visa support letter?
Yes. All selected participants across categories will receive an official invitation letter to support their visa application.
What activities are included in the program?
Participants will engage in:
- Policy dialogues and workshops
- Democracy simulations and discussions
- Institutional visit to the United Nations FAO Headquarters
- Cultural visit to the Colosseum in Rome
- Networking sessions with global participants
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. All participants will receive an official certificate of participation upon completion of the forum.
Can I apply if I am a student or early in my career?
Absolutely. The forum is open to students, young professionals, and aspiring leaders from all fields.
How competitive are the fully funded seats?
Fully funded seats are competitive and awarded to applicants demonstrating strong leadership, motivation, and alignment with the forum’s goals.
Can I upgrade my category later?
Yes. Participants may upgrade to another category (subject to availability) by paying the difference.
How do I apply?
You can apply through the official application portal. Early application is strongly encouraged due to limited seats.
Testimonials of Delegates from Past Events
Perspectives from Our Global Cohort
CIPS is a global platform for research, collaboration, and high-impact conference on governance, youth empowerment, and sustainability.
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