Copenhagen is known across the world as a model city for public engagement, sustainable governance, and civic trust. Denmark’s hosting of the Civic Youth Forum 2026 gives attendees a firsthand look at how successful democratic systems are constructed, how public institutions gain credibility, and how well-thought-out policies may improve daily living. Copenhagen is more than just a location for young leaders interested in civic involvement and governance—it’s a vibrant, real-world learning environment.
Copenhagen, Denmark will host the Civic Youth Forum 2026 from September 17–20, 2026. One of Europe’s top youth forums, it is organized by the Centre for Diplomatic Advancement and brings together over 500 participants for a four-day intensive program centered on learning and leadership development. Participants include students, activists, young professionals, researchers, and aspiring policymakers.
The three primary pillars of the forum are democratic engagement, public policy creation, and civic leadership. Delegates will participate in a variety of interactive activities during the event, including Policy Labs, Democracy Dialogues, governance seminars, and cross-border networking sessions, all of which are intended to improve their comprehension of democratic processes and leadership in a global setting.
A broad set of young leaders from all over the world can participate in the program because a single application gives access to over 500 scholarship alternatives, which range from completely paid positions to partially funded options and free forum access.
Host Country: Copenhagen, Denmark
Event: Civic Youth Forum 2026 (CYF 2026)
Host Organization: Centre for Diplomatic Advancement (CDA)
Opportunity Type: Youth Forum
Dates: 17–20 September 2026
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded,Partial Funded
Core Objectives of CYF 2026
Enhance practical civic leadership skills
- Equip participants with hands-on knowledge and real-world skills needed to actively engage in governance processes and policy-making environments
Facilitate connections with institutional systems
- Provide delegates with insights into how civic frameworks and public institutions operate, helping them navigate and engage with formal governance structures
Promote public policy literacy
- Enable young leaders to critically analyze policies, understand their impact, and develop well-informed, effective policy solutions
Encourage community-driven innovation
- Support participants in designing and developing impactful projects through interactive labs focused on solving local and global challenges
Advance core democratic values
- Foster a strong commitment to principles such as transparency, accountability, equity, and rights-based governance in leadership practices
Strengthen cross-border collaboration
- Build meaningful partnerships and networks among youth leaders from Europe and other regions, encouraging knowledge exchange and long-term cooperation
Eligibility Criteria:
Minimum Requirements
- Applicants must be between 16 and 45 years of age at the time of application
- Open to individuals from all nationalities and diverse backgrounds, ensuring global representation
- The program is conducted entirely in English, so participants should be comfortable communicating and engaging in English
- It is not necessary to take the TOEFL or IELTS.
Ideal Applicants
- The forum is particularly suited for individuals who are actively engaged in or passionate about civic and leadership roles, including:
- University students and recent graduates seeking exposure to global governance and policy-making
- Youth activists and NGO leaders working on social impact, advocacy, or community development initiatives
- Aspiring policymakers and governance researchers interested in shaping public policy and democratic systems
- Social entrepreneurs and community organizers driving innovation and change at the grassroots level
- Young professionals working in public service, non-profit organizations, or development sectors aiming to enhance their leadership and policy skills
Benefits:
Fully Funded Scholarship – 100 Awards (Highly Competitive)
- Support for international airfare, assisting with the cost of travel to and from the forum site
- covering of visa fees, lowering the cost of acquiring travel documents
- Shared housing, offering cozy accommodations for the duration of the forum
- forum dinners and breakfast every day, guaranteeing that attendees are well-catered for the duration of the event
- An official invitation letter that can be used to support trip plans and visa applications
- Scholars can actively participate and share their thoughts with full forum access and a speaking chance.
- An international certificate of participation attesting to the forum’s effective completion and participation
- Access to all policy laboratories and networking events, allowing interaction with peers, experts, and policymakers around the world
- Acknowledgment of leadership, emphasizing participants’ accomplishments and potential in civic and governmental leadership
Partial Funded Scholarship – 150 Awards
- Shared housing, guaranteeing cozy and reasonably priced accommodation during the forum period
- Forum lunches, provide crucial daily catering during the occasion
- An official invitation letter that can be used for trip paperwork and visa applications
- Complete forum access and the ability to talk, allowing for active engagement and the opportunity to share thoughts or viewpoints
- An international certificate of participation that attests to participation and program success
- Access to all policy labs and networking events, which enable participants to network with experts, policymakers, and peers around the world while obtaining real-world experience in leadership and governance
Free Forum Access – 250 Awards
- Forum lunches, guaranteeing that attendees receive necessary food throughout the occasion
- An official invitation letter that can be used to support trip plans and visa applications
- Participants can actively participate and express their thoughts on a global platform with full forum access and a speaking chance.
- An international certificate of participation attesting to participation and accomplishment in the forum
- Access to all policy labs and networking events, offering chances to network with peers, experts, and policymakers around the world while obtaining practical experience in civic leadership and governance
Deadline: July 5, 2026
