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EMPOWERING LEADERS | SHAPING FUTURES | BUILDING GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Global Youth Impact Summit 2026 – Porto, Portugal

The Global Youth Impact Summit (GYIS) 2026 is an international platform for young leaders,
changemakers, and innovators to come together, exchange ideas, and take action on global
challenges. Hosted by CGAD, this summit empowers youth to develop leadership skills,
contribute to sustainable development initiatives, and create meaningful global impact.

  • PORTO, PORTUGAL 🇵🇹
  • Sep 03–06, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Days
Hours
Minutes
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Why Attend GYIS 2026?

A transformative platform where dialogue meets action. Connect with youth leaders, UN advocates, and global experts while building networks that drive sustainable change.

Global
Recognition

Earn international certification from CGAD

Skill
Development

Build leadership and SDG-focused skills through workshops

Cultural
Immersion

Explore Porto’s history, cuisine, and sustainable initiatives

Global
Networking

Connect with youth leaders and changemakers worldwide

Forum Objectives

GYIS 2026 is designed to create lasting impact through focused objectives that empower youth and drive global change.

Strengthen Youth Participation

Amplify youth voices in global dialogue on SDGs

Inspire SDG Action

Foster youth-driven solutions for sustainable development

Bridge Cultures

Create cross-cultural understanding and collaboration

Drive Peace & Development

Build leadership for resilient, sustainable futures

Elevate Civic Engagement

Strengthen skills for policy advocacy and community impact

Celebrate Global Cooperation

Unite youth from diverse backgrounds for collective action

Participation Categories

Choose the category that fits your journey and join us in Porto for this impactful global gathering.

Fully Funded

$15.99

For exceptional delegates granted full sponsorship without financial burden.

  • Airfare Support
  • Accommodation
  • All Meals During Forum
  • Forum Materials & Delegate Kit
  • Cultural Exchange Activities
  • Visa Support
  • Certification
  • Workshop & Session Access
  • Global Networking Opportunities
  • Speaking opportunities
Apply Now

Invitation Letter

$99

Your gateway to official visa support — ideal for self-arranging delegates.

  • CGAD Invitation Letter
  • Embassy Support
  • Installment Payment Available
  • Option to Upgrade Your Package
  • Visa Application Guidance
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Summit Access Pass

$349

$249

Direct access to core discussions  without accommodation.

  • All Meals During Forum
  • Forum Materials & Delegate Kit
  • Cultural Exchange Activities
  • Visa Support
  • Certification
  • Workshop & Session Access
  • Global Networking Opportunities
  • Speaking opportunities
Apply Now

Self-Funded

$899

$549

Premium experience with full access, accommodation, and enhanced comfort.

  • Accommodation
  • All Meals During Forum
  • Forum Materials & Delegate Kit
  • Cultural Exchange Activities
  • Visa Support
  • Certification
  • Workshop & Session Access
  • Global Networking Opportunities
  • Speaking opportunities
Apply Now

Scholarship Seats

Fully Funded Seats
0
Partially Funded Seats
0

Self Sponsored Seats

Self-Funded Seats
0
Summit Access Seats
0
  • Note: Applicants do not need prior international experience or exceptional academic records. What matters most is your dedication, vision, and potential to make a meaningful impact on the world.

WHO CAN APPLY HERE?

STUDENTS

Students, recent graduates and young professionals aged 15+ from any academic background.

EDUCATORS

Teachers, professors, academic mentors and education-focused professionals driving youth development.

ENTREPRENEURS

Changemakers, startup founders and social entrepreneurs building solutions for a better world.

INNOVATORS

Researchers, activists, policy advocates and creative thinkers pushing boundaries across sectors.

CGAD Global Advisory

Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice

Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice is a globally renowned scholar of public interna…….

Peggy Taillon

Peggy Taillon is a courageous and influential leader recognized for her unwaver……

Dr. Afsana Mammadli

Dr. Afsana Mammadli is an international researcher, policy analyst, and youth devel……

Allyson Reneau (USA)

Harvard Emerging Leader of the Year 2025

Allyson Reneau is an internatio……

Irina Tsukerman (USA)

President, Scarab Rising, Inc. | National Security & Human Rights Lawyer | Geopolitical Analyst

Dr. Aviles

Dr. Aviles, is a globally recognized thought leader in sustainability, strategic ……

Peggy Taillon

Event Chair - Youth Forum on UN Global Goals.
Istanbul, Türkiye | April 27-30, 2026.

Peggy Taillon is a courag……

Dr. Afsana Mammadli

Co-Chair, Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026

Dr. Afsana Mammadli is an interna……

Allyson Reneau (USA)

International Speaker – YFGG 2026 | Harvard Emerging Leader of the Year 2025

Allyson Reneau is an internatio……

Irina Tsukerman (USA)

Speaker – YFGG 2026 | President, Scarab Rising, Inc. | National Security & Human Rights Lawyer | Geopolitical Analyst

Irina Tsukerman is a U.S.-based national se……

View All

Application Process

Follow these simple steps to join GYIS 2026 in Porto.

Choose
Your Category

Select Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Visa Invitation, Summit Access, or Self-Funded

Complete
Application

Fill out the online application form with your details

Pay
Application Fee

Funded: $15.99

Visa Invitation: $99

Summit Access: $249

Self-Funded: $699

Submit
Application

Review and submit your complete application

Get
Confirmed

If selected, receive confirmation and preparation materials

Be Part of Something Bigger

The Global Youth Impact Summit is more than an event — it’s your gateway to global leadership, meaningful connections, and real-world impact on the SDGs.

Participant Spots
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Transformative Days
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Incredible Opportunity
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Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about GYIS 2026.

What is GYIS?

The Global Youth Impact Summit 2026 is an international platform for young leaders, changemakers, and innovators to come together, exchange ideas, and take action on global challenges. Hosted by CGAD, this summit empowers youth to develop leadership skills, contribute to sustainable development initiatives, and create meaningful global impact.

Participants will experience interactive workshops, expert panels, mentorship sessions, and cultural exchange activities, all in the vibrant city of Porto, Portugal – a hub of history, innovation, and sustainability.

Youth aged 15+, including students, professionals, and changemakers from any country.

September 03–06, 2026, in Porto, Portugal.

Airfare support, accommodation, all meals during the summit, forum materials, cultural exchange activities, visa support, certification, workshop & session access, global networking opportunities, and speaking opportunities.

You can apply for Summit Access or Self Funded seats.

Yes, all participants receive official CGAD certification.

25 Fully Funded | 35 Partially Funded | 40 Self-Funded | 50 Summit Access Pass

Yes. We provide a confirmation letter, an invitation letter (if required), and a visa support letter addressed to the relevant embassy or consulate to assist with the visa application process. Please note that the final decision regarding visa issuance rests solely with the respective embassy or consulate.

Porto blends history, culture, and innovation, offering participants exposure to UNESCO heritage sites, port wine culture, sustainable city initiatives, and a dynamic youth environment.

July 1, 2026. Early applications are encouraged due to limited availability.

Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice

President – YFGG 2026 | Keynote Speaker

Professor Malgosia Fitzmaurice is a globally renowned scholar of public international law and currently holds the Chair of Public International Law at the Department of Law at Queen Mary University of London. She will serve as President of the Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026 and deliver the Keynote Address, bringing decades of academic excellence and global legal expertise to the forum.

Professor Fitzmaurice is a Full Member of the prestigious Institute of International Law, an elite body of leading international jurists established in 1873 and recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting peaceful dispute resolution and the advancement of international law. Membership in the Institute is granted solely on the basis of exceptional scholarly achievement and global contribution.

A leading authority on international environmental law, treaty law, and indigenous peoples’ rights, Professor Fitzmaurice has contributed extensively to shaping global legal discourse on environmental governance. In 2025, at the session of the Institute of International Law in Rabat, she served as Co-Rapporteur for the landmark resolution on the Status and Functions of Conferences of Parties to Multilateral Environmental Agreements, reflecting her influence in global environmental law and multilateral diplomacy.

In recognition of her outstanding academic contributions, she was awarded the Doctorate Honoris Causa from the University of Neuchâtel in 2021. She has also delivered lectures at the world-renowned The Hague Academy of International Law, where leading scholars educate a select global audience of diplomats, legal practitioners, and emerging international law experts.

Professor Fitzmaurice also contributes to United Nations capacity-building initiatives through the UN International Law Fellowship Programme, teaching international environmental law to legal professionals from developing countries. She further serves as the Nippon Foundation Professor of Marine Environmental Protection at the International Maritime Law Institute.

At YFGG 2026, Professor Fitzmaurice will provide visionary leadership as President of the Forum, guiding global youth, policymakers, and emerging leaders in discussions on international law, environmental governance, and the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Her presence reflects the forum’s commitment to high-level academic leadership and meaningful global dialogue on sustainable development and international cooperation.

Peggy Taillon

Event Chair - Youth Forum on UN Global Goals.
Istanbul, Türkiye | April 27-30, 2026.

Peggy Taillon is a courageous and influential leader recognized for her unwavering commitment to equality, inclusion, and social justice. Her work is grounded in the belief that when people move in unison with shared purpose, meaningful change becomes possible.

Throughout her distinguished career, Peggy has held senior leadership roles across complex organizations in healthcare, business, and the non-profit sector. She has advised governments on modernizing services for marginalized communities and is widely respected for her ability to address systemic challenges and drive transformative solutions.

Her leadership legacy includes spearheading nationally recognized initiatives, including the Charter Challenge to Save the Long Form Census, leading Mental Health Reform in Ontario, and supporting harm reduction efforts through the establishment of Supervised Injection Sites in Ottawa.

In 2008, Peggy founded the HERA Mission of Canada, supporting women-led development projects that empower widows and children in Western Kenya. Her contributions have been acknowledged through numerous honors recognizing her impact in community development and social change.

Peggy currently serves on several national and international boards advancing social impact, innovation, and equity. She is also President of M&C Consulting, a global strategy and communications firm.

Peggy Taillon serves as the Forum Chair of the Youth Forum on UN Global Goals, bringing visionary leadership, global perspective, and a deep commitment to inclusive and sustainable progress.

Dr. Afsana Mammadli

Co-Chair, Youth Forum on UN Global Goals (YFGG) 2026

Dr. Afsana Mammadli is an international researcher, policy analyst, and youth development strategist with over 20 years of experience across academia, diplomacy, and multilateral engagement. As Co-Chair of YFGG 2026, she brings extensive expertise in facilitating international workshops, diplomatic simulations, and policy dialogues aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She has led global youth initiatives including high-level multilateral simulations and intercultural leadership platforms, promoting sustainable development, regional cooperation, and intergenerational dialogue. With more than 90 analytical publications influencing policy discourse across the MENA region and Europe, her work bridges research and action.

At YFGG 2026, she will guide youth leaders in advancing SDG-driven solutions, climate dialogue linked to COP-31, and global partnership building.

Allyson Reneau (USA)

International Speaker – YFGG 2026 | Harvard Emerging Leader of the Year 2025

Allyson Reneau is an international space consultant, award-winning scholar, and global policy advisor from the United States who will speak at YFGG 2026. She holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Harvard University, where she was nominated as Harvard’s Emerging Leader of the Year 2025.

Her award-winning Harvard thesis on U.S. space policy was published as a book and became a #1 new release on Amazon, contributing to discussions surrounding NASA’s return-to-the-Moon strategy. She also attended the NASA-sponsored International Space University and has completed internships at NASA Headquarters, the FAA Commercial Spaceflight Office, and the U.S. Naval War College.

At YFGG 2026, Allyson will share insights on innovation, space diplomacy, education, and women’s empowerment—highlighting the role of youth leadership in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Irina Tsukerman (USA)

Speaker – YFGG 2026 | President, Scarab Rising, Inc. | National Security & Human Rights Lawyer | Geopolitical Analyst

Irina Tsukerman is a U.S.-based national security and human rights lawyer, geopolitical analyst, and President of Scarab Rising, Inc., a strategic advisory firm specializing in media strategy, security analysis, and global risk assessment. Representing the United States of America, she will serve as an international speaker at the Youth Forum on United Nations Global Goals (YFGG) 2026.

With a professional background spanning U.S. national security law, information warfare, and international policy, Ms. Tsukerman brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective that bridges legal expertise with practical geopolitical insight. Through her advisory work and international media contributions, she addresses great power competition, human rights advocacy, reputational security, and emerging global threats.

As a speaker at YFGG 2026, she will contribute to discussions aligned with:

  • SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals


The intersection of global security, diplomacy, and sustainable development

Her participation underscores the importance of equipping youth leaders with a deeper understanding of international law, governance frameworks, and information ecosystems in an era of complex geopolitical shifts.

Through her engagement with global platforms and youth-centered initiatives, Ms. Tsukerman supports cross-cultural dialogue, responsible leadership, and the strengthening of institutions necessary for long-term peace and sustainable development. Her presence at YFGG 2026 will enrich the Forum’s global perspective and reinforce its mission to connect emerging leaders with experienced international policy voices.

Dr. Aviles

Founder & CEO, AELSTONE | Strategic Foresight & Climate Leader

Dr. Aviles, is a globally recognized thought leader in sustainability, strategic foresight (20yrs track record), applied finance, and innovation policy. As Founder & CEO of AELSTONE, she leads global partnerships focused on SDG17, finance, and technological transformation. Her advisory scope spans institutions, firms, and sovereign ecosystems, including as Evaluator for European Commission projects, EU Climate Pact Ambassador since 2021, she has been consistently acknowledged; as a top 50 Influential Female Executives in Business 2026, Top Global Advisor, and as a leading voice at major global fora including COPs 27, 28, 29, HAPS, AI for Good, SET Tech Festival, etc. Her influential thought pieces—such as “AI as a Core Enabler” and interviews with Return of Investment, Zero one hundred,Empire Magazine, The Female Factor, and Enlit Europe—showcase her ability to bridge AI, sustainability, and energy for economic value.