The 5th edition of the UNCTAD Youth Forum is set to take place in Geneva, Switzerland from October 20 to 23, 2025. The event will revolve around the theme “Shaping the Future: Driving Economic Transformation for Equitable, Inclusive, and Sustainable Development.” This forum is an opportunity for young individuals from across the globe to come together and engage in thoughtful discussions about global economic issues, development challenges, and the future of trade. The aim is to create a space where youth voices are heard and amplified in the ongoing efforts to build a fairer and more sustainable world.

This international gathering is designed for young adults between the ages of 18 and 30, whether they are students or emerging professionals. It targets individuals who have a genuine interest in the themes of global trade, inclusive growth, and development, and who are eager to collaborate and exchange ideas with peers from other countries. By participating, youth will be able to broaden their understanding of current global economic transformations while sharing insights from their local contexts.

The Youth Forum is envisioned as a platform to nurture a new generation of global leaders. It facilitates the sharing of knowledge and experiences among young people, fosters meaningful dialogue between youth and policymakers or development experts, and increases the visibility of youth-led initiatives in the development space. Participants will be encouraged to voice their concerns, propose solutions, and reflect on areas that need greater action within the global development agenda.

In order to be considered for the Forum, applicants must meet several criteria. Candidates must be within the eligible age range and have sufficient proficiency in English to follow and contribute to the discussions. They should also have some form of academic or practical background that relates to UNCTAD’s core areas of focus—such as trade, investment, development economics, or sustainability. It is essential that applicants provide evidence of their engagement in these areas, whether through coursework, research, or involvement in relevant projects. In addition, each applicant must submit a short video that highlights their motivation for joining the forum. The video, which should not exceed two minutes and must be in MP4 format, should be uploaded to YouTube or Vimeo. It is crucial that the video is made “Unlisted” or private but shareable, and the URL is included in the application.

All applications are submitted through an online portal, where candidates are required to fill out the form and provide all necessary details, including the video link. Submissions will be evaluated by a selection panel based on a range of factors, including the applicant’s background, the originality and clarity of the motivation video, gender balance, regional representation, and overall diversity. The review team will aim to ensure that selected participants reflect a wide spectrum of perspectives and experiences.

Once the assessment process is complete, successful applicants will be notified through the contact information provided in their submission. They will also receive instructions for final registration. As the forum is highly competitive with limited slots available, early applications are strongly recommended—particularly for those who may require time to apply for a visa to travel to Switzerland.

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It is important to note that the organizers do not cover travel or accommodation costs. Participants are expected to secure their own funding to attend the event. In return, they are expected to commit to the full duration of the forum and actively participate in both preparatory and live sessions.

Due to the limited number of spots, applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Those who are interested are encouraged to apply promptly to increase their chances of selection.

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