Applications Are Open for the 2025 Migration Youth Forum in Colombia

Young leaders committed to migration and refugee issues now have the opportunity to participate in the 5th Migration Youth Forum, the official youth preparatory space for the 15th Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) Summit. This prestigious gathering will take place in Barranquilla, Colombia, during the week of June 9, 2025, bringing together youth alongside government officials, city leaders, industry experts, and representatives from civil society organizations to shape migration policies and solutions.

Organized by the Migration Youth and Children Platform (MYCP), the forum has consistently served as a launchpad for young changemakers to prepare for the GFMD Summit, ensuring that their voices and innovative ideas contribute meaningfully to global migration discussions. The event provides an interactive environment where participants can share their insights, exchange best practices, and develop youth-led initiatives that address key migration challenges. Leading up to the forum, selected applicants will engage in a series of mandatory online capacity-building workshops throughout May to enhance their understanding of migration governance and the GFMD process.

The Migration Youth Forum is designed for dynamic individuals under the age of 31 who are actively engaged in supporting migrants, refugees, and displaced communities. Participants may include young migrants, diaspora members, refugee advocates, researchers, social entrepreneurs, policymakers, professionals, volunteers, and activists. The selection process prioritizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring broad representation in terms of gender, socio-economic status, cultural backgrounds, and geographic regions. Preference will be given to applicants with direct migration or refugee experiences and those with a strong history of engagement in migration advocacy, research, or policy development.

To foster accessibility and inclusivity, a limited number of scholarships will be awarded to outstanding candidates who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships will cover travel expenses, accommodation, and other essential costs related to attending the forum and summit. Additionally, MYCP will assist exceptional applicants in securing external funding if required. Those who do not require financial assistance are encouraged to join as self-funded participants or through sponsorships from their organizations.

Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of the event, possessing at least an intermediate level of English or Spanish for effective participation, and demonstrating full commitment to the forum, summit, and related activities. A valid passport or relevant travel documents will be necessary, and selected participants may need to obtain a visa. While MYCP will provide official invitation letters to support visa applications, the final approval remains subject to government regulations.

Aspiring participants are encouraged to apply before the deadline on April 15, 2025, at 23:59 CET. Applications can be submitted in either English or Spanish. This is a unique opportunity for young leaders to engage in high-level migration policy discussions, gain valuable insights, expand their networks, and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future for migrant communities worldwide.

Scroll down below for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity