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The Istanbul Youth Summit (IYS) 2026 has opened applications for young leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the world. The event will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from February 9 to 12, 2026. Organized by the Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) Foundation, the summit is among the largest international youth gatherings focused on promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With the theme “From Vision to Action: Empowering Youth for Lasting Global Impact,” IYS 2026 will offer a variety of activities. This includes panel discussions, leadership training, cultural events, and a prominent International Social Project Competition. In this competition, participants will showcase innovative solutions to real-world challenges.
Delegates will collaborate in teams to create impactful projects in areas such as healthcare, education, climate action, economic growth, and peacebuilding. The program will also feature intercultural exchange activities, networking sessions, and awards to honor outstanding contributions.
Participation Categories
IYS 2026 provides several options for participation:
Funded Participants: These participants receive scholarships that cover accommodation, meals, program fees, and partial airfare.
Ambassadors: Social media promoters who may earn discounts or free entry.
Outreach Partners: Youth organizations that collaborate with YYS for group participation.
Self-Funded Participants: Individuals who pay for their own expenses.
Eligibility
The summit welcomes applicants aged 15 to 40 from all nationalities and academic backgrounds. There is no requirement for an English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL). Applicants must not have a criminal record or ties to extremist groups.
Application Process
Interested candidates should register through the official IYS 2026 portal, fill out the online form, and submit an essay on one of the provided themes. Applicants must also follow the summit’s social media accounts and complete promotional tasks as part of their application.
The application deadline is September 30, 2025.
