Global Youth Summit for Sustainability 2026, Organized by YCDP in Collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University, Brings Together Young Leaders in Istanbul
21–24 May 2026, Istanbul, Türkiye – The Global Youth Summit for Sustainability 2026, organized by the Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP) in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, UNITAR, and Bahçeşehir University, brought together young leaders, academics, practitioners, and representatives from international organizations for four days of dialogue, learning, and collaboration on sustainability and climate action. Among the participants were members of the CIFAL Istanbul Youth Platform, who took part in the four-day programme, engaging in discussions and activities alongside participants from different countries and sectors.
Held at Hyatt Regency Ataköy and Bahçeşehir University, the summit provided an international platform for participants from diverse backgrounds and countries to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to today’s most pressing global challenges. As Türkiye prepares to host COP31 in Antalya in 2026, the summit highlighted the importance of meaningful youth participation in shaping sustainable and climate-resilient societies.
The programme commenced on 21 May with an inauguration ceremony at Hyatt Regency Hotel, followed by discussions focusing on intergenerational collaboration for sustainable development and the role of young people in creating more inclusive and resilient communities.
On 22 May, an open sessions hosted at Bahçeşehir University brought together students, youth advocates, academics, and representatives from the United Nations system. Through keynote speeches and panel discussions, participants explored the connections between climate action, sustainable development, and youth leadership. The programme emphasized the importance of ensuring that young people are not merely consulted in decision-making processes but are actively involved in designing and implementing solutions that address the climate crisis.
The summit continued on 23 May at Hyatt Regency Hotel with interactive workshops and discussions focusing on humanitarian action, strategic sustainability, and green entrepreneurship. Participants had the opportunity to develop practical perspectives on sustainable business models, strengthen their leadership capacities, and engage in collaborative learning experiences.The day concluded with the presentation of the Youth Statement on Sustainability, followed by the closing ceremony, during which participants reflected on the achievements of the summit and celebrated the completion of the programme.
On 24 May, participants had the opportunity to take part in Walk for Change, an outdoor activity that encouraged further reflection, networking, and cultural exchange in the unique setting of Istanbul.
The Global Youth Summit for Sustainability 2026 emphasized the critical role of young people as agents of change and demonstrated the value of partnerships among youth organizations, academia, international institutions, and civil society in addressing complex global challenges. By creating spaces for dialogue, capacity-building, and collective action, the summit contributed to strengthening youth engagement in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The themes explored throughout the summit reflected the broader objectives of sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on lifelong learning, knowledge exchange, climate awareness, inclusive participation, intergenerational dialogue, and multi-stakeholder cooperation in advancing sustainability.
As the international community moves towards COP31, initiatives such as the Global Youth Summit for Sustainability continue to demonstrate that empowering young people with the knowledge, networks, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes is essential for building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.
