4th International Youth Summit Pakistan 2026

Applications are open for the 4th International Youth Summit Pakistan 2026, an international youth diplomacy and leadership platform bringing together young leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, academics, and changemakers from around the world. The summit will take place from November 27 to December 4, 2026, in Lahore, Pakistan, under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow: Youth, Strategy & the New World Order.”

The International Youth Summit Pakistan, formerly known as IYSL, was established in 2017 and has previously welcomed more than 300 delegates from over 60 countries across its first three editions. The 2026 edition is being organised by the Centre for Regional Strategy & Global Affairs at the University of Lahore and represents a renewed focus on strategic dialogue, youth leadership, international cooperation, and policy engagement.

The summit is designed for young people interested in global affairs, leadership, diplomacy, governance, emerging technologies, regional development, security, and international cooperation. Participants will have opportunities to exchange ideas with peers from different countries, interact with experts and practitioners, participate in workshops, and contribute to a formal youth policy document.

About the Opportunity

The 4th International Youth Summit Pakistan is being positioned as a strategic youth diplomacy forum rather than only a conventional conference. The programme provides a space for young leaders to discuss international affairs, develop policy ideas, build cross border connections, and engage with questions affecting the future of the Global South and the wider international community.

The summit will bring together more than 100 young leaders from over 50 countries. Its discussions will be organised around five strategic pillars covering international relations, economics, governance, technology, security, and youth leadership.

A major component of the summit is the IYSP 2026 Communiqué. Participants will work in groups to develop concrete policy recommendations under the five thematic pillars. These recommendations will be compiled into a formal youth led policy document intended for submission to governments and international organisations.

Opportunity Benefits

• Accommodation for the full programme duration

• Meals during the programme

• Local transportation

• Airport pick up and drop off

• Cultural visits and organised activity days

• Access to keynote speakers, expert panels, and plenary sessions

• Participation in thematic workshops and working groups

• Opportunity to contribute to the IYSP 2026 Communiqué

• Networking with young leaders from more than 50 countries

• Engagement with diplomats, policymakers, journalists, entrepreneurs, and practitioners

• Exposure to Pakistani culture, heritage, and strategic perspectives

• Certificate of participation from the Centre for Regional Strategy & Global Affairs and University of Lahore

• Membership in the IYSP global alumni network

• Support letters for participants seeking external travel grants

Programme Areas

The summit will explore five major strategic pillars:

• Geopolitics and the Shifting World Order: Major power competition, South Asian strategic affairs, climate geopolitics, and Pakistan’s foreign policy priorities.

• Regional Connectivity and Geo Economics: Regional trade, infrastructure, CPEC, BRI, digital trade, food security, and economic development across the Global South.

• Governance, Security and Emerging Threats: Disinformation, hybrid warfare, democratic resilience, transnational crime, and inclusive governance.

• Strategic Technologies and Digital Governance: Digital sovereignty, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and the development of technology ecosystems.

• Youth Leadership and Global Dialogue: Next generation leadership, youth participation in peacebuilding, education, employment, and international dialogue.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must generally be between 18 and 35 years old

• Exceptional age cases may be considered individually

• Applicants must have working proficiency in English

• Applicants should demonstrate an interest or commitment to global affairs and youth leadership

• Applicants from all nationalities are eligible

• Participants should be prepared to actively engage in discussions, workshops, and group activities

• The programme aims to include strong representation from Global South countries

• The summit also aims for at least 30 percent female representation

Funding Information

The International Youth Summit Pakistan is partially funded.

The organisers cover accommodation, meals, local transportation, cultural visits, and other local programme logistics during the summit. However, participants are responsible for their own international travel costs to and from Pakistan.

The organisers indicate that support letters may be provided to delegates who want to seek travel funding from external organisations or other third party sources.

Applicants should therefore arrange their international travel funding independently unless they secure additional financial support.

Programme Structure

The summit consists of seven days in Pakistan.

Conference Days

The first two days will focus on the formal summit programme. Activities include opening plenary sessions, thematic discussions, workshops, expert talks, and delegate working groups.

The first conference day will focus on geopolitics, regional connectivity, and geo economic issues. The second conference day will address governance, security, strategic technology, digital governance, and youth leadership.

Activity Days

The remaining five days will provide participants with opportunities to explore Pakistan through city visits, cultural tours, and organised activities in Lahore and surrounding areas.

These activities are intended to complement the formal discussions by giving international participants an opportunity to experience Pakistani society, culture, history, and strategic environment.

Selection Considerations

Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in youth leadership and international affairs. Strong candidates are expected to contribute meaningfully to discussions and collaborate with participants from different cultural, professional, and national backgrounds.

The organisers are seeking an internationally diverse group of participants, with particular attention to representation from Global South countries and women.

Applicants should also be comfortable participating in English throughout the summit.

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements and programme information carefully.
2. Visit the official International Youth Summit Pakistan application platform.
3. Complete the application with accurate personal, academic, professional, and leadership information as requested.
4. Present your experience and motivation clearly, particularly your interest in global affairs, youth leadership, international cooperation, or one of the summit’s thematic areas.
5. Review your application carefully before submission.
6. Submit the completed application before the October 30, 2026 deadline.
7. If selected, follow the organisers’ instructions concerning participation, travel arrangements, documentation, and visa requirements.

The 4th International Youth Summit Pakistan 2026 offers young leaders an opportunity to participate in international dialogue, develop policy ideas, build a global network, and experience Pakistan through a combination of strategic discussions and cultural activities. With accommodation, meals, local transport, and programme activities covered, the opportunity can be particularly valuable for applicants seeking international exposure while contributing to conversations about youth leadership and the changing global order.

Official programme information is available through the International Youth Summit Pakistan website.