Youth Leaders Summit 2026
Empowering Young Leaders to Shape the Future
The Youth Leaders Summit 2026 (YLS 2026) is Ecovay’s flagship international leadership conference, uniting ambitious students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, and emerging changemakers from across the globe.
Hosted in Milan, Italy, from December 10–13, 2026, the summit offers an inspiring platform to develop leadership skills, build global connections, and collaborate with future leaders committed to creating lasting impact.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
September 30, 2026
December 10–13, 2026
Milan, Italy
Ecovay
September 30, 2026
October 10, 2026
What is Youth Leaders Summit 2026?
Youth Leaders Summit 2026 is an international leadership conference designed to prepare young people for leadership roles in an increasingly interconnected world.
The summit combines leadership education, global networking, cultural exchange, and collaborative learning to help participants strengthen their ability to create meaningful impact within their communities and beyond.
Over four days, delegates will participate in interactive workshops, expert-led discussions, leadership training sessions, networking forums, and collaborative activities that promote innovation, dialogue, and cross-cultural understanding.
Participants will gain practical leadership experience while connecting with peers from different countries who share a common commitment to building a better future.
A summit built for practical leadership growth.
Youth Leaders Summit 2026 is an international leadership conference designed to prepare young people for leadership roles in an increasingly interconnected world.
01
Network with young leaders from around the world.
02
Strengthen leadership and communication skills.
03
Learn from distinguished speakers and experienced professionals
04
Gain confidence through public speaking and interactive learning.
05
Exchange ideas across cultures and disciplines.
06
Develop innovative approaches to global challenges.
07
Enhance academic and professional profiles.
08
Build international friendships and collaborations.
09
Join Ecovay’s growing international leadership community.
A four-day leadership programme preview.
During the summit, participants can expect leadership development sessions, keynote addresses, interactive workshops, panel discussions, international networking, and recognition through certification.
- Leadership development sessions
- Keynote addresses
- Interactive workshops
- Panel discussions
- International networking
- Public speaking opportunities
- Cultural exchange experiences
- Team collaboration activities
- Professional development sessions
- Leadership recognition and certification
Scholarship opportunities
Youth Leaders Summit 2026 offers competitive scholarship opportunities to recognize outstanding applicants demonstrating leadership potential, community engagement, and a commitment to positive impact.
Fully Funded Scholarship
$15
Benefits:
- Round-trip airfare support
- Shared accommodation throughout the summit
- Meals during the event
- Full access to all summit sessions and activities
- Official invitation letter
- Visa support documentation
- Speaking opportunities
- Leadership Certificate
- Delegate Kit
- International networking opportunities
Partially Funded Scholarship
$15
Benefits:
- Shared accommodation
- Meals throughout the summit
- Full summit access
- Official invitation letter
- Visa support documentation
- Speaking opportunities
- Leadership Certificate
- Delegate Kit
- International networking opportunities
Apply once.
Applicants submit one application. The Ecovay Selection Committee evaluates all applications and awards either a Fully Funded Scholarship or a Partially Funded Scholarship based on merit, leadership potential, application quality, and available scholarship seats.
Self-sponsored categories
Self Funded, Forum Access, and Invitation Letter categories provide separate registration options for participants seeking the complete summit experience, forum access, or visa support documentation.
Self Funded Participation
$499
The Self Funded category guarantees participation in the complete summit experience.
Benefits:
- Shared accommodation
- Meals during the summit
- Meals during the event
- Full summit access
- Official invitation letter
- Visa support documentation
- Speaking opportunities
- Leadership Certificate
- Delegate Kit
- International networking
- Participation in all official activities
Forum Access
$249
Designed for participants who wish to attend the summit without accommodation.
Benefits:
- Meals during summit days
- Full summit access
- Official invitation letter
- Visa support documentation
- Speaking opportunities
- Visa support documentation
- Delegate Kit
- Networking opportunities
Invitation Letter
$75
Provides the essential documentation required to support your visa application and summit participation.
Benefits:
- Official invitation letter
- Visa support documentation
- Visa Checklist support
- Full access to all summit sessions and activities
- Embassy coordination
- Opportunity to upgrade
- Flexible payment plan to attend YLS’26
Who can apply?
Applications are open to individuals aged 15–50 years, regardless of nationality, academic background, or profession.
Applications are open to all nationalities and to aspiring leaders from every academic and professional background.
- University and college students
- Graduates
- Young professionals
- Entrepreneurs
- Researchers
- Educators
- Volunteers
- Community leaders
- Social entrepreneurs
- Innovators
- NGO representatives
- Youth advocates
- Aspiring leaders from every academic and professional background
There are no nationality restrictions, and applicants from all countries are encouraged to apply.
Self-sponsored categories
Youth Leaders Summit 2026 is an opportunity to learn from global perspectives, develop lifelong leadership skills, connect with ambitious young people from around the world, and become part of an international community committed to positive change. If you are ready to expand your horizons, strengthen your leadership potential, and represent your country at an international summit, we invite you to apply.
September 30, 2026
October 10, 2026
December 10–13, 2026
30 Fully + 50 Partially Funded
$15
One application. Two scholarship opportunities.
A competitive and transparent evaluation process.
Applications are reviewed by the Ecovay Selection Committee through a competitive and transparent evaluation process. Selection is based on:
01
Leadership potential
02
Motivation and personal statement
03
Academic or professional achievements
04
Community involvement
05
Vision for creating positive impact
06
Overall quality of the application
Empowering Youth Through Global Leadership
Ecovay is an international organization dedicated to empowering youth through leadership development, global education, international conferences, cultural exchange, and collaborative learning.
By organizing leadership programs across multiple countries, Ecovay provides platforms where young people develop practical skills, expand international networks, and contribute to sustainable social and global development.
Through its initiatives, Ecovay continues to invest in the leaders who will shape tomorrow’s world
Voices From Our Community
KC Lowther
Founder, Heartwood Tales & Heartwood Foundation
Ribeiro Vasco Nhambi
Social Anthropologist | Research & Policy Expert
Chidochashe Ziki
Content and Marketing Officer
Bright Mhlanga Shamu
Digital Marketing and Business Administration
Kelly Bennett
Advisor at Tradinvex (Pty) Ltd
Shahrukh Mirza Nawandish
Software Engineer | Quality & Agile Expert
Duyen Vo Thi My
TEDx Speaker | Education Leader | Generative AI & Entrepreneurship
Wasif Uddin
Chief Technology Officer @ Star Innovative Technologies Ltd
Samuel Idriss Kargbo
Software Engineer | Researcher in AI/ML for Intelligent Systems
Geetha Gopal
Oxford MSc | Award-Winning CIO | AI & Automation
Hear From Our Previous Participants
WHY MILAN, ITALY?
Milan is one of Europe’s leading centres for innovation, education, entrepreneurship, business, design, and international collaboration.
As a global city, Milan provides an inspiring environment for young leaders to exchange ideas, build international partnerships, and experience one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural destinations.
Its combination of history, creativity, and global influence makes it an ideal host city for Youth Leaders Summit 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Youth Leaders Summit 2026?
The Youth Leaders Summit 2026 is an international leadership conference organized by Ecovay in Milan, Italy. It brings together students, professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, volunteers, and young leaders from around the world for leadership development, networking, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to individuals aged 15–50 years, regardless of nationality, academic background, or profession.
Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes. Applications are welcome from all countries and regions.
How many scholarship seats are available?
There are 30 Fully Funded Scholarships and 50 Partially Funded Scholarships available.
What does the Fully Funded Scholarship include?
The Fully Funded Scholarship includes airfare support, shared accommodation, meals during the summit, full summit access, visa support, an official invitation letter, speaking opportunities, a leadership certificate, and participation in official summit activities.
What is the scholarship application fee?
The application fee for the scholarship categories is USD 15.
What is Forum Access?
Forum Access is designed for participants who wish to attend the summit without accommodation. It includes summit access, meals during the event, visa support, an invitation letter, speaking opportunities, and networking opportunities.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No. English language test scores are not required to apply.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on September 30, 2026.
Where will the summit be hosted?
The Youth Leaders Summit 2026 will take place in Milan, Italy
When will the Youth Leaders Summit 2026 take place?
The summit will be held from December 10–13, 2026, in Milan, Italy.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. Applicants must be between 15 and 50 years old at the time of application
Is there one application for both scholarship categories?
Yes. Applicants submit one scholarship application. The Selection Committee determines whether an applicant receives a Fully Funded or Partially Funded Scholarship.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
Scholarships are awarded based on leadership potential, motivation, community involvement, achievements, the quality of the application, and the availability of scholarship seats.
What does the Partially Funded Scholarship include?
The Partially Funded Scholarship includes shared accommodation, meals during the summit, full summit access, visa support, an official invitation letter, speaking opportunities, a leadership certificate, and participation in official summit activities.
What is included in the Self Funded category?
Self Funded participants receive accommodation, meals during the summit, full summit access, visa support, an invitation letter, speaking opportunities, a leadership certificate, and participation in all official activities.
What is the Invitation Letter category?
The Invitation Letter category provides an official invitation letter and visa support documentation for participants who require these documents for travel purposes.
Is previous leadership experience required?
When will the results be announced?
Official results will be announced on October 10, 2026.
How do I apply?
Applicants can complete the online application form through the official Ecovay website. Scholarship applicants should submit one application to be considered for either the Fully Funded or Partially Funded category. Self Funded, Forum Access, and Invitation Letter categories have separate registration options.
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