• In 2026, the forum focuses on how social environments, emotional processes, and cognitive patterns shape the experiences of young people in today’s world.

• Through dialogue, shared inquiry, and reflective exchange, participants will engage with peers and educators to explore key questions in social psychology, emotion, and cognition. Drawing on lived experience across different cultures and contexts, youth will examine how individuals think, feel, and interact within families, schools, communities, and digital spaces. 

• Together, participants will learn from one another, develop critical insight, and contribute to a deeper understanding of the social worlds young people are navigating.

 The 2026 International Youth Forum invites young people to share their perspectives on major global issues affecting youth today. 

While PowerPoint presentations will be the primary format, participants are also encouraged to express their ideas and values through a variety of creative forms — including news broadcasts, interviews, poetry, drama, animation, storytelling, documentaries, posters, artwork, skits, talk shows,   music, songs, short films, debates, podcasts, photography, and more. 

 This is a global stage for youth to speak up, inspire others, act with purpose, and spark meaningful change. 

• Learn Through Dialogue and Shared Inquiry
  Engage in structured discussions and collaborative learning with peers, educators, and researchers in an environment that values diverse perspectives and thoughtful exchange.
  
• Build Cross-Cultural and Social Awareness
  Exchange experiences with youth from different cultural and social backgrounds, developing insight into identity, inclusion, social norms, and shared challenges across contexts.
  
• Participate in Knowledge Co-Creation and Youth Leadership
  Contribute actively to dialogue and inquiry, recognizing youth not only as learners, but as contributors to collective understanding and social insight.
  
• Apply Insight Beyond the Forum
  Develop the capacity to apply understanding of cognition, emotion, and social behaviour to education, community engagement, leadership, and future academic or professional pathways.

• We especially welcome youth from diverse backgrounds worldwide—across regions, cultures, identities, abilities, and neurodiversity—who are ready to share their experiences and insights.

•  Educators, professionals, and organizations are essential partners in this mission, and we welcome their active participation in supporting youth healthy minds and development. 

• Participants will ask meaningful questions, exchange perspectives, and co-create solutions. 

• This forum is more than a discussion—it is a space for awareness, advocacy, and collective commitment to build an inclusive future where young people can know and grow, connect and belong, and balance and thrive.