International Youth Leadership Dialogue 2027
Four days of diplomacy, policy dialogue and leadership training in Manchester for young leaders from every country. Fully funded and partially funded seats available.

IYLD 2027, Manchester
A four day international summit on diplomacy, social innovation and inclusive development, bringing young leaders together with policymakers and practitioners.
- Venue
- Dates
- Duration
- 4 days
- Applications close
- Results announced
- Fully funded
- seats
- Partially funded
- seats
Why Manchester
Manchester is where the industrial revolution began and the city where the modern computer was born. Today it is one of the most international cities in the UK, with students and residents from almost every country in the world.
That history of reinvention makes it the right place for a summit about how young people can shape what comes next.
The programme includes a guided cultural tour, so delegates see the city as well as the conference hall.
Apply now
What happens at IYLD
The Dialogue brings together students, young professionals, entrepreneurs and community leaders with policymakers and practitioners. Over four days, delegates take part in keynotes, policy workshops and team challenges built around the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Scholarship seats are awarded through a merit based selection. Delegates who want a confirmed place can take a guaranteed pass instead.
More about GFN
Four days of programme
Every delegate takes part in the full four day programme.
- 01Keynote addresses
- 02Diplomatic dialogue sessions
- 03Leadership workshops
- 04Policy discussions and simulations
- 05Social entrepreneurship labs
- 06Cross cultural team challenges
- 07Networking forums
- 08Youth statements and presentations
- 09Guided tour of Manchester
Choose your path
Apply for a scholarship seat, or confirm your place straight away with a guaranteed pass.
How we select delegates
Scholarship applications are reviewed by the GFN Evaluation Committee. No previous conference experience is needed.

Leadership potential
Demonstrated ability, or clear potential, to lead initiatives in academic, professional, entrepreneurial or community settings.

Who can apply
Anyone aged 16 to 45, of any nationality and any academic background. You do not need IELTS or TOEFL, but sessions are held in English.
Key dates
- Now openApplications open
- Applications close
- Results announced
- Summit in Manchester

What you leave with
- An international network
- Delegates from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, and the GFN alumni community after the summit.
- Practical leadership skills
- Training in negotiation, public speaking and policy writing from people who do it for a living.
- Real collaboration
- Team challenges on problems linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.
- A certificate of participation
- An official GFN certificate for your CV and university applications.
- Time in Manchester
- A guided cultural programme in one of the UK's most international cities.
How to apply
- 1Choose a categoryScholarship, guaranteed pass or invitation letter.
- 2Fill in the applicationYour details, background and experience.
- 3Write your motivation statementTell us why you want to attend.
- 4Pay the application feeSecure card payment online.
- 5Application reviewThe Evaluation Committee reviews every application.
- 6Get your resultSent by email on .
Speakers
The 2027 line up will be announced soon. Apply to speak
Inside the summit
About GlobalFutureNetwork
GlobalFutureNetwork is an international organisation that creates opportunities for young leaders through summits, policy forums and training programmes.
We focus on people who have the drive to lead but not always the access. That is why every summit reserves funded seats for applicants who could not otherwise attend.
Read our story
01When and where is IYLD 2027?
The International Youth Leadership Dialogue takes place at , , from .
02Who can apply?
Anyone aged 16 to 45, of any nationality and any academic or professional background. No previous conference experience is needed.
03Is the summit fully funded?
There are a limited number of Fully Funded and Partially Funded seats, awarded through merit based selection. Guaranteed passes are also available for applicants who want a confirmed place.
04What does Fully Funded cover?
Return airfare, shared 4 star accommodation, meals during the forum, an official invitation letter, embassy support, full programme access, a delegate kit and a certificate of participation.
05How much does it cost to apply?
Scholarship applications (Fully Funded and Partially Funded) carry a £13.99 application processing fee. Guaranteed places start at £299 for the Premium Access Pass.
06What is the difference between Premium Access and Self Funded?
Both confirm your seat straight away. Premium Access is the event pass only. Self Funded also includes shared 4 star accommodation. Neither includes airfare.
07When is the deadline?
Applications close on . Results are sent by email on .
08Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No. You should be comfortable taking part in discussions and workshops in English.
09Will GFN help with my visa?
Delegates receive an official invitation letter and visa guidance for the UK. Visa decisions are made by UK Visas and Immigration.
10Will I get a certificate?
Yes. Every delegate who completes the programme receives a GFN certificate of participation.
Applications for IYLD 2027 are open
Applications close
