From Inequality and Vulnerability
to Prosperity for All

20 – 23 October 2025
Geneva, Switzerland
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The 5th UNCTAD Youth Forum will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 20 to 23 October 2025 as part of the 16th quadrennial conference of UNCTAD.

The theme of the Conference is "Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development".

The Forum is open to students or young professionals aged 18 to 30, who are interested in trade and development issues, and want to debate with other youth from around the world.

Objectives of the Forum

  • Facilitate the exchange of experiences among the youth and strengthen a network of,uture leaders from around the world.  
  • Foster an interactive dialogue between the youth and global players working towards the achievement of sustainable development, offering the youth a platform to express their views on issues of concern and areas where they wish to see greater action.
  • Raise greater awareness on youth-led projects and how to enhance youth involvement in sustainable development programmes.

Participation and Registration

Youth wishing to participate must go through an application process. Only those who have been formally selected and invited to participate in UNCTAD 16 and the Youth Forum are requested to register online for the Conference.

Personal letters of invitation issued by UNCTAD should be uploaded during the online registration process.

Final confirmation of participation will be subject to approval by the UNCTAD secretariat.

Participation criteria

UNCTAD will pre-select forum participants, who should meet the following criteria:

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 30.
  • Be able to speak and understand English.
  • Have experience (from studies or work) in the areas of UNCTAD’s work/focus. Evidence of projects related to trade and development (academic and professional) will be considered as experience in the field.
  • Have applied to participate with a supporting video
  • Have met the above criteria and have been selected for participation, having received a registration link to the Youth Forum.

For more information, see: How to apply for the 5th UNCTAD Youth Forum

Application form

Enquiries should be sent to: [email protected]

Language(s)
English