International conferences and events
The Purpose One plans and delivers four-day summits and forums in European cities, where delegates aged 15 to 45, of any nationality, work alongside diplomats, academics and practitioners on peace, diplomacy and sustainable development.
Our events run under two organisations we own and operate: the Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD) and the Council for Leadership & Global Diplomacy (CLGD). Payments for every event are made to The Purpose One.
What we do
We bring young people of any nationality into international discussion of peace, diplomacy and sustainable development, with scholarships and practical support that make taking part possible.
Summits and forums
Keynote addresses, panels, workshops and delegate working groups on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, peacebuilding and diplomacy. Upcoming editions are planned for 160 delegates each.
Scholarships
Fully Funded, Partially Funded and Funded Forum Access. At the Geneva forum, 80 of the 160 seats are scholarship seats.
Institutional visits
The UN, WTO, WHO or CERN in Geneva; UNESCO, the OECD or Versailles in Paris; and a proposed visit to the UN Office at Vienna. Each visit depends on the host’s approval.
Delegate services
Visa invitation letters, meals, delegate kits and a certificate of participation, with accommodation in the categories that include it.
Cultural exchange
Cultural exchange activities and networking receptions run alongside the formal programme, with guided city tours in Geneva and Paris.
Portfolio
Two editions have taken place; three more are scheduled.
A CGAD programmeA summit for young leaders working on sustainable development and peace.
A CGAD programmeA forum on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, peacebuilding and mediation.
A CLGD programmeAn annual assembly on leadership, diplomacy and sustainable action.
GYIS 2026 · Porto, Portugal · 3–6 September 2026
Four days at the Holiday Inn Porto–Gaia: more than 50 delegates from over 45 nations and more than 12 speakers, among them the ambassadors of Belgium, Kosovo and the Philippines. The delegates adopted and signed the Porto Youth Declaration 2026.
YFGG 2026 · Istanbul, Türkiye · 27–30 April 2026
Four days for students, lawyers, journalists, activists and young professionals from across the world, built around the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Calendar
Each event page sets out the programme, eligibility and how to apply.
14–17December 2026
YFGG · A CGAD programme
The second edition, with an institutional visit to the UN, WTO, WHO or CERN and the drafting of a closing youth declaration.
25–28March 2027
GYIS · A CGAD programme
The second edition, with an institutional visit to UNESCO, the OECD or Versailles, closing with the signing of the Paris Youth Declaration 2027.
8–11April 2027
GYA · A CLGD programme
The first edition, working towards the Vienna Youth Declaration 2027, with a proposed visit to the UN Office at Vienna.
All bookings are covered by our refund and cancellation policy. CGAD and CLGD events follow the UN Sustainable Development Goals but are independent and are not organised by the United Nations.
Our organisations
Organisation
CGAD runs international youth forums and summits inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Its programmes include mediation and dispute-resolution training, an institutional visit in each host city and, at GYIS, a youth declaration signed by the delegates.
Organisation
CLGD’s remit covers global forums, training in diplomacy and negotiation, and cross-cultural exchange missions, in European host cities.
Timeline
27–30 April 2026
CGAD · Held
3–6 September 2026
CGAD · Held
14–17 December 2026
CGAD · Next
25–28 March 2027
CGAD · Upcoming
8–11 April 2027
CLGD · Upcoming
HeldUpcoming
Structure
Contact
Write to us about payments, cancellations, refunds or the company. We aim to reply within five working days.
For agendas, applications, eligibility and visas, the CGAD and CLGD teams answer directly.