About Istanbul Youth Summit 2026

The Istanbul Youth Summit (IYS) is one of the largest youth gatherings worldwide, organized by the Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) Foundation. The event will be held from February 9–12, 2026, in Istanbul, Türkiye. It offers young leaders an opportunity to share ideas, connect with global changemakers, and contribute towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key highlights include the International Social Project Competition, leadership workshops, cultural evenings, and networking sessions.

🔆 Host Details
✅ Host Country: Turkey / Türkiye
✅ Host Organization: Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) Foundation
✅ Dates & Duration: 3–4 Days (February 9 – 12, 2026)

🔆 Programs at IYS 2026
✅ International Innovation Competition
✅ International Youth Summit
✅ Intercultural Exploration
✅ Leadership Training
✅ Global Networking Sessions
✅ Culture and Awards Night

🔆 Theme & Sub-Themes
Main Theme: From Vision to Action: Empowering Youth for Lasting Global Impact
Sub-Themes:
✅ SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
✅ SDG 4: Quality Education
✅ SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
✅ SDG 13: Climate Action
✅ SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

🔆 Benefits
✅ Meet and connect with youth leaders from around the globe
✅ Learn from international speakers and mentors
✅ Participate in the Social Project Competition
✅ Experience Istanbul’s culture with special events
✅ Enhance leadership, teamwork, and communication skills
✅ Receive certificates and awards for participation
✅ Enjoy accommodation, meals, local transport, and airport assistance

🔆 Participant Types
✅ Funded Participant (Scholarship Based): Covers most expenses (program fee, accommodation, meals, airfare); requires a minimum budget of USD 500.
✅ Ambassador: Promote the summit on social media; can receive discounts or free attendance.
✅ Outreach Partner: Youth organizations spreading awareness; may get reserved seats and discounts.
✅ Partner: Formal collaborations between organizations.
✅ Self-Funded Participant: Covers own program fee, accommodation, meals, and flights.

🔆 Eligibility Criteria
✅ Open to applicants from all nationalities
✅ Age requirement: 15–40 years
✅ Applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds are eligible
✅ Must have no criminal record
✅ Must not be affiliated with any extremist or violent group
✅ No English language proficiency certificate required (IELTS/TOEFL not needed)
✅ More info: Guidelines Link

🔆 Require Documents
✅ Completed IYS registration form
✅ Basic personal details (name, birth date, address, experience, etc.)
✅ Essay on one of the given summit themes
✅ Twibbon photo with the summit poster shared on social platforms
✅ Screenshots of required promotional steps (as per application process)

🔆 How to Apply
✅ Visit the official IYS 2026 website
✅ Step 1: Sign up with your email; confirm registration via email
✅ Step 2: Sign in and complete the application form carefully
✅ Step 3: Provide all required personal and academic information
✅ Step 4: Write and upload the required essay
✅ Step 5: Share the IYS poster and Twibbon photo on social media (Instagram, Facebook)
✅ Step 6: Follow IYS official Instagram, TikTok, and YBB YouTube channel
✅ Step 7: Share the poster in at least 3 WhatsApp/Facebook groups and tag 5 friends
✅ Step 8: Submit your application with all required screenshots

🔆 Selection Criteria
✅ Academic and professional background
✅ Quality and completeness of the application form
✅ Strength and originality of the essay
✅ Interview performance (for scholarship-based participants)

🔆 Deadline
✅ The application deadline is September 30, 2025 (extended date)