The United Nations Youth Office is convening the first-ever UN Youth Townhall from 8 to 10 December 2026 in Heidelberg, Germany, bringing together more than 1,000 participants from around the world. The initiative is designed to strengthen meaningful youth participation in decision-making while creating stronger connections between young people, governments, United Nations entities, civil society, academia, the private sector and other stakeholders.
Young people are playing increasingly important roles in addressing global challenges, contributing to climate action, peacebuilding, technology, education, human rights, entrepreneurship and innovation. However, many continue to face barriers that limit their participation in international decision-making processes. The Townhall aims to address these challenges by creating an inclusive space where diverse youth voices can directly engage with decision-makers and other generations.
Strengthening Youth Inclusion and Global Collaboration
The UN Youth Townhall is built around three central objectives. First, it seeks to strengthen inclusion and diversity by expanding access to global youth engagement opportunities for young people and communities that are frequently underrepresented in international spaces.
Second, the Townhall aims to reduce fragmentation across the global youth ecosystem. Numerous organizations, institutions and movements are working on youth-related priorities, but stronger coordination and collaboration can help increase their collective impact. The event will provide opportunities for these stakeholders to exchange knowledge, identify common priorities and develop partnerships.
Third, the Townhall will focus on creating a collective path forward. Participants will be encouraged to transform dialogue into practical commitments, partnerships and actionable measures that advance youth participation, global cooperation and youth priorities.
A Recurring Platform for Meaningful Youth Engagement
The initiative responds to the growing international demand for more meaningful and inclusive youth participation in decision-making. It builds on the United Nations Secretary-General’s Policy Brief on Meaningful Youth Engagement, which emphasized the importance of strengthening youth participation across the work of the United Nations.
The Townhall is also anchored in the UN Youth Compass, the flagship initiative of the UN Youth Office focused on strengthening meaningful youth participation within the United Nations and beyond.
Rather than functioning solely as a one-time conference, the Youth Townhall is envisioned as a recurring platform supporting collaboration, learning, partnerships and continued engagement. Its broader ambition is to help mainstream meaningful youth participation across different areas and levels of United Nations work.
Interactive Programme and Intergenerational Dialogue
Intergenerational dialogue and co-creation will be at the centre of the Townhall. In addition to larger sessions, participants can expect fireside conversations, roundtables, small-group discussions and other interactive formats.
These activities are intended to encourage direct exchanges between young people, policymakers, decision-makers and participants from different generations and sectors. The format is designed to promote trust, understanding and collaboration while allowing participants to explore practical responses to shared challenges.
Organizations and partners from the United Nations, civil society, academia, the private sector and other sectors will also have opportunities to contribute perspectives and showcase initiatives, programmes and opportunities directly to young participants.
Who Can Participate?
More than 1,000 participants are expected to attend, including young leaders, representatives of youth-led organizations and movements, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers and public-sector leaders.
Representatives from governments, the United Nations, civil society, academia, philanthropy and the private sector are also expected to participate. The organizers are seeking broad geographical representation, gender balance and stronger inclusion of young people and communities that are often underrepresented in international policy and decision-making spaces.
Event Details and Funding Opportunities
The UN Youth Townhall 2026 will take place in Heidelberg, Germany, from 8 to 10 December 2026.
A limited number of funding opportunities are available for eligible young people through an open call for applications. Interested applicants should note that the application deadline is 7 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The opportunity provides an important avenue for young people who may otherwise face financial barriers to participating in international youth engagement initiatives.
Partnership Opportunities
Organizations and institutions are also invited to support the Townhall through financial or in-kind contributions, including assistance with funding young people’s participation. Partners may also have opportunities to co-create programme components, organize dedicated activities and engage directly with young participants.
The initiative is supported by partners including the European Union, reflecting broader international efforts to strengthen youth participation and collaboration.
The UN Youth Townhall represents an important opportunity for young people and youth-focused organizations to contribute to global discussions, develop partnerships and help shape more inclusive approaches to international decision-making.
Event: UN Youth Townhall 2026
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
Dates: 8–10 December 2026
Funding Application Deadline: 7 September 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Target Participants: Young leaders, youth organizations, governments, UN entities, civil society, academia, philanthropy and private-sector stakeholders
