Deadline: Ongoing
Applications are open for the International Forum, We the Youth (IFWY) 2025. The International Forum “We, the Youth” is a fully funded global platform that brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas, build mutual understanding, and work collaboratively to find solutions to global challenges. Designed to emphasize youth leadership and cross-cultural dialogue, the Forum offers an engaging space for youth to take part in thematic workshops, collaborative projects, and policy discussions on pressing global issues.
What makes this forum distinctive is its interactive, participatory structure. Rather than passive lectures, participants engage in idea labs, simulation exercises, and small-group dialogues, encouraging peer learning, creative thinking, and practical problem-solving. The Forum also includes cultural activities that help foster international friendship and cooperation among youth from around the world. By the end of the Forum, participants not only gain new perspectives but also join a growing international network of engaged and motivated youth working toward positive change.
2025 Theme
The 2025 theme is Our Sustainable Future Peace and Cooperation
The thematic focus areas of the Forum are:
- Environmental Sustainability
- Economic Transformation
- Social Justice and Equality
- Technological Innovations and Ethical Considerations
- Peace and Cooperation
- Collective Action, Solidarity and Democracy
Cost
- IFWY will cover all travel expenses, accommodation costs, and visa application fees for participants attending both the Regional Dialogues and the main conference.
Eligibility
- Applicants should be aged 18 to 35, or anybody embodying a young mindset of openness, adaptability, and commitment to change.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in sustainable development, such as peacebuilding, climate action, social justice, or innovation.
- Commitment to attend the full duration of the event(s) in person if selected.
Application
- Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
- Self-Introduction: A brief written or recorded (video) introduction (max 500 words or 1 minute) telling them who you are, your background, and why you want to be part of IFWY.
- 3-Minute Policy Message: Share your thoughts on a key issue you care about—whether it’s climate, peace, justice, or equality.
- You may:
- Record a 3-minute video or audio.
- Upload it to video or audio sharing platform such as YouTube and Vimeo and provide the platform with its link or submit a short-written message. (max 1,500 words). This is your chance to show how you think and why your voice matters.
- You may:
- Step 2: Complete the Application Form
- Fill out the official Application Form with your personal information, regional affiliation, and responses to the motivation questions.
- Step 3: Submit and Share
- You will receive a confirmation email.
- Self-introductions and policy messages will be shared online during the peer voting phase.
- You are also welcome to share them to your network.
- Step 4: Selection of participants for the Regional Dialogue and Korean Diaspora Dialogue
- The top 50 from each region called Catalysts will join in-person Regional Dialogue (July – August, exact dates to be announced soon) to co-create regionally grounded policy recommendations. These 250 Catalysts (50 per region) will be selected through online voting in each region, giving both youth and the public a direct role in choosing who will represent their region. In addition, 50 Catalysts will be also selected in the same way for Korean Diaspora Dialogue.
For more information, visit IFWY.
