QUALIFY FOR THE SUMMIT IN INDIA
This November 17–21, New Delhi, India, becomes the epicenter of youth-driven change.
From November 17–21, the World Youth for Action Summit brings together 50 exceptional youth delegates and 50 influential thought leaders—including the JA Worldwide Board of Governors, the JA Institute Research Advisory Council, and global sector partners—to ignite bold ideas and drive real impact.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION
Given the scale and significance of this work, the selection criteria for the Summit are very strict. Candidates must be JA/INJAZ/YE alumni with a proven track record of leadership in advocacy or social impact. Youth who applied for the certification program and were pre-approved are also eligible to apply.
Application deadline: August 5, 11:59:59EDT
About the Summit
With the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set to conclude in 2030, the world is searching for bold new visions, and World Youth for Action ensures that young voices are at the forefront of this global conversation. Youth-led recommendations from the Summit will be formally presented to the United Nations in March 2027, co-signed by leading youth-serving organizations—cementing the delegation’s influence far beyond the Summit itself.
The Summit will take place at the Le Meridien Hotel and the Leela Hotel in New Delhi, India, from November 17–21.
Exceptional Changemakers Wanted
World Youth for Action welcomes passionate advocates from around the world. Summit delegates will collaborate to deliver groundbreaking recommendations for the next era of Global Goals. With only 50 coveted delegation slots available, World Youth for Action seeks bold, driven alumni, youth leaders, and advocates from top youth-serving organizations worldwide. This is an unparalleled opportunity to join a select group shaping the future of global youth advocacy.
Given the scale and significance of this work, we’re seeking candidates with a proven track record of leadership in advocacy or social impact—trailblazers ready to roll up their sleeves and make their mark as active contributors, not mere observers.
Application Criteria
Should you apply to be a Summit delegate?
Age: You’re between 18 and 29 years old and ready to make your mark on the world. Candidates must be under 30 as of November 21, 2026—the final day of the Summit.
Leadership that stands out: You’ve founded, led, or played a driving role in a meaningful project, campaign, company, or initiative—not just participated. Whether you’ve launched a social impact venture, led an advocacy campaign, built a startup, or created a cause-driven social media platform, we want to see bold action and ownership.
Real-world impact: Your track record shows you don’t just care—you make things happen. We’re looking for evidence that you’ve influenced outcomes, shifted conversations, mobilized communities, or driven measurable change on issues close to your heart.
A community that rallies behind you: You’ve grown a following, built a network, or brought together grassroots collaborators. Whether your community is large or small, what matters is your ability to unite people around a shared vision.
Results that speak for themselves: Your application points to tangible outcomes—goals reached, people mobilized, policies influenced, funds raised, and real change delivered.
Active and hardworking: Delegates don’t just attend—they drive the conversation, shape recommendations, and represent their communities. Be ready to roll up your sleeves and continue the work long after the Summit ends.
Seeking a stage for your unique voice: You contribute to diverse perspectives by geography, sector, or issue area, making the delegation stronger together.
Why Apply? Opportunities Await.
A seat at the table, not just in the audience: Work side-by-side with global leaders—including the JA Worldwide Board of Governors, the JA Institute Research Advisory Council, and partner organizations—to shape real recommendations and drive meaningful change.
Institutional impact that lasts: Your ideas and actions help craft youth-led Global Goals recommendations formally presented to the United Nations in March 2027—co-signed by the world’s leading youth-serving organizations. Your voice doesn’t end at the Summit; it echoes in global policy conversations.
A powerful global network: Connect with 50 trailblazing youth advocates and thought leaders from across the globe. Build relationships and collaborations that will empower you long after the Summit concludes.
Global visibility for your work: Your story and achievements will shine on JA Worldwide’s platforms and across a consortium of leading partner organizations, amplifying your impact on the world stage.
An elite credential: Your selection as one of just 50 delegates worldwide signals your proven leadership and impact on the world.
Scholarship potential: Outstanding candidates may receive a scholarship to join us in New Delhi, ensuring that talent and dedication—not financial means—determine who attends.
Skill-building with real-world stakes: Go beyond the ordinary conference—develop your skills in policy, negotiation, and advocacy through hands-on experience that accelerates your growth as a changemaker.
Give the Next Youth Advocate a Seat at the Table
Youth advocacy doesn't belong only to young people. Everyone has a role to play in creating opportunities for the next generation By supporting the World Youth for Action Scholarship Fund, you're enabling more young leaders to shape the future. Every dollar moves a young person closer to the room where the future gets decided.
Whether you're a former youth advocate, a mentor, a parent, or simply someone who believes in the power of young people, this is your opportunity to give back.
FAQ’s
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World Youth for Action is JA Worldwide's flagship, multi-year youth advocacy initiative. It's built around three connected goals: elevating young people (ages 16-29) as equal contributors in shaping the decisions, systems, and policies that affect their present and future; building a global consortium of ecosystem builders and partner organizations who co-create what real youth advocacy looks like in practice; and converging youth advocates in New Delhi, India, for a Summit that takes that work to the world stage.
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The Summit is a working convening, not a conference in the traditional sense. It brings together 50 youth delegates (18–29 years old) and 50 thought leaders, including members of the JA Worldwide Board of Governors, the JA Institute Research Advisory Council, and partner representatives, to jointly develop recommendations for the next set of Global Goals. The context behind this: the UN Sustainable Development Goals conclude in 2030, and conversations about what should replace them are already underway globally. World Youth for Action exists to make sure young people have a direct hand in shaping that answer, rather than having it shaped for them.
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There are two distinct paths.
The first is through the youth advocacy certification program: applicants may be pre-approved for a delegation slot as part of that process.
The second is a direct application path for youth advocates who already have a proven project, campaign, or community behind them; this path opens for applications July 22-August 5. Both paths lead into the same selection process for the limited slots available.
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There are two options:
JA/INJAZ/YE with a proven track record of leadership in advocacy or social impact.
Youth who applied for the certification program and got pre-approved are eligible to apply, too.
All applicants must be between 18-29 years old, and must be under 30 as of November 21, 2026.
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The full ticket value for World Youth for Action is US$2,000. We're excited to announce that youth participants pay a highly subsidised rate of US$200. The gap between that and the US$2,000 value is covered by people who came before you.
Ticket covers 4 nights accommodation, all meals (except dinner on one night), and all experiences from November 17–21, 2026.
Important: The ticket price excludes flights, visa costs, transport to and from the airport, and one dinner.
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SCHOLARSHIPS: We offer a limited number of scholarships for youth who need support beyond the subsidised rate. Scholarships are assessed on financial need.
1) Full scholarship: covers the US$200 ticket and your flight costs. You have to cover your visa costs, airport transport, and one dinner.
2) Partial scholarship: covers your flight costs. The US$200 ticket, visa costs, airport transport, and one dinner remains payable.
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SCHOLARSHIPS: We offer a limited number of scholarships for youth who need support beyond the subsidised rate. Scholarships are assessed on financial need.
1) Full scholarship: covers the US$200 ticket and your flight costs. You have to cover your visa costs, airport transport, and one dinner.
2) Partial scholarship: covers your flight costs. The US$200 ticket, visa costs, airport transport, and one dinner remains payable.
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