Future of Work and Economic Opportunity
Where the next jobs will come from, and how young people can create them as well as fill them.
Explore the track
Shaping the Future
World Youth Summit - Kurdistan 2026
Everyone at the same table.
Three days in Erbil where young people from across the globe meet government decision makers and world leaders, and shape the future together.
The summit opens in
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00Hours
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46 countries taking part
3Days, Tuesday 24 to Thursday 26 November
5Tracks, each aligned to a UN Sustainable Development Goal
46Countries invited to take part
3Ways to take part: attend, volunteer or bring your organisation
About the summit
Young people and decision makers, at the same table.
World Youth Summit-Kurdistan 2026 is a three-day gathering in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Young people from across the globe meet to discuss the international challenges facing their generation, under the theme Shaping the Future.
The future of a generation is not handed to it. At this summit, young people shape it, at the same table as the leaders who decide.
More about the summitA word from
the Founder
Kurdistan opens its doors to the young people of the world, not only as visitors, but as partners in shaping future.
H.E. Areen Masrour BarzaniFounder of Kurdistan Foundation,
on World Youth Summit-Kurdistan 2026
What to expect
See the full programme
Three days, three chapters.
Day 1, Tuesday 24 November
Global positioning and power engagement
- Opening ceremony with a keynote from the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region
- High-level panels on the main stage
- Fireside chat: Kurdish identity to global success
- Studios, seminars and policy labs across the five tracks
Day 2, Wednesday 25 November
Diplomacy, deal-making and deep dives
- 10 Problems 10 Solutions: the National Action Lab and the Global Space
- Deal rooms and investor matchmaking
- Youth and government co-creation rooms
- An evening reception with Kurdish music, art and calligraphy
Day 3, Thursday 26 November
Declaration, solutions and closing
- Garden Dialogue: a morning with the Prime Minister
- Youth Declaration, Kurdistan Edition
- Partnerships signed between institutions
- Closing ceremony and the 2027 announcement
Speakers
The voices on stage.
Leaders, founders and young changemakers. New voices join the line-up as the programme takes shape.
Five tracks
Five areas that shape the next generation.
Every session sits in one of five tracks, and each track is aligned to a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal.
SDG 8Decent Work and Economic Growth
Education and Skills for the Future
Closing the gap between what is taught in the classroom and what the world of work needs.
Explore the trackDigital Transformation and AI
How artificial intelligence and digital services can transform public services, enterprise and everyday life.
Explore the trackClimate and Sustainable Development
Turning climate challenges into enterprise, employment and action led by young people.
Explore the trackRegional Cooperation and Global Engagement
The region’s place in global partnerships, and who shapes the future of the next generation.
Explore the trackPartners
Made Possible By
Convened by Kurdistan Foundation, with support from partners in the region and around the world.
Convened by Kurdistan Foundation
Meet the Foundation
Belong. Build. Become.
A non-profit organisation empowering young people, advancing education and promoting sustainability across the Kurdistan Region. Its six platforms each bring their work to the summit.
The largest and most advanced youth centre in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq: an inclusive place to learn, connect and grow, with spaces for training, events and start-ups.
12kinds of space, from studios to a library
Read more
Training and educational support for young people, families and adults, from the Kurdistan Debate championship to free learning tools in Kurdish.
21,969direct participants
Read more
Tackles unemployment across the Region with training in starting a business, CV writing, interview preparation and digital skills, so everyone can find meaningful work.
71,984+job applicants
Read more
Connects motivated people with causes and projects that need their help, strengthening social bonds and civic responsibility, from local projects to university campuses.
30,000+volunteers
Read more
Protects the environment and promotes sustainable development, with recycling across the Region, safe water and green spaces for schools, and the Kurdistan Biodiversity Center.
2,252species recorded: 844 animals and 1,408 plants
Read more
A youth-driven initiative where monthly cohorts identify real problems in their communities and turn ideas into projects, with mentorship and financial support.
70problems solved in 2026
Read more Take part
Three ways in.
Attend, help run the summit, or bring your organisation.
Attend
Register to attend
Join as a youth delegate, as a guest, or on behalf of an organisation. Registration is open to everyone, and every application is reviewed.
Register PartnerBring your organisation
Support the summit as a sponsor, a programme or knowledge partner, or through in-kind support, and work with young leaders from across the globe.
Send a partnership enquiry VolunteerVolunteer to run the summit
Be part of the team that runs the summit. Sign up through the Volunteer.KRD app and help make the three days happen.
Volunteer through Volunteer.KRD
Shaping the Future
Come as a guest. Leave as a partner.
The future of Kurdistan is being shaped by its young people, and they have saved a seat at the table for you. Leave with partnerships signed, friendships made and a future shaped together.
World Youth Summit-Kurdistan 2026لووتکەی جیهانیی لاوان-کوردستان ٢٠٢٦القمة العالمية للشباب-كوردستان ٢٠٢٦