Global Change Summit 2026: Amsterdam Set to Host the Third Edition of OGPD’s Flagship Youth and Leadership Forum
The Organization for Global Policy & Dialogue (OGPD) has announced the third edition of its flagship international event, the Global Change Summit 2026, scheduled to take place from September 25 to 28 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. After successful editions in Casablanca (2024) and Istanbul (2025), the summit returns this year with a bigger goal: bringing together young leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics, and changemakers from across the world under one roof.
The choice of Amsterdam is not random. The city is known for its innovation culture, strong sustainability record, and easy international access, which makes it a fitting location for a summit built around global cooperation and forward-thinking dialogue.
What Is the Global Change Summit 2026 About
GCS 2026 is designed as more than just another conference. The organizers describe it as a platform meant to turn conversations into collaboration and ideas into real initiatives. Over four days, participants will take part in keynote speeches, high-level panels, interactive workshops, and networking sessions that connect people from different sectors and backgrounds.
The summit builds on the momentum of its previous two editions. GCS 2024 in Casablanca brought together an international delegation for four days of dialogue and leadership sessions, setting the tone for what OGPD wanted this event to become. GCS 2025 in Istanbul expanded on that with learning labs and stronger cross-border partnerships. Amsterdam is expected to carry that growth even further.
Goals of the Summit
According to OGPD, the core purpose of GCS 2026 is to strengthen global cooperation and help leaders across different fields address shared challenges through dialogue and collaboration. The summit is built around six main objectives:
- Promoting cross-sector collaboration between governments, private companies, academics, and civil society
- Strengthening global leadership skills among participants
- Creating space for policy dialogue on governance and international cooperation
- Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship
- Supporting sustainable development initiatives
- Building long-term international networks that continue after the summit ends
Key Topics Covered at GCS 2026
The sessions this year will focus on four major themes that reflect current global priorities:
Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World, covering adaptive leadership, ethical decision-making, and resilience during uncertain times.
Sustainable Development and Climate Innovation, looking at how AI, digital governance, and new technology are shaping the future of economies and societies.
Digital Transformation and Emerging Technologies, discussing practical strategies and policies for long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
Global Cooperation and Policy Dialogue, focused on strengthening international partnerships and multilateral approaches to shared problems.
Who Can Apply
The eligibility criteria for GCS 2026 are fairly open, which is part of what makes the summit appealing to a wide range of people. To apply, you should:
- Be between 17 and 40 years old at the time of the summit
- Have an interest in leadership, global affairs, innovation, or public policy
- Be a student, professional, entrepreneur, activist, or come from any other field
- Be motivated to learn, grow, and take part in global discussions
- Be willing to contribute to dialogue and idea-sharing
- Be able to communicate in English
- Be committed to attending the full duration of the summit
There is no requirement for formal English test scores like IELTS or TOEFL, though a solid grasp of English is recommended to get the most out of the sessions. Applicants without a passport can still apply, though it is a good idea to start the passport process early in case of selection.
Registration Categories and Pricing
GCS 2026 offers four registration paths depending on a participant’s needs and budget.
Fully Funded ($15.9 application fee) includes a visa invitation letter, round-trip airfare, shared accommodation, meals during summit hours, full access to all sessions and events, keynote speeches, program merchandise, and a certificate of participation. This category is highly competitive and goes through an evaluation process. There are 15 fully funded slots and 35 partially funded slots available, and applicants only need to submit one application to be considered for both.
Forum Access Pass ($399, discounted from $499) is built for people who want guaranteed participation without going through a competitive selection. It includes a visa invitation letter, meals, program merchandise, keynote sessions, full event access, and a certificate of participation.
Self Funded ($699, discounted from $899) is for participants who can cover their own costs but still want accommodation support. It includes everything in the Forum Access Pass plus shared accommodation.
Invitation Only ($99, discounted from $249) secures an official invitation and confirms eligibility. This amount is fully credited toward the Self-Funded or Forum Access categories if a participant chooses to upgrade later.
Why This Matters
Global youth summits like this one give young professionals and students a rare chance to sit in the same room as policymakers, entrepreneurs, and international organizations. For someone early in their career or looking to expand their network beyond their home country, GCS 2026 offers direct exposure to global conversations on leadership, sustainability, and technology, along with a certificate and connections that can open future doors.
With the application deadline approaching and limited funded slots, those interested in Amsterdam this September should start their application soon.
