Seoul, South Korea will host the International Youth Think Tank’s (IYTT) 8th Youth Conference from August 31st to September 3rd, 2026!

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – August 29, 2026 – The International Youth Think Tank (IYTT) is proud to announce its 8th annual International Youth Conference, taking place from August 31 to September 3, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea. Hosted by the Global Green Growth Institute, the conference will bring together 24 young leaders, thinkers, and artists from around the globe to address the critical challenges facing democracy today.

In a world grappling with climate change, conflict, and political polarization, the IYTT believes that reclaiming democracy requires active citizenship and responsive leadership. This year’s conference focuses on developing tangible proposals for strengthening democratic processes and fostering a more inclusive future. Democracy must be reclaimed, now more than ever, we need young people to step up as active citizens and hold their elected officials accountable. This conference is designed to equip them with the tools and network to do just that.

Conference Highlights

Participants will collaborate to develop twelve concrete proposals for revitalizing democracy in the 21st century. To inspire their work, the program features opening addresses from prominent figures, as well as a dynamic panel of experts.

The conference serves as a training camp for future IYTT Youth Fellows, providing them with the skills and knowledge to lead democracy-building initiatives in their communities. Fellows will lead Summer Camps and Democracy Festivals, and Roundtable Workshops with decision-makers. As for past years, the program features a Structured Mingle Workshop, a unique networking event co-hosted with the Swedish Embassy in Seoul, providing participants with the opportunity to pitch their proposals to invited guests and receive valuable feedback to prepare for the final public presentation.

The conference culminates in a public seminar where participants will present their proposals and engage in a panel discussion.

After the conference

Participants will join a vibrant network of like-minded individuals committed to promoting democracy and civic engagement worldwide. They will be ready to go from words to deeds by using the various IYTT methods in collaboration with Youth Fellows overseas, and you will develop new methods and activities to innovate democracy at the local and global level. The conference will boost their network and leadership capacity, broaden their knowledge, train them as a democracy entrepreneur and strengthen their voice on the global stage.