IFWY
International Forum,
We the Youth
International Forum, We the Youth (IFWY) is a global platform that connects young people
with policymakers from around the world. By blending a vibrant youth festival with meaningful
policy dialogues, IFWY empowers youth to set their own agendas, drive social change,
and lead with innovation and sustained engagement.
2025 Theme
Our Sustainable Future
Peace and Cooperation
Join us as we co-create a sustainable future powered
by youth unity and collaboration.
What is IFWY
Focus Areas
of the Forum
- Environmental Sustainability
- Economic Transformation
- Social Justice and Equality
- Technological Innovations
and Ethical Considerations - Peace and Cooperation
- Collective Action, Solidarity and Democracy
Journey at IFWY
-
Catalyst
Stage : Regional Dialogue (July–August)
- How Selected
- Selected by online public voting (50 per region, 250 in total)
- What They Do
- Participate in in-person regional dialogues to co-create grounded,
region-specific policy recommendations
-
Explorer
Stage : Final Conference in Seoul (September-October)
- How Selected
- Elected by fellow Catalysts during the Regional Dialogue
(25 per region, 50 from Korean Diaspora Dialogue, 175 in total)
- What They Do
- Represent their region at the international level;
co-develop a globally coherent list of policy proposals
-
Navigator
Stage : Elected during the Final Conference
- How Selected
- Chosen by fellow Explorers based on leadership and
communication skills
- What They Do
- Represent the collective voice of youth at major international fora;
continue advocacy work beyond the Forum
How to join
Participate?
01.Influence the global policy debate
02.Connect with young changemakers
03.Develop and turn your ideas into action with your peers
04.Amplify your voice not only in policy spaces but also in cultural arenas
Can Apply?
Aged 15 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.
Apply?
Follow the steps below to complete your application
and share your voice with the world.
Step 1: Prepare Your Materials
Self-Introduction: A brief written or recorded (video) introduction (max 500 words or 1 minute)
telling us 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:
1. Record a 3-minute video or audio.
2. 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.
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.
Dates
-
Platform Launch
14 May 2025
-
Catalyst
Application Period14 May - 16 June 2025
-
Catalyst Final
Results AnnouncementJune 2025
-
Regional Dialogue
July - August 2025
-
IFWY Korean Diaspora Dialogue
Conference and ConcertOctober 2025
The schedule is subject to change.
From Catalysts to Explorer and Navigators
Benefits and Privileges
Holds the prestigious IFWY Catalyst title for one year
Eligibility to participate in the Regional Dialogue
Round-trip airfare (domestic and international, economy class)
Accommodation
Meals
Certificate of participation
Lifetime membership of IFWY
Becomes part of the IFWY alumnae network
Benefits and Privileges
Holds the prestigious IFWY Explorer title for one year
Eligibility to participate in the Conference: Our Sustainable Future
Round-trip airfare (domestic and international, economy class)
Accommodation
Meals
Certificate of participation
Benefits and Privileges
Holds the prestigious IFWY Navigator title for one year
Serves as a global ambassador for the policy solutions produced from IFWY
Travel opportunities to participate in international fora
FAQ
-
I may not meet the "youth" criteria. Can I still participate?
-
While the UN defines youth as individuals aged 15–35, IFWY welcomes participants beyond this age range. We value a youth mindset characterized by openness, adaptability, and commitment to change. Anyone willing to learn, adapt, and share their perspectives about the world is encouraged to participate in our program.
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Must submissions be in English?
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We highly recommend submissions to be submitted in English.
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Are travel and accommodation provided for offline conferences?
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Yes. IFWY will cover all travel expenses, accommodation costs, and visa application fees for participants attending both the Regional Dialogues and the main conference.
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How should I select my region during registration?
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Your region will be automatically determined based on your country of residence provided while filling out the application form.
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Can I apply to multiple themes?
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Applicants may share policy solutions across multiple thematic areas during the initial selection phase. However, selected participants will engage in only one theme during Regional Dialogues and Korea IFWY.