01
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.
- Kurdistan Foundation platform
- Jobs.KRD
SDG 8Decent Work and Economic Growth
About the summit
Three days in Erbil, shaping the future.
World Youth Summit-Kurdistan 2026 is a three-day gathering in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, from 24 to 26 November 2026. Young people from across the globe meet government decision makers and world leaders to work on the challenges facing their generation.
Theme 2026
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.
All five tracks are about the next generation: work, skills, technology, climate and cooperation. The theme names what they share.
24 to 26 November 2026Tuesday to Thursday
ErbilKurdistan Region of Iraq
46Countries invited to take part
5Tracks under one theme, Shaping the Future
01
A seat at the table
Young people from across the globe meet government decision makers and world leaders face to face, as participants rather than an audience.
02
Ideas into action
Studios, policy labs and co-creation rooms turn the challenges facing a generation into practical solutions, with the people who can carry them out.
03
Partnerships that last
Guests leave as partners, with partnerships signed, the Youth Declaration, Kurdistan Edition, and friendships made across borders.
What you take part in
Three days, four experiences.
From the opening ceremony to the closing announcement, delegates and guests take part in the full programme.
Access to government decision makers and world leaders
Ministers, officials and global leaders, in the same rooms as young people.
Panels and dialogues
High-level panels, a fireside chat and the Garden Dialogue with the Prime Minister.
Bilateral meetings and roundtables
Studios, policy labs and co-creation rooms where young people and ministers work on real problems together.
Cultural programme and hospitality
Kurdish authors, music and calligraphy, with evenings that bring everyone together.
Five tracks
What the summit works on.
Each track is aligned to a UN Sustainable Development Goal, and each one connects to work Kurdistan Foundation already does.
02
Education and Skills for the Future
Closing the gap between what is taught in the classroom and what the world of work needs.
- Featured session
- From Classroom to Career: Closing Kurdistan’s Skills Gap
- Kurdistan Foundation platform
- Empower.KRD
SDG 4Quality Education
03
Digital Transformation and AI
How artificial intelligence and digital services can transform public services, enterprise and everyday life.
- Featured session
- AI for Kurdistan: Building a Smart, Digital Government
- Kurdistan Foundation platform
- Empower.KRD
SDG 9Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
04
Climate and Sustainable Development
Turning climate challenges into enterprise, employment and action led by young people.
- Featured session
- Green Growth: Youth-Led Climate Solutions and Green Jobs
- Kurdistan Foundation platform
- Climate.KRD
SDG 13Climate Action
05
Regional Cooperation and Global Engagement
The region’s place in global partnerships, and who shapes the future of the next generation.
- Kurdistan Foundation platform
- Youth Hub
SDG 17Partnerships for the Goals
Who takes part
The people in the room.
Young people from across the globe, with the leaders, institutions and experts who can act on what they bring.
01
Young people
Youth delegates from across the globe, selected through registration and nomination.
02
Ministers and officials
Leaders who listen, take part in sessions and commit to outcomes.
03
International organisations
UN agencies, foundations, universities and investors.
04
Experts and founders
Session leads, facilitators, judges and entrepreneurs with a proven method.
05
Cultural voices
Authors, artists, media and diaspora figures.