GCS 2025 Taking Place In
December 12-15 2025
Istanbul, Turkey
What is Global Change Summit 2025?
Global Change Summit 2.0 is an international gathering for students, young professionals, activists, educators, and changemakers who want to make a real difference. Whether you’re passionate about climate action, education, innovation, or social impact, GCS 2025 is your space to learn, connect, and lead. Following a powerful inaugural edition in Casablanca, Morocco, the summit returns in 2025, this time in Istanbul, Turkey, with increased energy, sharper focus, and a stronger drive for action. Meet inspiring people, share your ideas, and gain the tools to create impact in your community and beyond.
Goals & Purpose of GCS 2025
Foster Purpose-Driven Leadership
Equip youth with the values, skills, and confidence to lead movements, shape policy, and drive global change.
Encourage Innovation for Impact
Equip youth with the values, skills, and confidence to lead movements, shape policy, and drive global change.
Build Sustainable Global Networks
Create lasting connections between youth, educators, and policymakers to enable collaboration across borders and causes.
Facilitate Transformative Dialogue​
Engage in deep, forward-looking conversations that move beyond awareness and lead to real policy influence and social reform.
Promote Active Civic & Global Participation
Inspire young people to take initiative in civic life, governance, and international development through informed action and advocacy.
Translate Global Goals into Local Action
Encourage participants to align their community work with global frameworks like the SDGs, making impact more targeted, measurable, and meaningful.
Eligibility Criteria
to Apply
- Open to individuals aged 16 to 35 from all nationalities and backgrounds.
- We welcome applicants from all fields, whether you're a high school or university student, startup founder, policy researcher, educator, climate activist, or volunteer. No specific academic background is required, only a clear commitment to making a positive impact.
- The working language of the summit is English, so participants must be comfortable engaging in discussions and activities in English.
- You must be available to attend the full summit and actively participate in all sessions.
Key Topics & Sessions
Peacebuilding, Human Rights & Governance
This track opens space for conversations on justice, civic responsibility, and inclusive governance. It reflects on the evolving role of peacebuilding and human rights in addressing social divides and building stronger, more just societies.
Local Action, Global Goals: Rethinking the SDGs
Explore how the Sustainable Development Goals can be translated into grassroots action. Hear from practitioners working in communities to localize the SDGs and ensure no one is left behind.
Climate Action & Environmental Resilience
Explores the intersection of environmental sustainability, climate justice, and resilience. It invites diverse perspectives on how individuals, communities, and institutions can respond to climate challenges in equitable and innovative ways.
Youth Leadership & Policy Innovation
Focused on inclusive governance and fresh approaches to policymaking, this topic highlights the role of emerging leaders in shaping the future of public policy and civic life through collaborative and community-rooted ideas.
Registration Categories & Benefits
Forum Access Pass
Fully Funded
Self Funded
Join us for the second edition of the Global Change Summit, offering 15 Fully Funded, 35 Partially Funded, and 100 Self-Funded slots, bringing together youth, experts, and leaders from around the globe.
Our Previous Engagement
Testimonial & Event Feedback
Mohammad Rustam
The event was incredibly insightful as we get to interact with like minded peers. The sessions were thought-provoking, offering innovative ideas and practical strategies. I was amazed to see the enthusiasm among people while participating in meetings. The conference was well-organized, with diverse speakers and interactive workshops. I left feeling inspired, informed, and equipped with new perspectives.
Carlos Bustos
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Kakoma Chinyama
The opportunity to be part of the GCS 2024 was a great experience as I got to be empowered through the different workshops in leadership skills. Through networking I made special contacts, one of which proposed to recommend me in a special way. And apart from that, being able to share my impact story and receiving feedback on how people were inspired in their own lives to implement changes and stay positive and hopeful to take action on their goals was heart warming. Looking forward to future conferences.
Bill Ivans Gbafore
Attending the Global Change Summit 2024 deepened my understanding of global challenges and innovative solutions young people can, and are already driving, from local to national levels. It provided a unique platform to experience sharing, and exploring actionable strategies for driving sustainable change in our world.
BARDICHE Fatima
The Global Change Summit 2024 was an incredible experience, one aspect of the summit that I found particularly impactful was the emphasis on creating spaces for informal, cross-cultural conversations between delegates. While the formal sessions were enriching, it was the informal interactions that truly allowed me to understand the diverse perspectives and local solutions others are implementing around the world. These exchanges fostered a sense of community and collaboration that extended beyond the workshops and sessions, creating lasting connections and shared learning opportunities that are crucial for building real change.
Maria cecilia Oblitas martinez
The summit was amazing, I met people from all over the world and it allowed me to learn about many more opportunities that I can access to improve my skills and learn from professionals. Therefore, I am very grateful to have been a part of it.
Lobna Arfaoui
Taking part in the Global Change Summit 2024 was a truly life-changing experience. The multicultural environment and the judgment-free atmosphere fostered a remarkable spirit of collaboration and innovation. The insights and takeaways from each workshop challenged my perspective on sustainability and change action and provided me with practical strategies to implement in my own community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect with such inspiring changemakers and contribute to a cause so meaningful. This summit has reignited my passion and drive to work towards a sustainable future.
Tracy Saad
Thank you for creating a space where cross-cultural dialogue, policy and boundaries breaking. Loved it, thank you for having me!
Lucas Grosse
I was recently able to take part in a fantastic event organized by the Organization for Global Policy & Dialogue, young people from all over the world (+35 nationalities) came together to exchange ideas, create new networks and actively shape the world of tomorrow. Participants from A for Azerbaijan to Z for Zambia came together in Casablanca (Morocco) under the title “Changemakers” to share their own ideas, impact stories and experiences. In addition to many participants with their own companies or products, speakers gave us insights and diplomatic work.
Mayssa Aridhi
Attending the Global Change Summit in Morocco was an extraordinary experience. The event was flawlessly organized, offering a seamless and enriching environment for collaboration and learning. With participants from 35 different nationalities, the summit provided a unique opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives on global challenges. The sessions were deeply insightful, sparking thought-provoking discussions and fostering valuable connections. I left the summit feeling inspired, equipped with new ideas, and more committed than ever to contributing to meaningful change on a global scale. It was an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend to anyone passionate about making a difference.
FAQ's
The GCS 2025 is open to passionate individuals aged 16–35, including students, professionals, social entrepreneurs, community leaders, educators, and changemakers from all around the world.
Yes, the Fully Funded category requires an application fee, which is non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of the outcome.
Yes, all participants will receive certificates recognizing their contribution, participation, and learning experience at the summit.
For Forum Access and Self-Funded categories, there is no evaluation process involved and responses are typically provided within 2–3 working days after successful submission of application.
For Fully Funded applications, evaluation process is involved and shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the deadline
We are offering 15 Fully Funded slots and 35 Partially Funded slots under the funded categories. Applicants do not need to submit separate applications for both categories; by applying for the Fully Funded category, you will automatically be considered for Partially Funded slots as well.
GCS 2.0 offers a powerful 4-day experience in Istanbul, Turkey (December 12–15, 2025). It’s a global platform for leadership, innovation, and collaboration, featuring keynote talks, hands-on workshops, networking sessions, and cultural exchange. You’ll connect with a global community committed to driving change.
GCS 2025 will be held from December 12–15, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey.
No, English test scores like IELTS or TOEFL are not required. However, a good command of English is recommended to fully benefit from the sessions.
For questions or support, feel free to reach out:
info@theogpd.org
Yes, you can apply without a passport. However, we highly recommend obtaining one as soon as possible to avoid delays in your travel arrangements if selected