GLOBAL YOUTH IMPACT SUMMIT 2026

GLOBAL YOUTH IMPACT SUMMIT 2026
Concludes in Porto with Historic Porto Youth Declaration
Youth delegates from 45+ nations unite with diplomats, global leaders and changemakers to advance the Sustainable Development Goals

Porto, Portugal — September 6, 2026
The Global Youth Impact Summit 2026 (GYIS 2026) concluded in Porto–Gaia on September 6 with the adoption and signing of the Porto Youth Declaration, bringing together more than 50 youth delegates representing over 45 nationalities in a collective commitment to sustainable development, international cooperation and inclusive participation.
Organized by the Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD), the four-day Summit was held from September 3–6, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Porto-Gaia. It brought together emerging youth leaders, diplomats, civil society representatives, entrepreneurs and innovators from across Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East to exchange ideas and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The signing of the Porto Youth Declaration marked the principal outcome of the Summit. More than 50 young delegates from over 45 countries signed the declaration, expressing a shared commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals, with particular attention to climate action, education, economic opportunity, gender equality, inclusion and peace-building.
The declaration reflects the diversity of the delegates while emphasizing areas of common ground and the importance of meaningful youth participation in shaping solutions to global challenges. It recognizes young people not only as beneficiaries of sustainable development, but also as contributors, innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, community leaders and partners in action.
GYIS 2026 brought together distinguished diplomats, international leaders, educators, innovators and youth advocates, creating opportunities for direct dialogue between the next generation and experienced global leaders.

H.E. Mr. Bart Lammens — Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Portugal
H.E. Dr. Edona Maloku Bërdyna — Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo
H.E. Mr. Paul Raymond P. Cortes — Ambassador of the Philippines to Portugal
Ms. Alyson Reneau — Harvard Emerging Leader (USA) and President of GYIS 2026
The Summit also featured contributions from Stephanie Lisa Aceglav, international journalist and educator; Vivian Jonathan, CEO of Career Connect; Pula Mok, social media and influencer leader from Hong Kong; and Pedro Pessanha, Honorary Consul General of Belgium in Porto.

The Summit brought together delegates from more than 45 nations across five continents, including more than 10 African countries, eight countries from the Americas, eight from the Asia-Pacific region, 10 European countries and countries from the Middle East and Gulf region.
From dialogue to action
The Porto Youth Declaration was signed by 50+ youth delegates committed to advancing the SDGs, with a focus on climate action, education equity, decent work, gender equality and peace.
A global youth network was strengthened through cross-border connections and partnerships among emerging leaders.
An SDG Leadership Framework was endorsed, prioritizing nine of the 17 SDGs for youth-led action and calling for increased youth participation in policy-making.

The Innovation Lab identified entrepreneurs, explored social enterprise partnerships and generated technology-based proposals for development challenges.
Looking ahead, the organizers announced that GYIS 2027 will take place in Paris, France, continuing the Summit’s mission of connecting young leaders across borders and advancing youth-led action for sustainable development.
GYIS 2026 continued the momentum of youth-led international dialogue developed through the Youth Forum on Global Goals (YFGG) in Istanbul. The Porto gathering carried forward the emphasis on youth participation, the Sustainable Development Goals, international cooperation and practical action, while creating a new platform for young leaders to build connections across regions.

The Summit placed youth participation at the centre of its programme, giving delegates opportunities to engage in discussions, present ideas, connect with international speakers and contribute to the development of the Porto Youth Declaration. Discussions covered sustainable cities, climate action, digital innovation, health, education, entrepreneurship, diplomacy and peace-building.

With the signing of the Porto Youth Declaration, GYIS 2026 concluded its four-day programme with a focus on carrying the conversations, partnerships and commitments developed in Porto into future youth-led initiatives. The organizers said the next phase would be to build on the partnerships established during the Summit and continue creating platforms where young people can participate in international dialogue and contribute to sustainable development.

Ms. Alyson Reneau, President, Global Youth Impact Summit 2026: “GYIS 2026 welcomed diverse voices from across the globe, united by a shared commitment to positive change. These young leaders represent hope for our world’s future.”
Council for Global Affairs & Development – CGAD: “The Porto Youth Declaration is not just a document—it is a movement. Fifty young voices from 45+ nations speaking as one for a better, fairer, more sustainable world.

GYIS 2026 at a Glance
Media Contact
Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD)
Email: programs@thecgad.org
Website: www.thecgad.org
Together, we lead. Together, we create impact.