IYSP 2026
International Youth Summit Pakistan
Pakistan's most prominent international youth diplomacy and leadership forum returns — bigger, bolder, and more strategic than ever.
IYSL 2017 — Inaugural Edition
The summit that started it all · Lahore, Pakistan
/ 03
About the Summit
More Than a Conference — A Strategic Movement
The International Youth Summit Pakistan (IYSP) — formerly IYSL — is Pakistan's premier international youth diplomacy forum. Since 2017, it has brought together young leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, academics, and diplomats from across the globe.
IYSP 2026 marks a significant evolution: from a youth exchange programme to a full-fledged international strategic dialogue platform, organised by the Centre for Regional Strategy & Global Affairs (CRSGA) at the University of Lahore.
- Pakistan's most prominent international youth diplomacy forum
- Organised by CRSGA at the University of Lahore
- 300+ delegates from 60+ countries across three editions
- Revived and elevated for 2026 under a new strategic mandate
- Dates: 27th November – 4th December 2026
Strategic Partners & Collaborators
IYSP is made possible through the support of distinguished institutional partners who share our commitment to global youth diplomacy.
.jpeg)
Thematic Framework
Five Strategic Pillars
Each pillar directly corresponds to one of CRSGA's institutional research areas, ensuring academic depth and real-world policy relevance.
Geopolitics & the Shifting World Order
Major power competition, South Asia's strategic environment, climate geopolitics, and Pakistan's foreign policy priorities in a multipolar world.
Regional Connectivity & Geo-Economics
CPEC, BRI, digital trade, food security, and Pakistan's economic future — trade, infrastructure, and the economic future of the Global South.
Governance, Security & Emerging Threats
Hybrid warfare, disinformation, democratic resilience, transnational crime, and inclusive governance across South Asia.
Strategic Technologies & Digital Governance
Digital sovereignty, cyber security, emerging technologies, and building Pakistan's tech ecosystem for the next generation.
Youth Leadership & Global Dialogue
Next-generation leadership, youth in peacebuilding, education for a disrupted labour market, and the IYSP Alumni Network.
IYSP 2026 Communiqué
Delegates draft 3–5 concrete policy recommendations per pillar, compiled into a formal youth-led policy document submitted to governments and international bodies.
IYSP by the Numbers
A Decade of Youth Diplomacy
Since 2017, IYSP has built a legacy of international dialogue, cultural exchange, and youth-led policy action.
Address to the Inaugural Summit
Pakistan's current Prime Minister (Chief Minister in 2017) inaugurated the inaugural edition of our summit in 2017. He commended IYSP as a landmark platform for global dialogue and underscoring Pakistan's commitment to empowering young leaders on the world stage. This year, we are working to bring IYSP delegates into dialogue with Pakistan's national leadership.
Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif
Prime Minister of Pakistan
Our Legacy
Previous International Youth Summits
Reliving the moments that shaped IYSP into Pakistan's premier international youth forum.
The Inaugural IYSP
Expanding Horizons
A Global Milestone
Moments from Previous Editions
Programme Structure
7 Days in Pakistan
2 conference days followed by 5 activity days. Delegates experience Pakistan authentically — not just its conference halls.
Day 1
Opening Plenary & Workshops
Opening ceremony, Pillar 1 & 2 plenaries, parallel workshops, and speaker talks.
Day 2
Deep Dives & Working Groups
Pillar 3, 4 & 5 plenaries, delegate working groups drafting the Communiqué.
Days 3–7
Pakistan Experience
City visits, cultural tours, and authentic Pakistani hospitality across Lahore and beyond.
Apply Now
Be Part of IYSP 2026
Join 100+ young leaders from 50+ countries in Pakistan from 27th Nov – 4th Dec 2026. Local logistics — accommodation, food, transport, and cultural visits — are covered by organisers.
Partially funded · Support letters provided for travel grant applications
Eligibility Criteria
- Age 18–35 (exceptions reviewed case-by-case)
- Working proficiency in English
- Commitment to global affairs & youth leadership
- Open to all nationalities — 50+ countries targeted
Minimum 30% female representation · Active representation from Global South nations