4th Edition · 27th Nov - 4th Dec 2026 · Pakistan
About IYSP 2026
Pakistan's most prominent international youth diplomacy and leadership forum — now entering its most ambitious chapter yet.
Pakistan's Premier Youth Diplomacy Forum
The International Youth Summit Pakistan (IYSP) — formerly IYSL — has brought together 300+ delegates from 60+ countries since 2017. IYSP 2026 marks a bold evolution: from youth exchange to a full-fledged international strategic dialogue platform.
IYSP 2026
27 Nov – 4 Dec · Lahore, Pakistan
Introduction
Background & History
The International Youth Summit Pakistan (IYSP) — formerly known as the International Youth Summit Lahore (IYSL) — is Pakistan's most prominent international youth diplomacy and leadership forum. Since its inception in 2017, the summit has brought together young leaders, activists, entrepreneurs, academics, and diplomats from across the globe to Pakistan, fostering dialogue, cultural exchange, and collaborative action on the world's most pressing challenges.
The first three editions, held in 2017, 2018, and 2019, collectively welcomed over 300 delegates from more than 60 countries. Following a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit is now being revived under a new organising body — the Centre for Regional Strategy & Global Affairs (CRSGA) — and a new national mandate.
The 4th edition, IYSP 2026, marks not just a return, but a significant evolution: from a youth exchange programme to a full-fledged international strategic dialogue platform.
“From a youth exchange programme to a full-fledged international strategic dialogue platform.”
IYSP 2026 Vision
IYSP 2026 — The Revival
Revived under CRSGA with a new strategic mandate — a full-fledged international dialogue platform.
Organising Institution
Centre for Regional Strategy
& Global Affairs
CRSGA · University of Lahore
CRSGA is a next-generation strategic policy institute that connects ideas with action, knowledge with policy, and youth with leadership. Based at the University of Lahore, it operates across five core research pillars — with IYSP 2026 sitting at the heart of its flagship Youth Strategic Leadership & Global Dialogue Initiative.
IYSP 2026 sits at
Pillar 05 — Youth Strategic Leadership & Global Dialogue Initiative
Fellowships, summits and next-generation leadership — CRSGA's flagship annual convening.
Five Research Pillars
Geopolitics & Strategic Affairs
Evidence-based geopolitical and governance research.
Regional Connectivity & Geo-Economics
Trade, infrastructure and economic corridor analysis.
Governance, Security & Emerging Threats
Hybrid threats, resilience and institutional security.
Strategic Technologies & Digital Governance
Cyber strategy, digital sovereignty, and technology governance policy.
Youth Strategic Leadership & Global Dialogue
IYSPFellowships, summits and next-generation leadership.
Vision & Mission
Summit Vision & Core Objectives
Vision Statement
“To establish Pakistan as a hub of strategic youth leadership and international dialogue — bringing the world's next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers to the table, on Pakistani soil.”
Core Objectives
History
The IYSP Journey
1st Edition — IYSL
Inaugural International Youth Summit Lahore, organised by CSRP in partnership with the University of Lahore.
2nd Edition
Second edition expands reach, welcoming delegates from across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
3rd Edition
Third edition — collectively 300+ delegates from 60+ countries across all three editions.
Hiatus
Summit paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CRSGA Established
Centre for Regional Strategy & Global Affairs founded at the University of Lahore, taking over the summit mandate.
4th Edition — IYSP 2026
Revival and evolution: from youth exchange to full-fledged international strategic dialogue platform.
Conference Design
Session Formats
Plenary Sessions
90 min eachLarge-format sessions open to all delegates. Each plenary addresses one of the five thematic pillars, featuring 2–3 keynote speakers, a moderated panel of 4–5 experts, and structured Q&A.
Parallel Workshops
60 min · 6 totalSmaller, moderated working groups of 15–20 delegates each, designed for deep-dive discussion. Facilitated by CRSGA researchers or invited experts.
Speaker Talks
15–20 min eachShort presentations (15–20 min) by practitioners, diplomats, entrepreneurs, journalists, and policymakers. Two slots per conference day.
Delegate Working Groups
Day 4 Closing PlenaryOn Day 3, delegates divide into five cross-national groups — one per thematic pillar — to draft 3–5 concrete policy recommendations for the IYSP 2026 Communiqué.
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