Applications are now open for the SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026, a fully funded international youth summit that will bring together 100 young leaders, students, entrepreneurs, researchers and changemakers from around the world in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Organised by the Global Youth Network> (GYN), the four-day summit will be held from 19 to 22 November 2026 and aims to empower participants to develop innovative solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The organisers are offering 30 fully funded scholarships, enabling selected participants to attend the programme without bearing travel or participation costs.

SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026: Key Details

• Host Country: Malaysia
• Venue: Kuala Lumpur
• Organiser: Global Youth Network (GYN)
• Programme Dates: 19–22 November 2026
• Duration: 4 days
• Total Participants: 100
• Fully Funded Scholarships: 30
• Application Deadline: 10 October 2026

Financial Benefits

Participants selected under the fully funded category will receive:

• Round-trip international airfare.
• Visa fee support.
• Accommodation during the summit.
• Meals throughout the programme.
• Certificate of participation.
• Conference kit.
• Cultural exchange activities.
• Complimentary sightseeing tour.
• Networking opportunities with international delegates and experts.

The scholarship aims to ensure that talented young people from diverse backgrounds can participate regardless of financial constraints.

Summit Theme

The SDG Innovation Summit encourages participants to transform creative ideas into practical and sustainable solutions that contribute to global development.

Through leadership workshops, innovation labs, panel discussions and collaborative sessions, delegates will explore strategies for addressing global challenges while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Focus Areas

The summit will concentrate on the following SDGs:

• SDG 4: Quality Education.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
• SDG 13: Climate Action.

Participants will work together to develop innovative approaches that can create meaningful social and environmental impact within their communities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants from all countries are encouraged to apply.

Eligible candidates should:

• Demonstrate an interest in leadership and innovation.
• Be passionate about sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Be a student, graduate, entrepreneur, researcher, professional or young leader.
• Show evidence of leadership potential and community engagement.
• Be willing to collaborate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Possess sufficient English communication skills to participate effectively.

Why Apply?

The SDG Innovation Summit offers participants an opportunity to:

• Compete for a fully funded scholarship to Malaysia.
• Build international networks with young leaders from around the world.
• Develop leadership, innovation and teamwork skills.
• Learn from experienced international experts and practitioners.
• Experience Malaysian culture through organised activities.
• Receive an internationally recognised certificate.
• Become part of the Global Youth Network's international community.

Previous Global Youth Network Summit

Before launching the Malaysia edition, the Global Youth Network successfully organised the FutureMinds Summit Thailand 2026, which brought together more than 70 young leaders from multiple countries in Bangkok for leadership development, intercultural exchange and international collaboration.

Building on that experience, the SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia aims to expand participation and strengthen global youth engagement in sustainable development initiatives.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must submit their applications through the official Global Youth Network online application portal before 10 October 2026.

Candidates are required to complete the online application form, provide their personal details, upload the required documents, select their preferred participation category and submit the application within the deadline. Early applications are encouraged due to the limited number of fully funded scholarships available.