Young people across Europe now have a unique opportunity to contribute directly to important discussions shaping the future of gender equality, economic growth, and competitiveness within the European Union. The European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) has officially launched a call for youth participation in the Gender Equality Forum 2026, inviting 35 young individuals to attend the prestigious event in Brussels, Belgium, on 17 November 2026.

This exciting initiative is designed to ensure that youth perspectives are fully integrated into conversations about gender equality and its role in strengthening Europe’s economic and social future. Selected participants will have the opportunity to engage with policymakers, experts, employers, civil society representatives, and fellow young leaders from across Europe.

Importantly, EIGE will provide travel support for up to 30 selected participants through reimbursement of travel expenses, accommodation costs, and daily allowances, making the opportunity accessible to a diverse group of young people.

About the European Institute for Gender Equality

The European Institute for Gender Equality serves as the European Union’s knowledge centre for gender equality. As the EU agency dedicated to promoting gender equality, EIGE develops evidence-based research, tools, and resources that support policymakers in creating inclusive and transformative policies across all sectors of society.

Through initiatives such as the Gender Equality Forum, EIGE brings together stakeholders from different backgrounds to address challenges and opportunities related to equality, inclusion, and sustainable development across Europe.

What is the Gender Equality Forum 2026?

The Gender Equality Forum is one of Europe’s leading platforms for discussing pressing gender equality issues affecting the European Union. The 2026 edition arrives at a crucial moment when several major European priorities are intersecting, including:

Care policies and support systems
Ongoing discussions regarding the EU’s multiannual budget
Innovation and competitiveness strategies
Labour market inclusion
Economic resilience and growth

The Forum seeks to ensure that gender equality remains central to Europe’s economic and social development agenda.

Recognizing that young people are key stakeholders in Europe’s future, EIGE is placing a strong emphasis on youth participation and is actively seeking young voices to contribute ideas, experiences, and solutions.

Key Themes of the Gender Equality Forum 2026

Discussions throughout the Forum will focus on three major thematic areas:

1. Care at the Core for Resilient Economies

Participants will explore how care systems contribute to stronger economies and societies, including discussions around:

Care infrastructure
Work-life balance
Family support systems
Social protection policies
Economic resilience

2. Skills for Innovation: Addressing Gender Gaps in Opportunities and Workplaces

This theme will examine ways to reduce gender disparities in:

Education
Skills development
Employment opportunities
Workplace advancement
Innovation ecosystems

Participants will discuss how equal access to opportunities can foster innovation and sustainable growth.

3. The Cost of Gender Gaps and Unlocking Gender Equality as an Economic Accelerator

This strand will focus on:

Economic consequences of gender inequality
Workforce participation gaps
Pay disparities
Productivity impacts
Strategies for promoting inclusive economic growth

Discussions will highlight how advancing gender equality benefits not only individuals but entire economies.

What to Expect at the Forum

The Gender Equality Forum 2026 will offer a diverse and engaging programme designed to encourage meaningful participation and collaboration.

Activities will include:

High-level debates
Interactive workshops
Expert panel discussions
Inspirational keynote talks
Networking opportunities
Collaborative problem-solving sessions

Participants will engage with:

Representatives of European Union institutions
Civil society organizations
Gender equality experts
Employers and business leaders
Researchers
Artists and cultural contributors
Fellow young changemakers

The event will be conducted entirely in English.

To enhance accessibility, selected sessions will include International Sign Language interpretation both onsite and online.

Benefits of Participating in the Gender Equality Forum 2026

Young participants selected for the Forum will enjoy a range of professional, personal, and networking benefits.

Financial Support

For up to 30 selected participants, EIGE will provide reimbursement for:

Travel expenses
Accommodation costs
Daily allowances

This support helps remove financial barriers and promotes diverse participation from across the European Union.

Direct Access to High-Level Decision Makers

Participants will have opportunities to interact with:

EU policymakers
Senior institutional representatives
Gender equality specialists
Industry leaders
Progressive employers

This exposure can provide valuable insights into policymaking and advocacy.

Platform to Share Your Voice

Young attendees will be encouraged to actively contribute their ideas and perspectives throughout the event.

Participants may:

Ask questions during discussions
Share experiences and viewpoints
Contribute recommendations
Engage in collaborative solutions-building

Professional Networking Opportunities

The Forum creates a valuable environment for building relationships with:

Peers from across Europe
Experts in gender equality
Employers committed to inclusion
Civil society leaders

These connections can support future career and advocacy opportunities.

Active Participation in Forum Activities

Selected youth participants may also have opportunities to:

Appear in the Forum opening video
Be featured on EIGE’s website
Participate in question-and-answer sessions
Join thematic workshops
Contribute to discussions with EIGE leadership
Help document and promote the event through EIGE’s social media platforms

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application
Reside in one of the 27 European Union Member States
Non-EU nationals residing within the EU are also eligible
Have gained work experience through employment, traineeship, internship, or similar activities
Demonstrate commitment to gender equality as a core European value
Be motivated to actively participate in Forum discussions and activities
Be comfortable communicating in English
Be available to attend the event in person in Brussels, Belgium, on 17 November 2026

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The European Institute for Gender Equality strongly encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.

Applications are welcomed regardless of:

Gender
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
Racial background
Ethnic origin
Social background
Disability status
Religion or belief
Colour

This commitment reflects EIGE’s mission of promoting equality and inclusion throughout Europe.

Application Process

Interested candidates must complete and submit the official online application form provided by the European Institute for Gender Equality.

Applicants should ensure that they clearly demonstrate:

Their interest in gender equality
Relevant work or internship experience
Motivation for participation
Ability to contribute actively to Forum discussions

Application Deadline

Deadline: 7 July 2026 (End of Business Day)

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The Gender Equality Forum 2026 offers much more than attendance at a conference. It provides young people with a genuine opportunity to influence discussions surrounding the future of gender equality and economic development within the European Union.

By bringing together youth voices, policymakers, experts, employers, and civil society actors, the Forum creates a collaborative environment where innovative ideas can shape future policies and actions.

For young Europeans passionate about equality, inclusion, economic progress, and social change, this is a rare opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers while building valuable networks and gaining meaningful experience at the European level.

If you are ready to contribute your voice to one of Europe’s most important conversations on gender equality, now is the time to apply.

APPLY HERE

For more information about this opportunity, visit here.

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Youth Participation Call for Gender Equality Forum 2026 @European Institute for Gender Equality