Porto, PORTUGAL:
The Global Youth Impact Summit (GYIS) 2026 concluded in Porto-Gaia, Portugal, with more than 50 young delegates representing over 45 countries adopting and signing the historic Porto Youth Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to sustainable development, international cooperation and meaningful youth participation in global decision-making.
Organised by the Council for Global Affairs & Development (CGAD), the four-day summit was held from September 3 to 6 and brought together emerging youth leaders, diplomats, civil society representatives, entrepreneurs, educators and innovators from Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the Middle East.
The Porto Youth Declaration emerged as the principal outcome of the summit, with delegates pledging to contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of climate action, education, economic opportunity, gender equality, inclusion and peace-building.
The declaration underlined the role of young people not merely as beneficiaries of sustainable development but as innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, community leaders and active partners in addressing global challenges.
The summit provided a platform for direct interaction between young leaders and senior international figures. Distinguished participants included Ambassador of Belgium to Portugal Bart Lammens, Ambassador of Kosovo Edona Maloku Bërdyna, Ambassador of the Philippines to Portugal Paul Raymond P. Cortes, and Harvard Emerging Leader and GYIS 2026 President Alyson Reneau.
International journalist and educator Stephanie Lisa Aceglav, Career Connect CEO Vivian Jonathan, Hong Kong social media and influencer leader Pula Mok and Honorary Consul General of Belgium in Porto Pedro Pessanha also contributed to the proceedings.
Delegates representing more than 45 nations across five continents participated in discussions on sustainable cities, climate change, digital innovation, health, education, entrepreneurship, diplomacy and peace-building.
The summit also endorsed an SDG Leadership Framework, prioritising nine of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals for youth-led action and calling for greater youth participation in policy-making.
An Innovation Lab further provided young entrepreneurs with opportunities to identify social enterprise partnerships and develop technology-based proposals aimed at addressing development challenges.
The gathering also strengthened a global youth network through cross-border partnerships and connections among emerging leaders, with organisers emphasising the importance of translating dialogue into practical initiatives.
Alyson Reneau, President of GYIS 2026, said the summit had brought together diverse voices united by a commitment to positive change, describing the participating young leaders as “hope for our world’s future.”
According to the Council for Global Affairs & Development, the Porto Youth Declaration was “not just a document—it is a movement,” representing young voices from more than 45 nations speaking collectively for a fairer and more sustainable world.
GYIS 2026 continued the momentum generated through the Youth Forum on Global Goals in Istanbul, building on its emphasis on youth participation, the SDGs, international cooperation and practical action.
The organisers announced that the next edition of the Global Youth Impact Summit would be held in Paris, France, in 2027, continuing efforts to connect young leaders across borders and promote youth-led solutions for sustainable development.
With the signing of the Porto Youth Declaration, the organisers said the focus would now shift towards building on partnerships established in Porto and turning the commitments made at the summit into concrete youth-led initiatives.
