The 16th anniversary of the G20 Youth Summit (Y20) in 2026 signifies a momentous step forward in global cooperation and economic partnership. The G20 was founded in 1999 originally as a meeting group for finance ministers. It has since evolved and emerged as a crucial platform, uniting both developed and developing nations, collectively representing approximately 80% of the world’s gross domestic product (GWP), 75% of global trade, two-thirds of the Earth’s inhabitants, and 60% of its landmass. Over the past quarter-century, the G20 has wielded significant influence in shaping policies that affect the global economy, trade dynamics, and international diplomacy. Its trajectory underscores nations’ capacity to unite in fostering collaboration, transcending geopolitical disparities for the collective benefit. As we commemorate this milestone, it’s an apt juncture to ponder past accomplishments and envision a future where the G20 persists in adapting, innovating, and spearheading efforts to tackle urgent contemporary challenges, spanning from climate change to economic resilience. This paves the way for a more sustainable and interconnected world. Notably, driving this evolution and ingenuity is the Youth 20, serving as the official youth forum for deliberation and policy recommendations within the G20 framework.

Meet the Delegates 

We are honored to present the delegates that will represent the European Union at the Y20 2026. The conference is set to take place in Washington DC from August 10th-14th and will cover a wide range of issues that are of pertinence to the world’s most powerful countries. Selected from all over Europe, our representatives express the will of the next generation to face and surpass the challenges we currently face, and to improve the world for the better. Our delegates for 2026 are:

1. Alba Cantero Sanchez (Spain) – Head Delegate/Fragility, Conflict, and Violence
2. Rachel Powell (Malta) – Energy
3. Christos Charalambous (Cyprus) – Innovation and Digital Transformation
4. Manray Madani Davies (France) – Global Economy and Job Creation
5. Milko Penev (Bulgaria) – Food Security and Global Health

What Comes Next?

In the upcoming months, our European Union delegation will engage in bilateral and multilateral discussions with counterparts from across the globe. Additionally, all delegates will participate in specialized training provided by YEL, focusing on honing negotiation and communication skills for Y20 delegates. They will collaborate with this year’s EU Y7 Delegates to advance shared objectives across overlapping agendas, fostering policy coherence and bolstering the capacity for impactful change within both the G7 and G20 frameworks.

Throughout this period of training and negotiation, delegates will collaborate on crafting a joint communique. This document will be presented to the host nation’s government as a unified youth proposal outlining actionable steps for addressing the needs of young people globally. We commend our delegates for their dedication and congratulate them on this esteemed opportunity. We eagerly anticipate the outcomes of their diligent efforts in the months ahead.