The Paris Peace Forum 2026, taking place on 10–11 November at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, will bring together heads of state and government, international organizations, businesses, civil society, academia, and other global stakeholders for its ninth edition. Under the theme “From Sovereignty to Cooperation,” the Forum will examine how international actors can rebuild frameworks for cooperation in an increasingly fragmented global environment.
The 2026 edition will focus on four major areas: geopolitics, emerging technologies, development, and the planet, with more than 350 speakers participating across approximately 80 sessions. Key discussions will address the future of multilateralism, geopolitical fragmentation, international cooperation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, sustainable development, climate and environmental challenges, and the protection of civilians in conflict. A particular focus will also be placed on children and future generations through a dedicated Child Summit.
In this context, Young European Leadership (YEL) is proud to announce its continued participation in the Paris Peace Forum, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that young Europeans have a meaningful role in international diplomacy and global governance.
The Importance of Youth Participation
Youth participation in international diplomacy is not merely beneficial; it is essential to building institutions and policies capable of responding to the challenges of the future.
Europe and the wider international community are confronting an increasingly complex landscape, characterized by geopolitical tensions, fragmentation of the international system, technological transformation, climate change, and persistent conflicts. At the same time, younger generations will live longest with the consequences of the decisions being taken today.
Young leaders therefore bring perspectives that are essential to international discussions. Their participation can contribute new ideas, challenge established approaches, and ensure that policy discussions remain connected to the expectations and realities of future generations.
The Paris Peace Forum’s emphasis on rebuilding cooperation between states and other international stakeholders provides an important space for this engagement. Its 2026 program specifically addresses questions surrounding the future of multilateralism, civic space, information integrity, artificial intelligence, climate action, development, and international peace and security.
YEL Delegates at the Forum
YEL has selected a diverse group of delegates to represent the youth of Europe at the Paris Peace Forum 2026. These individuals have been chosen for their expertise and commitment to addressing global challenges:
- Nicole Rita Napoli (Head Delegate) – Italy
- Amalie Gjørtler – Denmark
- Andreea Berecz – Romania
- Larisa-Nicoletta Patrascu – Romania
- Christos Charalambous – Cyprus
- Patrick Vandewalle – Germany
- Kayley Curtis – Ireland
- Elpida Dalietou – Greece
- Laura Lamberti – Italy
- Pauline Engelsen – France
- Maartje van Kampen – Netherlands
- Gabriela Golem – Croatia
- Johanna Kosak – Germany
- Zofia Tarcz – Sweden
- Filippo Vezzoli – Italy
These delegates will engage in high-level discussions, contribute to policy recommendations, and collaborate with global leaders to forge new alliances for peace and development.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Paris Peace Forum comes at an important moment for international cooperation. Its theme, “From Sovereignty to Cooperation,” reflects the challenge of reconciling national interests with the need for collective action on issues that increasingly transcend borders.
For YEL, participation in the Forum represents an opportunity to ensure that young Europeans are not simply observers of these discussions, but active contributors to them. Through dialogue with political leaders, diplomats, international organizations, businesses, and civil society, YEL delegates will contribute to discussions on how Europe and the international community can respond to a rapidly changing global environment.
The meaningful participation of young people in international forums is ultimately an investment in the future of global governance. By bringing the perspectives of the next generation into today’s diplomatic discussions, institutions can help build forms of cooperation that are more inclusive, resilient, and capable of addressing the challenges of tomorrow.
For more information on the Paris Peace Forum 2026, please visit parispeaceforum.org.
