Are you a student, policymaker, entrepreneur, or young professional with a passion for driving economic transformation in your community? The Young Economic Forum (YEF) 2025, taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from May 29 to 31, offers a remarkable platform to explore cutting-edge economic themes, engage with global experts, and collaborate on sustainable solutions for the future.

Organized by the Centre for International Political Economy (CIPE), the Forum welcomes participants from around the world to take part in high-level discussions, innovation challenges, and cross-regional dialogues. With a focus on green growth, digital transformation, and economic cooperation, YEF 2025 is more than a conference—it is a global Youth Forum for the next generation of economic leaders and thinkers.

If you are between 16 and 45 years old and eager to make a real-world impact, this is your opportunity to gain visibility, mentorship, and access to international networks. With both Fully Funded Scholarship and Partially Funded slots available, YEF 2025 ensures that promising youth from diverse backgrounds have the chance to participate.

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Host Country:

United Arab Emirates

Forum Location:

Dubai, UAE

Host Organization:

Centre for International Political Economy (CIPE)

Forum Dates:

May 29 – 31, 2025

YEF 2025 will take place over three days in the vibrant and globally connected city of Dubai, known for its dynamic economy and leadership in innovation and trade.

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Key Forum Topics

This year’s Forum will revolve around the following core themes, providing diverse sessions and collaborative learning opportunities:

• Global Economic Trends: Challenges and Opportunities

• Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Digital Economy

• Sustainable Economies and Green Growth

• Economic Resilience and Crisis Management

• Youth as Drivers of Economic Policy and Development

• North-South Cooperation and Regional Economic Integration

Each theme will be explored through keynote addresses, workshops, youth-led policy labs, and multi-stakeholder dialogues. The Forum encourages open discussion, critical thinking, and cross-sector collaboration.

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Financial Support for Participants

YEF 2025 is committed to ensuring accessibility and diversity among its participants. The following support options are available:

• 5 Fully Funded Slots

  • Covers round-trip travel, accommodation, local transportation, meals, forum merchandise, and registration

  • Reserved for exceptional candidates with a proven record in economics, public policy, entrepreneurship, or innovation

• 15 Partially Funded Slots

  • Covers 50% of the participation fee, reducing the financial burden for deserving applicants

• Honorary Award

  • One “Ideal Candidate” will be selected for a special award, including an invitation to collaborate directly with CIPE on upcoming projects or publications

This tiered funding model ensures that a broad spectrum of applicants—regardless of financial status—can participate meaningfully.

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Eligibility Criteria

The Young Economic Forum 2025 seeks to include a diverse and talented cohort of participants who are ready to shape the future of economic thinking and practice. To be eligible, you must:

• Be aged 16 to 45 at the time of the forum

• Hold interest or experience in economics, policy, entrepreneurship, or international development

• Be a student, young professional, policymaker, economist, or aspiring leader

• Demonstrate strong communication skills and a willingness to collaborate

• Be proficient in English, which will serve as the primary language of the forum

• Show a commitment to addressing global economic challenges through innovation, leadership, or advocacy

There are no nationality restrictions. Candidates from the Global South, women, underrepresented groups, and youth with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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How to Apply

The application process for YEF 2025 is simple, competitive, and entirely online. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Young Economic Forum website

2. Navigate to the Application Portal

3. Choose your preferred participation model:

   • Fully Funded

   • Partially Funded

   • Self-Funded

4. Complete the application form, including:

   • Personal and professional background

   • Statement of interest and alignment with the Forum’s themes

   • Optional attachments (e.g., CV, academic transcript, project overview)

5. Review your information and confirm submission

Applications are evaluated on clarity of thought, originality, alignment with forum goals, and potential for leadership.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview or asked to submit additional documents.

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Application Deadline:

April 25, 2025

All applications must be received by this date. Early submissions are highly encouraged due to limited funding slots and the high volume of interest from international applicants.

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Why Attend the Young Economic Forum?

Attending YEF 2025 is not just about participating in discussions—it’s about being part of a global community of changemakers who are passionate about economic transformation. Participants will benefit from:

• Expert insights from policymakers, economists, and thought leaders

• Interactive workshops and panel discussions on emerging global issues

• Networking sessions with professionals, donors, and academic institutions

• Hands-on policy labs where youth can co-create actionable proposals

• A platform to showcase your startup, research, or public initiative

• Opportunities to publish with CIPE and partner journals after the event

In addition, the event will feature cultural activities, innovation showcases, and mentoring lounges where youth can exchange ideas with senior economic experts in a more informal setting.

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The Role of Youth in Economic Development

With global economies facing disruption from technological shifts, environmental pressures, and geopolitical tensions, youth are uniquely positioned to lead change. YEF 2025 recognizes that the economic resilience of future generations depends on the innovative, inclusive, and sustainable decisions made today.

By empowering youth with the tools, networks, and knowledge needed to lead, the Forum acts as a launchpad for new voices to emerge in economic discourse. Participants are expected not only to engage during the event but also to continue driving impact in their own communities post-forum.

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What Makes a Strong Application?

To increase your chances of selection—especially for the Fully Funded Scholarship—you should:

• Articulate a clear reason for wanting to attend

• Show how your work or interests align with one or more Forum topics

• Highlight leadership experience, academic achievements, or social impact

• Demonstrate how you will use this experience to create real change in your country or region

• Be specific, solution-oriented, and committed to long-term engagement with YEF’s global community

Remember, this is not a competition of credentials—but of vision, potential, and passion.