Young Political Economy Forum 2026 in Hong Kong | Fully Funded

Applications are open for the Young Political Economy Forum 2026, an international event bringing together young leaders, students, academics, entrepreneurs, researchers and professionals from around the world. The forum will take place in Hong Kong from 27 to 29 November 2026, with the main forum sessions scheduled for 28 November.

The Centre for International Political Economy Studies, known as CIPES, is organizing the event in collaboration with The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. The programme will examine important global issues through the combined perspectives of politics, philosophy and economics.

A limited number of fully funded places are available based on merit and leadership potential. The funded package includes return economy airfare, three nights of accommodation, meals, forum access, field visits, mentorship and visa invitation support.

Applicants should understand that the fully funded pathway requires a USD $15.99 application or processing fee. The payment is non-refundable and does not guarantee selection.

Young people interested in another international event can also explore the SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026.

Young Political Economy Forum 2026 Details

About the Young Political Economy Forum 2026

The Young Political Economy Forum 2026 is an Asia-focused international gathering designed to help participants understand the forces reshaping economies and societies.

The forum uses the Politics, Philosophy and Economics framework, commonly called PPE. Rather than examining global problems from only one academic perspective, PPE combines three disciplines to help participants consider power, ethics, institutions, markets and the distribution of resources.

YPEF Hong Kong builds on previous forums organized by the same network in locations including Madrid, Frankfurt, Jakarta, Dubai and Istanbul. The Hong Kong programme is being developed in collaboration with The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, which offers the city’s PPE programme.

Applicants looking for an opportunity related to renewable energy and sustainability may also check the IRENA Youth Forum 2027.

Young Political Economy Forum 2026 Theme

The main focus of the forum is:

Navigating the Future of the Global Economy

Participants will examine how politics, ethical reasoning, economic policy, technology and entrepreneurship influence the future of societies.

The programme is structured around six interconnected modules:

1. The Future of the Global Economy
2. Cities of the Future
3. The Future of Work
4. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
5. The Digital Economy
6. Sustainable Growth and Future Prosperity

These modules are intended to help delegates compare how economic and technological changes affect different countries, communities and institutions.

Young Political Economy Forum 2026 Benefits

The benefits depend on the participation category selected by the applicant.

Fully Funded Benefits

A limited number of applicants selected for the fully funded scholarship may receive:

• Return economy airfare
• Three nights of accommodation
• All meals during the programme
• Entry to the networking gala
• Access to all six academic modules
• Workshops and interactive discussions
• Field visits
• Mentorship opportunities
• Hong Kong visa invitation support
• Certificate of participation
• International networking opportunities
• Engagement with young leaders, academics and entrepreneurs

Fully funded places are competitive. Selection is based on academic or professional merit, financial need, leadership potential and the overall quality of the application.

Academic and Professional Benefits

Participants may also gain:

• A broader understanding of the global economy
• Exposure to the PPE approach
• Comparative insight into international policy challenges
• Opportunities to exchange ideas with international delegates
• Practical discussions concerning technology and employment
• Experience participating in workshops and policy dialogues
• Connections with students, professionals and researchers
• Recognition through a certificate of participation
• Experience attending an international forum in Hong Kong

Applicants interested in leadership and peacebuilding can also read about the Global Peace Summit Greece 2026.

Participation Categories

The Young Political Economy Forum 2026 offers several participation routes. Applicants should review the benefits, prices and refund terms before selecting a category.

Fully Funded Category

The official organizer advertises a limited number of fully funded places awarded through competitive selection.

The application or processing amount displayed for this route is USD $15.99. Paying this amount allows an applicant to be considered but does not guarantee selection.

Applicants who are not chosen for funding should not assume that they will automatically receive a free place under another category.

Self-Funded Residential Category

The self-funded residential package is advertised at an early-bird price of USD $599, reduced from USD $899.

It includes:

• Three nights of accommodation
• Meals
• Networking gala
• All six modules
• Workshops
• Field visits
• Mentorship
• Certificate of participation
• Visa invitation support

International airfare is not included in this category.

Forum Access Category

The forum-access package is listed at USD $200. It is intended for day delegates and does not include accommodation.

It provides:

• Access to the six modules
• Workshops
• Field visits
• Mentorship
• Meals during sessions
• Visa-supporting assistance
• Certificate of participation

Instalment Category

Applicants choosing the self-funded residential package may reserve a place with a USD $199 deposit. The remaining balance is due before the forum and may be divided into payments according to the organizer’s instructions.

Applicants should carefully read the payment and cancellation conditions before paying. Participation fees are generally non-refundable.

Young Political Economy Forum 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The forum welcomes applicants from every country. Suitable applicants generally include:

• Young leaders
• University or college students
• Recent graduates
• Academics
• Researchers
• Entrepreneurs
• Young professionals
• People interested in economics
• Applicants interested in politics and public policy
• Individuals working in innovation or sustainability
• Community leaders and changemakers

The organizer states that applicants are typically between 16 and 40 years old.

Applicants should also:

• Demonstrate interest in the future of the global economy
• Be interested in politics, philosophy or economics
• Show academic, professional or community involvement
• Demonstrate leadership potential
• Be available in Hong Kong from 27–29 November 2026
• Complete the official application accurately
• Submit any requested supporting information
• Pay the applicable application fee
• Apply before the official deadline

Candidates from different academic and professional backgrounds may apply. A formal degree specifically in economics or political science is not required.

Is IELTS Required?

IELTS and TOEFL are not listed as application requirements for the Young Political Economy Forum 2026.

However, the programme involves international discussions, workshops, presentations and networking. Applicants should have sufficient English communication ability to participate effectively.

Required Documents and Information

The exact requirements are displayed in the official registration form. Applicants should prepare information such as:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Country of residence
• Valid email address
• Telephone or WhatsApp number
• Educational background
• Current university, organization or employer
• Academic or professional achievements
• Leadership and community experience
• Motivation for attending the forum
• Financial-need information where requested
• Curriculum vitae or résumé, if requested
• Passport or identification information, if requested
• Professional or social profile links, where relevant
• Payment receipt for the funded application
• Any additional answers required by the selection committee

Applicants should use accurate information matching their official documents. Selected delegates may later need a valid passport for travel and visa processing.

Selection Criteria

Fully funded places are limited and awarded competitively. The selection committee may consider:

• Academic performance
• Professional achievements
• Leadership potential
• Community involvement
• Financial need
• Interest in political economy
• Quality of the motivation responses
• Relevance of previous experience
• Ability to contribute to forum discussions
• Geographic and professional diversity
• Overall application strength

Strong applicants should provide specific examples rather than general claims. For example, candidates can describe a research project, student initiative, business idea, community programme, public-policy activity or volunteer role.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Candidates can improve their applications by:

• Explaining why the PPE framework interests them
• Connecting their experience with one or more forum modules
• Describing a real leadership or community example
• Showing what they can contribute to international discussions
• Explaining how they will use the experience afterward
• Providing measurable examples of their impact
• Writing original and focused responses
• Checking grammar and spelling
• Avoiding copied motivation statements
• Reviewing all information before submission

An effective application should show both what the candidate hopes to gain and what they can contribute to the forum.

Students looking for another funded leadership programme may explore the Youth Global Forum 2027 in Paris.

Young Political Economy Forum 2026 Programme

The event will run for three days.

Day 1 – 27 November 2026

The opening day is expected to include:

• Delegate registration
• Welcome activities
• Opening address
• Introduction to the forum theme
• Networking reception

Day 2 – 28 November 2026

The main forum day is expected to include:

• Future of the Global Economy module
• Cities of the Future module
• Future of Work module
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship module
• Digital Economy module
• Sustainable Growth and Future Prosperity module
• Comparative panel discussion
• International delegate engagement

Day 3 – 29 November 2026

The closing day is expected to include:

• Small-group workshops
• Policy dialogue
• Practical discussions
• Closing reflections
• Certificate presentation
• Farewell activities

The organizer describes the published schedule as provisional, so specific sessions and times may change.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Visit the Official Forum Page

Open the official CIPES page for YPEF Hong Kong 2026. Review the dates, eligibility conditions, benefits and payment terms.

Step 2: Compare the Participation Categories

Choose between the fully funded, self-funded residential, forum-access or instalment routes.

Applicants seeking financial support should select the competitive fully funded pathway.

Step 3: Prepare Your Information

Collect your personal, academic, professional and leadership information before opening the registration form.

Step 4: Write Your Motivation Responses

Explain why you want to attend the forum, what experience you bring and how the programme connects with your future goals.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Enter accurate details in every required field. Avoid leaving incomplete answers or providing information that cannot be verified.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Applicants using the funded pathway must pay the displayed USD $15.99 application or processing amount.

Use only the payment method linked through the official CIPES website. Do not send money to an unknown individual or unofficial social-media account.

Step 7: Review the Refund Conditions

The organizer states that participation payments are generally non-refundable. Read the official terms carefully before completing payment.

Step 8: Submit the Application

Review the spelling of your name, email address, contact number and motivation answers. Submit the completed form before the deadline.

Step 9: Save the Confirmation

Keep a copy of the confirmation email, application record and payment receipt.

Step 10: Monitor Your Email

The selection team may contact strong candidates for additional information or a short interview before making final funding decisions.

Young Political Economy Forum 2026 Deadline

The official application deadline is:

15 October 2026

The forum will take place from 27–29 November 2026. International applicants should apply early because selected participants may need time to secure a passport, apply for a Hong Kong visa and arrange travel.

Late applications may not be accepted.

Important Safety Information

Applicants should remember the following points:

• The funded application fee is USD $15.99.
• The fee does not guarantee selection.
• Fully funded places are limited.
• Payments are generally non-refundable.
• Self-funded categories cost significantly more.
• An invitation letter does not guarantee visa approval.
• Visa decisions are made by the relevant immigration authority.
• Applicants should pay only through the official organizer’s page.
• Never send money to an unofficial agent or personal account.
• Confirm the latest programme details before purchasing travel tickets.
• Wait for official selection and participation confirmation before making non-refundable travel arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Young Political Economy Forum 2026 fully funded?

A limited number of fully funded scholarships are available. Not every applicant or participant will receive funding.

2. What does the fully funded scholarship cover?

The funded package includes return economy airfare, three nights of accommodation, meals, the networking gala, forum access, field visits, mentorship, visa invitation support and a certificate.

3. Is there an application fee?

Yes. The official page displays a USD $15.99 application or processing amount for the fully funded pathway. The payment does not guarantee selection and is generally non-refundable.

4. Who can apply?

Young leaders, students, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals from all countries may apply. Applicants are typically between 16 and 40 years old.

5. Is IELTS required?

No IELTS or TOEFL certificate is listed as a requirement. Applicants should nevertheless be able to communicate effectively in English during the programme.

6. Does the invitation letter guarantee a Hong Kong visa?

No. The organizer may provide visa invitation support after participation is confirmed, but the appropriate immigration authority makes the final visa decision.

How to Apply for Young Political Economy Forum 2026

Applicants should visit the official CIPES event page, select the appropriate participation route, complete the online form and pay the applicable fee.

Candidates applying for a fully funded place should clearly explain their academic or professional achievements, leadership experience, financial circumstances and potential contribution to the forum.

Applicants should review all programme information, payment conditions and updates directly through the organizer.

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Final Thoughts

The Young Political Economy Forum 2026 offers young people an opportunity to explore global economic issues, develop international connections and learn through the combined perspectives of politics, philosophy and economics.

The fully funded package provides valuable support, including return airfare, accommodation and meals. However, funding is limited and competitive. Applicants must pay the USD $15.99 application amount, and payment does not guarantee selection.

Interested candidates should prepare honest, specific application responses and submit everything before 15 October 2026. Always use the official CIPES website and carefully review the non-refundable payment conditions before applying.