The 15th edition of the Young Thinkers’ Meet (YTM) 2026, an initiative by the India Foundation, will take place on 18–19 July 2026 in Uttarakhand.
Launched in 2012, the Young Thinkers’ Meet is a flagship annual conference that brings together young professionals, scholars, and changemakers from across India. It serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and intellectual exchange focused on national development and global affairs.
The initiative aims to cultivate a community of forward-thinking individuals committed to shaping the future of India through informed debate, policy engagement, and leadership.
Purpose and Vision
YTM is designed as a high-level forum where participants engage in meaningful discussions on contemporary issues affecting India and the world. The programme fosters:
- Policy-oriented dialogue and debate
- Cross-sector collaboration among young leaders
- Critical thinking on governance and development
- A deeper understanding of India’s national priorities
Participants are exposed to diverse perspectives from fields such as academia, journalism, public policy, science, corporate sectors, and international institutions.
Programme Experience
The two-day conference offers a dynamic and immersive experience that includes:
- Panel discussions on national and global challenges
- Policy debates and structured dialogues
- Collaborative brainstorming sessions
- Networking with peers and thought leaders
The programme encourages participants to actively contribute ideas and engage in discussions that shape actionable insights for India’s development journey.
Alumni Network and Impact
With a growing alumni network of over 300 members, YTM has established itself as a strong community of emerging leaders. Alumni continue to engage in public discourse, policy work, and nation-building initiatives beyond the event.
The network provides opportunities for ongoing collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge exchange among participants from different sectors and regions.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to individuals who meet the following requirements:
Age and Background
- Applicants must be under 35 years of age
- Open to scholars, professionals, and students from all disciplines
Participation History
- Individuals who have attended three previous YTM editions are not eligible
Interest and Commitment
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A strong interest in India’s history, governance, polity, and foreign affairs
- Engagement with development and public policy issues
- Willingness to contribute to post-event knowledge outputs
Post-Event Contribution
Selected participants are expected to submit a written piece reflecting on key discussions or themes explored during the event. These contributions may be included in post-event publications, helping extend the impact of the dialogue beyond the conference.
Application Process
Candidates must complete an online application form and provide detailed information about their background, interests, and engagement with public affairs.
Required Information Includes:
- Personal and contact details
- Educational and professional background
- Previous participation in YTM (if any)
- Social media and published work links
- Short essays on:
- Motivation for joining YTM
- Key challenges in India’s nation-building journey
- Policy interests and engagement
- Influential thinkers or leaders
- Areas of future contribution
- A short bio (maximum 100 words)
- Upload of a recent CV
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 April 2026 (11:59 PM IST)
- Interviews: May 2026 (virtual)
- Final Selection Announcement: End of May 2026
- Event Dates: 18–19 July 2026
Focus Areas and Themes
Applicants are encouraged to reflect on critical issues shaping India’s future, including:
- Social cohesion and national unity
- Governance and institutional quality
- Youth employment and skills development
- Innovation and technological advancement
- Climate transitions and sustainability
The programme emphasises thoughtful engagement with these themes through research, discussion, and practical insights.
Why Participate
The Young Thinkers’ Meet offers a unique opportunity to:
- Engage with like-minded young leaders from across India
- Contribute to meaningful discussions on national priorities
- Expand professional and intellectual networks
- Develop a deeper understanding of policy and governance
- Become part of a growing community of changemakers
Participants gain both intellectual exposure and practical insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping India’s future.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
