Young Economic Security Forum 2025 to Convene in Istanbul, Turkey Istanbul, Turkey – Aspiring young leaders and economics enthusiasts are invited to apply for the Young Economic Security Forum (YES Forum) 2025, a three-day international event focused on addressing pressing global economic challenges. Scheduled to take place from August 17-19, 2025, at the Royal Rectorate Building of Istanbul University, the forum aims to foster collaboration and innovation among youth from diverse backgrounds.

Forum Details and Objectives Organized by the Centre for International Political Economy (CIPE) in collaboration with Istanbul University, the YES Forum 2025 will provide a platform for participants to engage with experts, participate in interactive sessions, and contribute to shaping a more secure and sustainable economic future. Key themes to be explored include economic security, global cooperation, the impact of technology, and sustainable growth.

Expert Perspectives on Youth Engagement in Economic Policy Dr. Elif Demir, an economist specializing in youth development at the Istanbul School of Economics, emphasizes the importance of involving young people in economic policy discussions. "The challenges of rising prices, trade imbalances, and technological disruption disproportionately affect younger generations," she notes. "The YES Forum provides a crucial space for them to develop solutions and advocate for policies that reflect their needs and aspirations."

Another expert, Professor Ahmet Kaya, a political science professor at Ankara University specializing in international relations, highlights the significance of global cooperation. "Economic security is no longer a national issue, but a global one," he states. "Forums like the YES Forum are vital for fostering international understanding and collaboration among future leaders, equipping them with the tools to address complex global challenges effectively."

A Range of Participation Categories The YES Forum 2025 offers several participation categories to accommodate various needs and financial situations:

Funded Category ($16): This category offers comprehensive support, including airfare, accommodation, meals, an official invitation letter, forum merchandise, field visits, mentorship from professional economists, a certificate of participation, an internship opportunity at CIPE, a 10-week virtual course scholarship, an alumni badge, and travel support. Self-Funded Category ($650): Designed for participants who can cover their own expenses, this option includes a forum invitation letter, meals during the summit, accommodation for three nights, forum merchandise, a project companion, field visits, economist mentorship, a certificate of participation, an internship opportunity at CIPE, a virtual course scholarship, an alumni badge, and a partial scholarship for future forums in Geneva, Singapore, or the United States. Invitation Letter Only ($250): This option provides an official invitation letter for visa applications, employer leave requests, or sponsorship proposals. Participants can upgrade to the self-funded category later. Self-Funded (Without Accommodation) ($400): Ideal for those who prefer to arrange their own accommodation in Istanbul, this category offers an official invitation letter and access to all forum sessions.

Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the YES Forum 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Be between 16 and 45 years old. Be a student, graduate, or young professional from any field with an interest in economics, development, or global issues. Demonstrate a strong motivation to learn, grow, and participate in global conversations. Possess a strong desire to contribute to solving real-world challenges.

Historical and Current Context of Youth Economic Forums The Young Economic Security Forum builds upon a growing global movement to engage youth in shaping economic policy. Historically, economic discussions have often been dominated by older generations, leaving younger voices unheard. However, recent years have seen a rise in youth-led initiatives and forums aimed at addressing this imbalance. The YES Forum, with past events held in Jakarta, Dubai, and Istanbul, exemplifies this trend.

The current global economic landscape, characterized by increasing inequality, climate change, and rapid technological advancements, underscores the urgency of involving young people in finding solutions. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are crucial for creating a more equitable and sustainable future.

Application Process and Deadline Interested individuals can apply for the YES Forum 2025 by following these steps:

Visit the official website. Choose your participation category. Prepare your CV and statement of interest. Submit your application online. If shortlisted, attend an interview. Await the confirmation email and begin preparations.

The application deadline is July 16, 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit the official YES Forum website.