Frequently asked questions

Young people aged 18 to 40, from any country, who are already making a difference in their community, organisation, business or field of study. Students, young professionals, social entrepreneurs, activists, NGO staff and public servants are all welcome. You do not need a title; you need a track record of taking initiative and a clear idea of what you want to change.

Funded and self-funded places are determined through a competitive selection process, in which the committee assesses each application, and every delegate enjoys the same programme and experience.

There is one closing date for every application, funded or self-funded, shown at the top of the home page. Applications are reviewed from that date.

We email every applicant with the outcome. You can check the status of your application at any time using the private link in your confirmation email.

Yes. Alumni of the 2025 summit are welcome to apply, for a funded or a self-funded place. Tell us what you have done since Dubai in your application; returning delegates who can show what they did with the experience are strong candidates.

Every applicant pays the US$17 application fee. Fully funded delegates have their full conference package covered and their two-way flight paid for. Partially funded delegates have their full conference package covered. Self-funded delegates pay the US$500 conference fee once their place is offered.

Everything you need on the ground in Bangkok: full access to the three-day programme, hotel accommodation for the summit nights, meals and refreshments during the summit, airport transfers on the official arrival and departure days, the delegate kit, the cultural programme, your certificate of participation and an official invitation letter for your visa application. It does not cover international flights, visa fees, travel insurance or personal spending.

No. The US$17 application fee covers the cost of reviewing your application and is non-refundable whatever the outcome, including if you are not selected. The only exception is if we cancel the summit before decisions are announced. Our Fees and Refund Policy explains when the conference fee can be refunded.

There are 40 funded places, fully or partially funded, selected through a competitive application process. Every complete application is read and scored on leadership and impact, motivation, connection to the Sustainable Development Goals, and the applicant's plan to share what they learn. We also aim for a balance of regions, genders and backgrounds.

You can tell us on the application form that you would take a self-funded place if you are not offered a funded one. The committee considers you for both.

Yes. Payments are taken on a secure page run by an established international payment processor. We never see or store your card details. We will never ask you to pay by bank transfer to a personal account, by mobile money or in gift cards; if anyone does, it is not us.

It depends on your nationality. Many nationalities can enter Thailand without a visa for short stays; others must apply in advance, usually through Thailand's official e-Visa service. Check the requirements for your passport as soon as you apply, because some visa applications take several weeks. Our Visa and Travel page has links to the official sources.

Yes. Every confirmed delegate receives an official invitation letter from the organisers, normally within five working days of confirmation. An invitation letter supports your visa application but cannot guarantee it; the decision is made by the Thai authorities alone.

Bangkok has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK), which handles most long-haul flights, and Don Mueang (DMK), used mainly by low-cost airlines. Airport transfers are included for delegates arriving at either airport on the official arrival day. Please send us your flight details once booked.

English. You do not need to be a native speaker, but you should be comfortable following discussions and taking part in group work in English.

Yes. Every delegate who takes part in the full programme receives a certificate of participation at the closing ceremony.

Yes. We welcome delegations of three or more from universities, companies and NGOs. Use the contact form to tell us about your group and we will arrange registration together.