Vatican Youth Symposium

The Symposium, now in its tenth year, has developed into a leading global forum for young leaders in sustainable development and an intergenerational platform for building social movements.

The 2026 theme, "Safeguarding Our Common Future: From Vision to Collective Action", will prompt participants to consider how youth can envision and create progress for our common future, inspired by the words of Pope Leo XIV: "Solidarity arises precisely when we decide not to remain indifferent to what happens to our neighbor but instead to transform unavoidable bonds — economic, cultural and technological — into paths of sharing, cooperation and mutual care, embracing the idea of "thinking and acting in terms of community" (Magnifica Humanitas, §74).

The Symposium will take place on October 8-9, 2026, at the Casina Pio IV in the Vatican City.

Core sessions will be categorized into thematic areas split over one and a half days: Human Rights and Gender Equality, Climate Action, the Future of Work, Sustainable Communities, and Driving Sustainable Development Forward. Speakers will present inspiring messages on these relevant topics and inspire participants to take action, engage in meaningful discussions, and contribute their ideas toward innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Please Note: The Vatican Youth Symposium is an invitation-only event and is not open to public registration. Due to the nature and capacity of the gathering, the organizing team is unable to consider or respond to unsolicited requests to attend.

This page will be updated regularly as the final agenda and speakers are announced. Please check back for news and updates.


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