SDG INNOVATION SUMMIT MALAYSIA 2026 (SISM)

Join 100+ young leaders, changemakers, students, and professionals from around the world in Kuala Lumpur for an international youth leadership summit. The Global Youth Network is offering 30 funded scholarships 70 guaranteed seats, and a $1,000 Seed grant.

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What is the SDG Innovation Summit 2026?
The SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026 is a premier international youth summit designed to bring together 100 young leaders, innovators, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, researchers, and changemakers from around the world to explore innovative ideas, foster meaningful collaboration, and create sustainable impact in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 
Following the remarkable success of our international summit in Bangkok, Thailand, the journey now continues in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—a vibrant hub of innovation, education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
What You Will Experience?
Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, leadership workshops, innovation labs, networking sessions, and cultural exchange activities, delegates will gain the knowledge, skills, and international connections needed to lead positive change in their communities and beyond.
 

TOUCH THE WHEEL TO REVEAL THE THEME

Forum Theme ​

Innovative Ideas for Social Impact
Forum Theme ​

Program Purpose

The SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia aims to empower the next generation of global leaders by creating a collaborative platform where innovation meets purpose and ideas become action.
 
The summit inspires young leaders to present innovative ideas, develop creative solutions, and build sustainable initiatives aligned with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

SUMMIT FOCUS AREAS

SDG 4:

Empowering through Quality Education.

SDG 5:

Breaking barriers for Gender Equality.

SDG 9:

Driving Innovation & Resilient Infrastructure.

SDG 13:

Taking urgent action for our Climate.

$1,000 SEED GRANT AWARD

As part of the SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia 2026, participants will compete for a $1,000 Seed Grant to support innovative projects and social impact initiatives. Whether your project is at the conceptual stage, in its pilot phase, currently under implementation, or fully realized, we welcome you to present your innovation on stage.

Who Can Apply?

Scholarship Criteria

Summit Objectives

SCHOLARSHIP CATEGORIES

There are 30 scholarships available. The top 15 applicants will receive fully funded slots, while the next 15 will be awarded partially funded slots.

You can submit a single application for both scholarship categories.
Application Fee: $18.50

FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIP


EVERYTHING COVERED

PARTIALLY SCHOLARSHIP


DELEGATES WILL RECEIVE

GUARANTEED participation SEATS

Applicants who are not selected for a scholarship – or who prefer guaranteed participation – can apply to the Forum Access or self-funded category.

Those who require a visa to attend the conference in Malaysia can request an invitation letter. 

The Invitation letter is by default available in the scholarship, forum & self-funded category.

FORUM ACCESS
(CONFIRMED SEAT)

$249

SELF FUNDED
(CONFIRMED SEAT WITH ACCOMMODATION)
$449

EVENT TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

November 19, 2026
Day 1
  • Arrival: Hotel Check-in
  • Meet & Greet: Delegate Registration & Welcome Kit Collection.
  • Free Time: Explore KL.
November 20, 2026
Day 2
  • Breakfast: Dining Hall
  • Event Opening: Welcome & Event Brief
  • Ice-Breaking Session
  • Delegate Introductions & Country Showcase.
  • Coffee Break
  • Workshop 1 – Understanding SDGs
  • Lunch
  • Workshop 2 – Social Ventures
  • Panel 1
  • Summit Entrepreneurship Activity – A
  • Free City Tour
November 21, 2026
Day 3
  • Event Brief – Day 2
  • Ice-Breaking Session 2
  • Coffee Break
  • Workshop 3 – Policy Impact
  • Lunch
  • Workshop 4 – SDG Case Studies
  • Hear You Out! Youth-led Presentations
  • Summit Entrepreneurship Activity – B
  • Cultural Night & Activities.
  • Dinner
November 22, 2026
Day 4
  • Certification Ceremony
  • Group Photo
  • Check-out

Hear From Our Speakers & Delegates

Voices, Stories & Impact. See It. Feel It

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR THE SDG INNOVATION SUMMIT MALAYSIA?

Global Recognition

Receive international certification from THEGYN.

Expert Engagement

Access to workshops on SDGs, leadership, Al, and Policymaking.

Speaking Opportunity

Speak at the global stage and present your project.

Cultural Immersion

Explore Malaysian culture, Food, and Vibrant City.

Focused SDGs

You gain deep expertise in the four most relevant goals for the 2030 agenda.

Cultural Exchange

Connect with a community of educators, innovators, and renowned speakers.

Unlock Future Goals

Participating in the program will help you secure scholarships in the future.

Cultural Fest

Enjoy cultural performance, food, dance, music, and singing at the closing ceremony.

Explore Kuala Lumpur

Discover Kuala Lumpur’s iconic landmarks, vibrant markets, rich culture, and world-famous cuisine.

Who Organizes the SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia?
The SDG Innovation Summit Malaysia is organized by the Global Youth Network (GYN), a U.S.-based organization dedicated to empowering young people and creating opportunities for youth from diverse backgrounds to connect, collaborate, and lead meaningful change.

SIMPLE APPLICATION PROCESS

Follow these simple steps to be a part of something big!

Choose Your Category

Select Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Forum Access, or Self-Funded

Complete Application

Double-check that you have answered every question thoroughly

Pay Application Fee

$18.50 for scholarship categories, $249/$449 for forum access/self-funded.

Submit Application

Review and submit your application after the application fee.

Have Questions? Check the FAQs.

When will the selected applicants be announced?

The result will be announced on 15th October 2026.

How Can I Apply for Fully Funded and Partially Funded Slots?

To apply for a fully or partially funded scholarship, please complete the general application form. All submissions are reviewed by our independent, international selection panel, which ensures a transparent process for final scholarship decisions.

Can I Attend the SDG Innovation Summit If Not Selected for the Scholarship?

If you aren’t selected for a scholarship, you can still join us at the summit by choosing either the Self-Funded Package or the Forum Access Package. Regardless of your funding status, you will enjoy the same full experience and privileges as all other participants.

Does GYN Provide Visa Assistance?

To help with your visa application, the GYN will provide an official invitation letter, proof of accommodation, and the program location. While we are happy to offer guidance throughout the process, please note that the final decision rests with the embassy, and we cannot guarantee visa approval.

What should I do if I do not have a passport at the time of application?

You can still apply! Simply upload a copy or enter the number of your National Identity Card (NIC), or any student ID in place of the passport details for now.

How can I pay my application fee?

You can securely pay the application fee using a debit or credit card, Google Pay through a trusted Stripe payment gateway.

Why is the application fee?

Application fees are standard for many international conferences and youth programs. The fee supports our application, review, and selection process and helps us manage applications from participants worldwide. It does not guarantee selection.

Am I required to provide proof of English language proficiency?

No, English test scores (such as IELTS or TOEFL) are not required for this application.

Need Assistance or Want to Contact Us?

You can reach us via email at [email protected]

How will I find out about my selection and results?

All applicants will receive an email with their results. We will also post the final list of selected delegates on the GYN Facebook and Instagram pages. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is 10th October 2026.