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 places are selected through a competitive application process. You apply, pay a non-refundable US$17 application fee, and we email you the outcome. Funded places are either fully funded, where your two-way flight is paid for too, or partially funded, where you pay for your own flight. Self-funded places need no selection: you register, pay the US$500 conference fee, and your place is confirmed straight away. Every delegate gets the same programme and the same experience on the ground.

There is one closing date for all applications, shown at the top of the home page. Self-funded places can fill up before then, so do not leave it to the last day.

We email every applicant for a funded place 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 place or to register for a self-funded one. 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.

Fully funded delegates pay only the US$17 application fee: their conference package and their two-way flight are paid for. Partially funded delegates pay the US$17 application fee and their own flight; their conference package is covered. Self-funded delegates pay the US$500 conference fee and arrange their own flight and visa.

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 25 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.

Yes. While places remain, you can register for a self-funded place at any time, before or after you hear about your funded application.

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.