Global Policy Leadership

Connecting Emerging Leaders to the World’s Most Urgent Challenges.

We produce policy research, convene global forums, and equip the next generation of changemakers to act on climate, governance, education, and sustainable development.

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Institutional Brief

2022-2026

Since 2022, HISA has built international platforms where policy dialogue, youth leadership, and strategic collaboration intersect through research, convenings, fellowships, and global certification programs.

Upcoming Convenings

Upcoming Forums

Explore upcoming international forums, certifications, and leadership programs bringing together emerging leaders, policymakers, and institutions from around the world.

Paris, France

Global Youth Festival 2026

Paris has always been a city of ideas – and in October 2026, it becomes the stage for the world’s youth to shape the future. The Global Youth Festival 2026 is HISA’s most ambitious programme to date: four transformative days of leadership, cross-cultural exchange, and meaningful dialogue at the heart of one of the world’s most iconic capitals. If you are ready to speak up, connect globally, and drive real change – Paris is waiting.

Brussels, Belgium

Leadership Certification In Global Diplomacy 2026

The Leadership Certification in Global Diplomacy is an executive learning experience designed to prepare participants for meaningful engagement in international affairs. Hosted in Brussels, the heart of European and multilateral diplomacy, this programme provides hands-on exposure to diplomatic practice, global governance systems and high-level negotiation frameworks.

Budapest, Hungary

International Volunteer Forum 4.0

The International Volunteer Forum 2026 is a global gathering of volunteers, youth leaders, and changemakers, set to take place in Budapest, Hungary from 9th to 12th JULY 2026. The event will feature workshops, cultural exchanges, and leadership sessions, aiming to empower young voices and promote community-driven social impact worldwide.

Global Impact

Impact, by the numbers

Since 2022, HISA has built one of the most globally distributed convening networks for emerging policy leaders.

international convenings hosted across 12 countries on 5 continents

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delegates convened

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awarded in travel scholarships to early-career delegates

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policy briefs and consultations published

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Global Footprint

Where We Have Been

2023

Casablanca

South-South cooperation and civic leadership gathering.

2024

Madrid

Youth diplomacy, cultural exchange, and public policy labs.

2024

Budapest

Policy fellowship convening and institutional dialogue.

2024

Cape Town

Climate resilience and inclusive growth forum.

2025

Bangkok

Regional collaboration for sustainable development.

2025

Washington DC

Governance, public leadership, and multilateral strategy.

2025

Oxford

Academic leadership institute and research exchange.

202

Milan

Policy innovation and education futures dialogue.

2025

Istanbul

Cross-regional diplomacy and civic engagement forum.

2026

Sydney

Youth leadership and sustainability roundtable.

Areas of Focus

Policy agendas shaped for global leadership.

Where HISA concentrates its research, convenings, and leadership programs. Each area is supported by all four pillars of our work — publications, forums, fellowships, and certifications.

Mandate 01

Global Governance

The institutions, treaties, and multilateral systems that shape collective response to shared challenges are under strain. HISA examines where the architecture of international cooperation is working, where it is overdue for reform, and how emerging powers and non-state actors are reshaping it. Our World Policy Conference, HISA Youth Dialogue, policy consultations, and briefs convene governments and rising leaders to debate the future of multilateralism in a multipolar world.

Mandate 03

Education & youth policy

Young people belong in the rooms where policy is made. HISA researches the access, equity, and future-of-learning questions that determine whether the next generation can shape its own conditions. The HISA Youth Fellowship, Youth Dialogues, and Global Youth Convention operationalize that conviction — moving young leaders from observers to drafters of the policies that affect them.

Mandate 04

Diplomacy & international relations

Diplomacy is being remade by new actors, new technologies, and new fault lines. Through the Future Diplomats Forum and our research on track-two and citizen diplomacy, HISA prepares the next generation of diplomats and convenes practitioners — seasoned and emerging — to address shifting geopolitical realities, regional tensions, and the rise of non-traditional diplomatic actors.

Mandate 05

Sustainable development (Agenda 2030)

The 2030 Agenda is the world's most ambitious shared blueprint, and its midpoint has exposed where progress is slipping. HISA tracks implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals across regions, hosts the annual UN SDGs Forum, and acts as a liaison between governments, civil society, and multilateral institutions to accelerate delivery — particularly on the goals furthest off track.

Mandate 06

Youth leadership & civic engagement

Across every issue HISA touches, young people remain the most affected and most under-resourced stakeholders in public life. We equip emerging leaders with the skills, networks, and credentials to lead — not just participate — through the HISA Youth Fellowship, International Volunteer Forum, and the HISA Global Certification Program. The goal is durable civic capacity, not one-time exposure.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Policy agendas shaped for global leadership.

Where HISA concentrates its research, convenings, and leadership programs. Each area is supported by all four pillars of our work — publications, forums, fellowships, and certifications.

Global governance

The institutions, treaties, and multilateral systems that shape collective response to shared challenges are under strain. HISA examines where the architecture of international cooperation is working, where it is overdue for reform, and how emerging powers and non-state actors are reshaping it. Our World Policy Conference, HISA Youth Dialogue, policy consultations, and briefs convene governments and rising leaders to debate the future of multilateralism in a multipolar world.

Mandate 01

Climate & sustainability

Climate change is the defining policy challenge of this generation. HISA concentrates on the implementation gap — the distance between international commitments and national action — with particular attention to climate-just finance, adaptation in vulnerable economies, and youth representation in climate diplomacy. We surface this work through dedicated tracks at our UN SDGs Forum, Global Youth Convention, and through standalone consultations with ministries and multilateral bodies.

Mandate 02

Education & youth policy

Young people belong in the rooms where policy is made. HISA researches the access, equity, and future-of-learning questions that determine whether the next generation can shape its own conditions. The HISA Youth Fellowship, Youth Dialogues, and Global Youth Convention operationalize that conviction — moving young leaders from observers to drafters of the policies that affect them.

Mandate 03

Diplomacy & international relations

Diplomacy is being remade by new actors, new technologies, and new fault lines. Through the Future Diplomats Forum and our research on track-two and citizen diplomacy, HISA prepares the next generation of diplomats and convenes practitioners — seasoned and emerging — to address shifting geopolitical realities, regional tensions, and the rise of non-traditional diplomatic actors.

Mandate 04

Sustainable development (Agenda 2030)

The 2030 Agenda is the world's most ambitious shared blueprint, and its midpoint has exposed where progress is slipping. HISA tracks implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals across regions, hosts the annual UN SDGs Forum, and acts as a liaison between governments, civil society, and multilateral institutions to accelerate delivery — particularly on the goals furthest off track.

Mandate 05

Youth leadership & civic engagement

Across every issue HISA touches, young people remain the most affected and most under-resourced stakeholders in public life. We equip emerging leaders with the skills, networks, and credentials to lead — not just participate — through the HISA Youth Fellowship, International Volunteer Forum, and the HISA Global Certification Program. The goal is durable civic capacity, not one-time exposure.

Mandate 06

Institutional Partnerships

An institutional partner ecosystem for research, convening, and impact.

HISA does not work alone. Our convenings, publications, and leadership programs are made possible by a global network of institutions — host governments, universities, multilateral agencies, and civil society organizations — who bring venues, expertise, and networks that turn ideas into policy.

We currently work alongside partners across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania.

Academic & Research Partners

Government & ministry partners

Multilateral & UN Collaborators

Civil Society, Foundations & Media

Interested in collaborating with HISA on research, convenings, or global initiatives?

Inside HISA

Moments From Global Convenings

Delegate Perspectives

Experiences From the HISA Network

More than 2,265 delegates have passed through HISA convenings since 2022, from 150+ nationalities. Their work continues across ministries, multilateral institutions, classrooms, and civil society organizations on every continent we have reached.

Latest Insights

Policy Notes & Institutional Updates

Read the latest perspectives, program updates, and policy reflections from HISA’s global network of emerging leaders, researchers, and institutional partners.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in HISA convenings?

HISA convenings are open to students, early-career professionals, researchers, and practitioners from any country. Most programs are designed for those between the ages of 18 and 35 with a demonstrated interest in policy, governance, or international affairs.

Applications are submitted online through the individual event page. Each convening has its own eligibility criteria, application deadline, and selection process. Shortlisted applicants are notified by email.

Yes. HISA awards travel scholarships to early-career delegates who demonstrate merit and financial need. Since 2022, we have distributed over $565,000 in scholarship support across our convenings. Scholarship availability varies by program.

The HISA Global Certification Program offers internationally recognized credentials in policy analysis, sustainable development, and global governance. The program is designed for working professionals and reviewed by an international advisory panel.

Yes. Selected participants receive an official invitation letter and supporting documentation to assist with the visa application process. HISA does not guarantee visa approval, as this remains at the discretion of the relevant embassy or consulate.

HISA runs an affiliate program open to alumni, partners, and advocates. Affiliates earn a 10% commission on every successful referral. Payouts are made via PayPal, Wise, or direct bank transfer.

HISA hosts convenings across the world. Past locations include Sydney, Istanbul, Milan, Oxford, Washington D.C., Bangkok, Cape Town, Budapest, Madrid, Casablanca, and Cairo. Upcoming event locations are listed on the events page.

HISA is supported through a combination of participant registration fees, institutional partnerships, foundation grants, and scholarship sponsorships. We do not accept funding that compromises the independence of our research or convenings.

Yes. HISA works with academic institutions, government ministries, multilateral agencies, foundations, and civil society organizations. Partnership opportunities include co-hosting convenings, contributing to publications, and sponsoring delegate scholarships. Visit our partner page for more information.

You can follow HISA on its official channels or subscribe to the newsletter through the website. All upcoming convenings are listed on the events page as soon as applications open.

Global Leadership Pipeline

Join the Next Generation Shaping Global Policy

Explore HISA programs, contribute to policy dialogue, or partner with a growing international platform for youth leadership and strategic alliance.