Dear All,

The Yenching Global Symposium (YGS) is back for 2026!

If you are passionate about international cooperation and want to make your mark on the important global discussion about China and the world, YGS is one of China’s most competitive and leading forums for emerging leaders to engage on these issues. We invite you to apply and join us as a delegate at YGS 2026!

What is the Yenching Global Symposium?

YGS is the flagship event of the Yenching Academy of Peking University, initiated and organized by the students of the Academy. Since 2016, this three-day, fully-funded conference has brought together esteemed scholars, eminent public figures, and leading professionals from a wide range of fields for discussion on China. Held every spring, the Symposium comprises engaging lectures, panel discussions, and interactive sessions on a variety of topics surrounding China and the world.  The leaders of today will share their insights with students and young professionals from around the world with a noted passion for China.

Every year, YGS receives thousands of applications, making it a very competitive and selective conference. The Symposium has hosted delegates from over 90 countries and regions and diverse backgrounds in order to foster a truly interdisciplinary and intercultural gathering of rising global leaders.  

YGS 2026 will take place on Peking University’s campus from April 16-19, 2026.

YGS 2026 Theme: Harnessing Momentum: The Power to Act in a Changing World

In an era of shifting global dynamics and increased uncertainty amid China’s growing importance, the ability to seize opportunity from changing circumstances, build solidarity across differences, and channel transformation into purposeful action has become the defining skill of nations, institutions, and individuals alike.

YGS 2026 invites delegates to reflect on what it means to turn insight into impact in a rapidly evolving world. Through discussions on diplomacy, economics, technology, and cultural exchange, participants will examine how actors at every level—from nations to individual citizens—can adapt, lead, and implement strategies that generate meaningful real-world impact.

To Apply

Application Timeline

Application Open:  8 December, 2025 (00:01, China Standard Time, GMT+8)

Early Bird Deadline: 22 December, 2025 (23:59, China Standard Time, GMT+8)

General Deadline: 5 January, 2026 (23:59, China Standard Time, GMT+8)

● To apply, visit the official YGS website at https://www.yenchingglobalsymposium.com/ and click on ‘APPLY’

OR click the link https://yenchingglobalsymposium.wufoo.com/forms/z182fa0e1duy47s/

OR scan the QR code

● If you have any questions please check the “FAQs” section of the website or contact ygs_delegate@pku.edu.cn

 for more information

Application Requirements

● Born after 1 May, 1995

● In your final year of study in your Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any field at the time of application or already have a Bachelor’s degree

● Will commit to the entirety of the symposium, 16-19 April 2026

● Proficient in English

● Has never attended any previous Yenching Global Symposiums or Yenching Social Innovation Forums

● Has a strong interest in China

Information Sessions

We will be hosting regional information sessions for YGS 2026. They will be conducted in English (except for the China information session) and will be recorded for your convenience. Please find the details below.

Please follow us on our official WeChat account using the QR code below for more information about the Symposium and feel free to visit our official website to learn more: https://www.yenchingglobalsymposium.com/.

We hereby extend an invitation to the global youth and future leaders to apply and join YGS 2026! Thank you!

Sincerely,

YGS 2026 Executive Committee