Author: Hammad Ishaq
Last verified on: September 23, 2025

Overview: What the Program Is & Who Runs It

• The Global Change Summit 2025 (GCS 2.0) is organized by the Organization for Global Policy & Dialogue (OGPD). (The OGPD)

• It brings together students, young professionals, activists, educators, volunteers, and youth changemakers from all over the world. (The OGPD)

• Objective: to foster leadership, encourage innovation for social and environmental impact, build sustainable global networks, facilitate transformative dialogue, promote civic/global participation, and help translate global goals (like SDGs) into local action. (The OGPD)

• The event is scheduled December 12-15, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (The OGPD)

Benefits / Funding: What Is Covered & What Isn’t

What the Fully Funded Package Includes

Those selected for the Fully Funded category will receive:

• Round-trip airfare to Turkey. (The OGPD)

• Shared accommodation for the duration of the summit. (The OGPD)

• Meals during the summit’s sessions/events. (The OGPD)

• Visa invitation letter. (The OGPD)

• Access to all sessions, workshops, events organized under the summit. (The OGPD)

• Program merchandise. (The OGPD)

• Certificate of participation. (The OGPD)

• Opportunities for cultural exposure to Turkish culture. (The OGPD)

What Is Not (or Unclear) Covered

• As of last verification, there is no mention of tuition (since this is a summit, not an academic program). Summit fees are covered for fully funded but partial or self-funded may incur fees. (The OGPD)

• Health or travel insurance is not clearly listed as covered in the official description. As of last verification, the official page does not specify whether insurance is included.

• Local transportation in Turkey outside the summit schedule (if travel beyond summit site or side-tours) may not be included; not specified.

Eligibility

• Age: between 16 and 35 years old. (The OGPD)

• Nationality / Residency: Open to all nationalities / backgrounds. (The OGPD)

• Academic / Professional Background: No specific academic field required—students, high school or university; also professionals, startup founders, researchers, educators, activists, volunteers are welcome. (The OGPD)

• Language: Working language is English; applicants must be comfortable engaging in English in sessions. (The OGPD)

• Availability: Must be able to attend all four days (December 12-15, 2025) and participate in all sessions. (The OGPD)

Ineligibilities or Limitations

• Applicants who cannot commit to full attendance are ineligible. (The OGPD)

• If someone cannot travel (e.g. lacks valid passport or their passport is expiring before travel), that could be a barrier, since travel and visa logistics matter. While the form asks for passport info, as of last verification the official page does not state whether a passport is strictly required at time of application. (The OGPD)

Timeline & Deadlines

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit the Official Summit Page
   Go to the OGPD website’s Global Change Summit 2025 page. (The OGPD)

2. Decide Your Registration Category
   There are categories: Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Self-Funded, Forum Access Pass. If you apply for Fully Funded, you may automatically be considered for Partially Funded if you’re not selected for the fully funded slot. (The OGPD)

3. Fill the Application Form for Fully Funded

   • Provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, residence, and other contact info. (The OGPD)

   • Answer questions about educational background and professional experience (if any). (The OGPD)

   • Write motivational responses: what drives you, how you intend to use the summit experience, what change you want to see or contribute. (The OGPD)

4. Upload Required Documents (see checklist below) via the form. (The OGPD)

5. Submit Before Deadline
   Ensure you complete application and submit all required materials by October 15, 2025. (The OGPD)

6. Await Selection Notification
   If selected for Fully Funded or Partially Funded slot, the organizers will notify you. (Date not specified).

Required Documents Checklist

When applying, prepare the following:

• Completed online application form (Fully Funded category) (The OGPD)

• Valid passport information (passport number, issue & expiry date) if available (The OGPD)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or portfolio, showing your education / work / volunteer experience. (The OGPD)

• Motivational / impact essays: e.g. what drives you, how you plan to make change, what change you want. (The OGPD)

• Profile picture / headshot (as per size limits) (The OGPD)

• Any supporting achievements, certificates, past work (optional but helpful) (kirfoundation.org)

Selection Criteria: What Reviewers Look For

While exact scoring rubrics aren't published (as of last verification), evaluation appears to hinge on:

• Clarity of Purpose / Motivation: How well you express why you're applying, what impact you hope to make, and how you plan to use the summit experience.

• Relevance of Experience / Commitment: Past or ongoing initiatives, volunteer work, activism, leadership—even if informal.

• Communication Ability: Since the summit is in English, your ability to express ideas, engage in discussions, write clearly.

• Potential for Impact: Reviewers look for candidates who will translate learnings into local action (in their communities, fields).

• Availability and Participation: Willingness to attend all sessions, fully commit, possibly engage beyond the summit.

Practical Tips to Strengthen an Application

• Personalize your narrative: Don’t use generic statements. Provide specific examples of past work or impact and concrete ideas for future action.

• Demonstrate cross-sectoral thinking: If your work connects environment, education, governance, or other themes of the summit, highlight that.

• Proofread well: Good grammar, clear structure, no typos—especially since the working language is English.

• Show consistency: If you list volunteering, activism or projects, ensure your CV and motivation essays align.

• Attach supporting documents: Even optional certificates or recommendation letters (if allowed) can add weight.

• Explain obstacles / context: If you come from under-represented or disadvantaged region/community, mention that—not as complaining, but showing resilience or context.

• Plan for logistics: Even though travel/accommodation is covered, ensure your passport is valid, you can get visa if needed, and that you can commit time.

Official Links & Apply Now

• Official program page: Global Change Summit 2025 by Organization for Global Policy & Dialogue — overview & details. (OGPD GCS-2025 Official Page) (https://theogpd.org/gcs-2025/) (The OGPD)

• Fully Funded Application Portal / Form: OGPD Fully Funded application for Global Change Summit 2025. (Apply Fully Funded) (https://theogpd.org/product/fully-funded/) (The OGPD)

FAQ

Call to Action

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a positive impact, apply now for a Fully Funded spot in the Global Change Summit 2025:

Apply for Fully Funded Slot – Global Change Summit 2025 (https://theogpd.org/product/fully-funded/)

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to verify details from official sources as of September 23, 2025, applicants should double-check deadlines, costs, and criteria on the official OGPD summit page before applying, in case of updates or changes.