Program Experience
Davos 2027

Arrival and Belonging

You are welcomed into a small global cohort and build trust through honest talking and actual doing, in nature if the environment allows. You will sense a belonging grounded in mutual respect and curiosity.

The Inner Journey: Leadership Foundations

You engage in guided reflection and facilitated dialogue to deepen self-awareness. This work is practical to help clarify your personal values, which explains how you decide and show up in complex environments.

Create the Future: Applied Collaboration

Working in small teams with mentor support, you develop ideas that connect your personal values with global issues. You are invited to practice disciplined thinking and effective collaboration Select work may be shared for feedback from experienced leaders to demonstrate grit, rigor, decisions, results, and impact.

WEF Week: Global Context and Exposure

You gain firsthand exposure at curated events during WEF Week and learn how global leaders think, decide, and collaborate. You will gain insight where and how you can contribute over time.

“The lotus flower blooms most beautifully from the deepest and thickest mud.”

— Buddhist Proverb

Our Signature Lotus Framework for Team Leadership

Based on Joanna Macy's "Active Hope" framework, we have created the Lotus Framework to guide a group through the cycle of challenge, grit, insight, hope, and action.

Just as the lotus rises clean through murky water, you learn to lead through complexity — embracing your heritage, uncovering your strength, nurturing collaboration, moving to action, as well as being part of a team.

The five stages of the Lotus Framework speak closely to the 2027 WEF theme, "Collaboration in a Contested World."

  • Sprout — Spark Your Curiosity
    What are you most curious about? What is your superpower?

  • Lotus — Embrace Your Heritage
    What makes you happy being you?

  • Mud — Unveil Your Blocks
    What makes you not be you? How aware are you of what is not really you?

  • Bloom — Nurture Opportunities
    Through others' perspectives, what insight do you gain about why you are who you are?

  • Splash — Move to Action
    So what? Name one action that commits you to being a happier you — and a better collaborator with missions of others.

Student Accommodation, Student Hostel, Davos, Youth Leaders Davos, Zentrum Haus Davos, Switzerland

Transportation

Participants and families are responsible for international travel and for travel to, from, and within Switzerland. Final local movement details will be provided closer to the program, but the structure is designed to minimize unnecessary transit time and to keep participants close to key activity locations throughout the week.

Visas

Participants are responsible for securing any required travel documentation or visas. Families are encouraged to review Switzerland entry requirements early (at least two months) to allow adequate time for processing.

Davos 2027 Key Details

Life During WEF Week

WEF Week is an energizing and demanding week ranging from global talks, intimate conversations, shifting schedules, and exposure to leaders across business, government, academia, and civil society. All with magical touch of serendipity.

Youth Leaders Davos programming is designed to help participants build adaptability and confidence by engaging the wider Davos ecosystem through selected individual events and shared cohort experiences. Optional nature activities are also available in the surrounding Davos environment.

Housing

Participants stay in accommodations that is safe and close to the Davos Promenade.

The residential setting also supports the cohort experience, giving participants time for reflection, conversation, and relationship-building beyond formal sessions.

Room layouts are twin- or triple-share. 24-hour tea/coffee/soup/cold food self-serve buffet.

Walk to events on Promenade, Davos (16 min, 1 km) and Migros Restaurant (5 min, 300 m).

Investment

Participation includes access to a highly selective cohort of up to six students, curated workshops and activities, engagement with senior global leaders, and invitation-based access to select closed-door events. Participants also receive support and tools to shape an impact project, venture, or next-step initiative, while building a meaningful international network in one of the most consequential convenings in the world.

The program is intentionally based within walking distance of the Davos Promenade, allowing participants to experience the energy and pace of WEF Week close to where many high-level conversations take place.

Program investment: CHF 18,000 per participant.
An early enrollment rate of CHF 15,000 is available for applications submitted by September 9, 2026.

What the Investment Includes

  • A handpicked cohort of up to 6 participants

  • Curated workshops, dialogues, and leadership experiences

  • Access to select invitation-based and closed-door gatherings

  • Tangible portfolio such as media coverage, experience organizing a Davos-based event, relationships with faculty and researchers from leading global institutions, and a documented record that speaks for itself.

  • Relationship-building with an influential global network

  • Housing within walking distance of the Promenade and main WEF activity areas

    Payment Terms

    Full payment is due within 5 days of acceptance. No refunds are provided for cancellation initiated by the participant, or for any unused portion of the program. A replacement participant may be considered, subject to interview and approval.

    Minimum Enrollment

    Youth Leaders Davos reserves the right to postpone or cancel the 2027 program if fewer than minimum enrollment is confirmed by October 31, 2026. In this event, enrolled participants will be notified promptly and will receive a full refund of program fees paid to date.

    Additional Costs

    The program cost does not include:

    • International airfare

    • Travel to, from Zurich, Switzerland

    • Foods, beyond program meals

    • Personal expenses

Application Process

  1. Submit the Application Form.

  2. Selected applicants receive an acknowledgement within 3 working days and may be invited to a 30-minute interview with a decision-maker.

  3. Accepted applicants receive an Acceptance Letter within 5 working days after the interview.

  4. The application deadline is September 30, 2026, or earlier if spaces are filled. An early enrollment rate applies to applications submitted by September 9, 2026 (see Investment section above).


    Youth Leaders Davos 2027 Application Timeline

    • Application Opens: 22 August 2026

    • Early Application Deadline: 09 September 2026

    • Final Application Deadline: 30 September 2026

    • Invitations to Interview: Within 3 days of application submission

    • Admission Notification: Within 5 days of interview

    • Acceptance of Admission Deadline (& Payment Date): 25 October 2026

    Please note: Applications may close earlier than the stated deadlines if all places are filled and committed before these dates.

Push your boundaries & reach the highest levels of leadership and personal development.

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