From February 9th to 13th, 2026, the city of Geneva, the beating heart of global multilateralism played host to a transformative initiative: GenSouth 2026. Organized by Foraus (Swiss Forum on Foreign Policy) and supported by the City of Geneva and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, this week-long program brought together a new generation of thought leaders to redefine the future of international cooperation.
A Platform for Underrepresented Voices
The GenSouth program is designed to bridge the gap between the Global South and the international diplomatic ecosystem. While Geneva is a hub for global decision-making, the perspectives of young professionals and researchers from the Global South are often underrepresented in these high-level corridors.
GenSouth Program has changed that narrative. The 2026 cohort featured 14 exceptional participants from 13 different countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Egypt. These young experts engaged directly with international organizations, diplomats, and policy experts to ensure that Southern realities from climate justice to financial architecture reform are central to the global agenda.
The Youth Café: Leading the Charge for Africa
A significant highlight of this year’s program was the active representation of The Youth Café. As one of Africa’s largest and most diverse convening communities for youth advocacy and policy, The Youth Café brought a wealth of grassroots expertise to the table in Geneva.
Their participation underscored the importance of shifting from being "passive observers" to "active architects" of global policy. By representing the interests of millions of young Africans, The Youth Café ensured that the discussions on multilateralism were not just theoretical but rooted in the lived experiences of youth navigating socio-economic and political challenges across the continent.
Key Themes and Outcomes
Throughout the intensive five-day program, participants focused on four critical pillars for a more inclusive multilateral system:
Reform of the International Financial Architecture: Moving toward more equitable global economic governance.
Climate Justice: Advocating for decentralized funding and direct community access for local climate initiatives.
UN Security Council Reform: Proposing a more inclusive Council that limits veto powers to better represent Global South interests.
Digital Governance and AI: Ensuring responsible AI policy that bridges the digital divide.
What’s Next?
The work didn't end on February 13th. The insights gathered during the week in Geneva are currently being synthesized into a comprehensive Project Brief. Scheduled for publication in April 2026, this report will serve as a policy compass, offering concrete, actionable recommendations for international stakeholders and the UN system.
Conclusion
GenSouth 2026 was more than just a conference; it was a demonstration of "result-oriented multilateralism." With organizations like The Youth Café leading the way, the message to the international community is clear: the future of global governance must be inclusive, diverse, and driven by the energy of the Global South.
For more information and to stay updated on the upcoming Project Brief, visit foraus.ch