Young Talents

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Young Talents

NEXT Young Talents is an initiative by ISPI designed to inspire young people to take action for the future of our world. Launched in 2021 as part of Italy’s G20/T20 Presidency, the programme provides a platform for debate and the exchange of innovative ideas on today’s most pressing global challenges.

How it works:
1) Apply
2) Attend the virtual masterclasses
3) If selected, take part in the NEXT Milan Forum and a G20 simulation

The initiative is open to young participants aged 20 to 25 who are fluent in both English and Italian.

Have a glance on past editions:

COMPETITION

13 January – 20 February

Participants of the competition will be asked to record a short video in English, introducing themselves and sharing their motivation to take part in the NEXT Initiative. The best 50 profiles are appointed as NEXT Young Talents and are invited to join the NEXT Milan Forum.

VIRTUAL MASTERCLASSES

March 3 – 10 – 17

Virtual Masterclasses with high-level speakers who exchange views with young participants on the evolving geopolitical dynamics and global rebalancing, the growing strategic role of artificial intelligence, and the profound shifts reshaping our societies. Masterclasses will be held on March 3, 10 and 17 in the late evening (CET).

NEXT - EMPOWERING FUTURE LEADERS

2 – 5 May 2026 | Milan

NEXT Young Talents will have full access to the NEXT event (co-hosted by ISPI, Bocconi University and OECD in Milan) and both its public and closed-door meetings, thus having the opportunity to join the network of over 1000 future leaders from 60 countries. In particular, NEXT Young Talents play the role of the Sherpas during the simulation of the G20 Summit organized on May 2-5. After various rounds of negotiations, they write a Final Declaration of the 2026 G20 Presidency.

WIN

The winners of the G20 Simulation are awarded with one of the following prizes: free access to a Diploma/Certificate of the ISPI School; cost-free access to the MED Dialogues conference.

FAQ

What are the requirements to apply?
Age (20- 25 y.o.): from the 1st of January 2006 to the 31st of December 2000;
Students in the last two years of undergraduate courses or graduate/post-graduate courses, including Master’s
Degrees;
Nationality: Italian or international students fluent in Italian and English: native, proficient (C2), advanced level (C1).

Is it compulsory to attend the Virtual Masterclasses?
Participation is mandatory to have the chance to be selected as one of the NEXT Young Talents. If you attend all the Virtual Masterclasses, you will receive a certificate of attendance, even if you are not selected among the 50 NEXT Young Talents invited to Milan.

What are the selection criteria for the 50 Young Talents who will be invited to the event in Milan?
Applications will be assessed based on strong motivation and the relevance of the applicants’ educational background to the topics covered.

If I was among the participants of the previous editions, can I apply?
You can join the Virtual Masterclasses, but if you were among the “G20 Global Ambassadors/NEXT Young Talents” of the past editions, you cannot take part in the in-presence event in Milan.

How will the event take place?
The Virtual Masterclasses will take place in a virtual format (Zoom platform), and NEXT will be held in Milan (May 2-5,
2026).

How much does it cost?
Participation to each stage of the project is completely free. If you will be selected as one of the NEXT Young Talents,
please note that travel expenses and the hotel will be covered by ISPI (except for city-transportation in Milan).

What is NEXT?
See the NEXT website.

I still have doubts, who can I ask?
For more information, please write to: Sara Perredda nextyoungtalents@ispionline.it.

If I am selected as one of the three winners, when can I attend the diploma or certificate?
You have 365 days – following the winning of the contest – to attend the Diploma or the Certificate that you can choose from the updated list available on the ISPI School webpage.