What is IDYF？
Purpose
Design Our Future
Mission
1
Become the place
to encounter ner worlds
2
Become the center
to produce innovative ideas
3
Become the pratform
to connect with worldwide youths
IDYF is a student-led organization in Japan where passionate young changemakers unite to tackle the world’s toughest development challenges.
We believe that real change begins when youth step forward — to question, to analyze, and to act.
At IDYF, you’ll challenge yourself to see global issues from fresh perspectives, think critically, and collaborate across cultures to create solutions that matter.
During our one-week forum in Tokyo, you’ll join driven participants from around the world for intense discussions, bold ideas, and real teamwork.
Together, you’ll dive deep into complex development issues, share your vision for a better world, and build the skills and connections to turn that vision into action.
If you’re ready to think globally, act boldly, and shape the future — IDYF is where your journey begins.
IDYF 2026 Overview
| Theme | Towards a Society of Coexistence with Immigrants “Realizing Mutual Benefit” |
| Date | March 13 - 20, 2026 （March 21 > Optional tour） |
| Location | Tokyo, Japan |
| Eligibilities | U30 youth from around the world with an interest in International Development |
| Number of delegates | 40 ※Selections will be held if applications exceed the number |
| Estimated fees | 50,000 JPY (Meals and accommodation included) *The fee covers accommodation, program materials, on-program local transport, and lunch boxes. It does not cover flights, visa fees, travel/medical insurance, and personal expenses. *Basic accommodation includes a communal bath. ＋ 10,000 JPY for rooms with unit bath ＋ 10,000 JPY for optional tour |
| Program contents | ・Expert lectures from academics and practitioners ・Case analysis discussions ・Field works ・Group work to produce innovative solutions ・Cultural exchange nights ・Optional) Tokyo sightseeing tour |
| How to apply | Please submit the application form by December 6th 23:59(JST) The detail for the application process is placed at below section “How to Apply” |
Theme
Towards a Society of Coexistence with Immigrants “Realizing Mutual Benefit”
Migration to play key role in upcoming Swedish elections
Case①:
Refugees from conflict and political factors in Sweden
Sweden, along with other Scandinavian countries, has been a large acceptor of refugees and known for its humanitarian commitment. However, recently, the government is shifting towards stricter acceptance policies, even encouraging voluntary return. The reasons include integration challenges, public concerns, and prioritization of skilled labor migration.
Also capturing the global refugee regime, we will propose a solution to promote coexistence with refugees and advanced shared prosperity
Case②:
Migrant workers from South Asia to neighboring regions
Many workers from South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc.) migrate to neighboring regions to bring economic stability to their families, due to lack of employment opportunities in their home countries. Although their remittance to their families have indeed profited the home economy, there are rising concerns about their mistreatment, social isolation, and conflicts in their host societies.
Considering the multiple and conflicting standpoints of all actors involved, we will propose a solution that could benefit all of them as much as possible.
How South Asian countries can protect their migrant workers abroad
Meals & Accommodation
Meals
Dietary requirements (allergies, vegetarian, vegan, halal, etc.) will be accommodated as much as possible.
Meals will primarily be provided as bento lunch boxes. Individual guidance will be provided after admission is confirmed. Severe allergies may require self-management (e.g., personal emergency medication).
Accommodation
Standard rooms:
Our standard rooms are shared twin rooms with a communal bathing arrangement. Please note that most rooms do not have private baths. The program's standard bathing arrangement is a shared large public bath (communal bath).
For those with special needs:
Single rooms with a private unit bath or twin rooms with a private unit bath may be arranged if medically, religiously, or otherwise necessary. If you require a private bath or have specific needs, please submit a request with a brief justification in your application.
Please note:
- Availability is very limited and not guaranteed.
- Additional charges(10,000 JPY) will apply for such requests.
- Due to limited room availability at the venue, it is possible that we may not be able to accommodate all requests. Therefore, we may not be able to honor specific preferences, especially for private units.
Flow of Application
Application form
Deadline: December 6th 23:59(JST)
Please read the details below before you submit application.
Key Dates（JST）
| Oct 20, 2025 (Mon) | Applications open |
| Dec 6, 2025 (Sat), 23:59 | Application deadline https://forms.gle/jQQhbpGkr3evKMaR9 |
| Dec 10, 2025 (Wed) | Admission notices sent |
| Dec 24, 2025 (Sat), 23:59 | Payment deadline*Payment confirms your place. Unpaid offers are automatically cancelled and seats are immediately offered to waitlisted applicants.* |
| Dec 25, 2025 (Sun) | Waitlist Wave 1 notice |
| Dec 28, 2025 (Wed), 23:59 | Waitlist Wave 1 payment due |
| Dec 29, 2025 (Sat) | Waitlist Wave 2 notice |
| Dec 31, 2025 (Tue), 23:59 | Waitlist Wave 2 payment due |
| Feb 10, 2026 (Tue) | Participant handbook released (meeting points, packing list, emergency contacts) |
| Mar 5, 2026 (Thu) | Final briefing & Messenger contact test |
| Mar 13, 2026 (Thu) | Recommended arrival (afternoon–evening) |
Visa & Flight Requirements (Three Pathways)
Your pathway is based on nationality and the Japanese mission where you apply. It will be stated in your offer email. The detail is included in the attached document
Explanation material on Visa.pdf.
| Category | Date | Action |
| ① Visa-Exempt Nationals (No visa required for short stay) | From Dec 13, 2025 (Sat) | Confirm your “Visa-Exempt” status in the offer email. |
| By Jan 10, 2026 (Sat) | Purchase flights & upload e-ticket. | |
| ② Visa Required — Documents downloadable (standard case) | From Dec 13, 2025 (Sat) | Download your personalized invitation packet (PDF). Begin visa application (note year-end embassy closures). |
| By Jan 25, 2026 (Sun) | Upload visa approval scan. | |
| By Jan 25, 2026 (Sun) | Upload e-ticket (book immediately after visa issuance).(If possible, obtain a flight reservation confirmation in advance to smooth the visa process.) | |
| ③ Visa Required — Original documents by courier (exception case) | Dec 13, 2025 (Sat) | Confirm “EMS/Courier Required” status in your offer email. |
| Dec15–18, 2025 (Mon–Thu) | Invitation originals dispatched (tracking provided). | |
| Upon receipt (approx. Dec 22, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026) | Submit visa application. | |
| By Feb 5, 2026 (Thu) | Upload visa approval scan. | |
| By Feb 7, 2026 (Sat) | Upload e-ticket (book immediately after visa issuance).(If possible, obtain a flight reservation confirmation earlier to facilitate visa review.) |
Some embassies require a flight reservation confirmation (not a paid ticket) at the time of visa application.
Obtaining this document in advance is strongly recommended, as it can help your visa process proceed more smoothly.
Payment & Seat Confirmation
Your seat is confirmed only after payment is received by the stated deadline.
If payment is not confirmed by the deadline, your offer is automatically cancelled and may be offered to a waitlisted candidate in the next wave.
Refund policy will be shown in the Terms (e.g., date-based penalties with exceptions for official visa refusals).
What you will need to submit (online forms)
- Passport details (exactly as shown on passport), nationality, country of residence, intended Japanese mission for visa (if applicable)
- Student card, staff identity card, etc.
- Health & dietary information, emergency contacts
- Visa approval page (if applicable)
- Flight e-ticket (PDF or image)
Contact Us
info@idyforum.org
Policy
Refund Policy
1. Scope
This Refund Policy applies to participation fees for the event scheduled 13/03/2026 (Fri) – 20/03/2026 (Fri) in Japan. All dates and times are JST.
2. Standard, date-based refunds
If you cancel in writing (email to the Secretariat) by the deadline listed, refunds are issued as follows:
- On or before 10/01/2026 (Sat): refund 80% of the participation fee.
- From 11/01/2026 (Sun) through 10/02/2026 (Tue): refund 50%.
- From 11/02/2026 (Wed): the fee is non-refundable.
3. Visa refusal exception
If your short-stay visa for Japan is officially refused, you may request a refund of 100% minus bank/processing charges and any courier/EMS costs already incurred, provided that:
- You submit the official refusal letter (issued by the Japanese mission) and your request within 7 days of the refusal date; and
- You applied in good faith, with complete and accurate documents, and followed the published visa timeline.
4. Organizer cancellation; force majeure
- If the Organizer cancels the event for reasons other than force majeure: refund 100% (minus bank/processing charges that cannot be reversed).
- In a force majeure situation (e.g., natural disaster, epidemic measures, government restrictions making the event impossible or unsafe), the Organizer will first attempt reasonable modifications (date shift within the same window, venue adjustments). If the event is cancelled: refund 100% of participation fees (minus bank/processing charges and irreversible third-party costs already committed for your individual file, such as courier).
5. Non-refundable/variable components
The following are non-refundable or deducted from any refund:
- Payment processing and bank transfer charges; currency conversion or exchange losses;
- Courier/EMS costs already incurred for your documents;
- Optional add-ons already consumed/committed on your behalf (if any).
6. Method and timing of refunds
Refunds are returned to the original payment method only. Processing time: up to 30 business days after approval. The Organizer is not responsible for FX rate movements or charges levied by your bank/issuer.
7. How to request a refund
Email the Secretariat with: full name, application ID, reason for cancellation, and supporting documents (e.g., visa refusal letter). The effective cancellation date is when your complete request is received in JST.
Cancellation Policy
1. Seat confirmation and automatic cancellations
- Payment by the stated deadline is required to confirm your seat.
- If payment is not received by the deadline in your offer email, your offer is automatically cancelled without further notice and may be offered to a waitlisted applicant in the next wave.
2. Participant-initiated cancellation
You may cancel by written notice (email). Any refund is governed by the Refund Policy above.
3. No-show / partial attendance
Failure to attend any portion of the program, late arrival, or early departure does not entitle you to any refund or credit.
4. Substitutions / transfers
Seats are not transferable. Substitutions are not permitted unless expressly approved in writing by the Secretariat in exceptional circumstances.
5. Changes made by the Organizer
If the Organizer makes a material change (e.g., changes to the core program that alter the essential nature, or a change outside 13–20/03/2026), you will be notified promptly. You may cancel within 7 days of notice for a full refund (minus bank/processing charges). Non-material program adjustments (speakers, daily schedule ordering, venue rooms within the same city) are not grounds for refunds.
6. Communication
All notices (cancellations, changes, approvals) are effective when sent/received by email in JST. Keep your contact information up to date.
Privacy Policy
We collect only the minimum personal information needed for selection, logistics, and safety. Your data will not be sold or misused and will be handled in accordance with our privacy policy.
Media (Photo/Video) Consent
Photography and filming may occur during the program. Images may be used on our website, social media, and promotional materials.
By participating, you consent to this use. If you do not wish to appear, please submit a “Media Opt-Out Request” before the event and notify staff on site.