Call for Host Organisation: IGLYO International Youth Conference 2026

Host Our Next IGLYO Youth Conference on Countering the Anti-Gender Movement!

Dear IGLYO Members,

We are excited to announce that we are in the early stages of planning our next thematic International Youth Conference, which will focus on counteracting the anti-gender movement and its narratives, and how these impact LGBTQI young people across Europe.

With this in mind, we are currently looking for an IGLYO Member Organisation to host the Conference in April 2026.

Could you be the IGLYO Member Host we’re looking for?

If you’re interested, please carefully read the short call below and send us your application by Sunday 7 December 2025 at 23:59 CET. Please note that this opportunity is only open for fully ratified IGLYO Member Organisations.

About IGLYO International Youth Conference

Topic and format

In 2026, IGLYO will organise its International Youth Conference on Counteracting the Anti-Gender Movement, a 4-day event bringing together 20 young LGBTQI activists from across the Council of Europe region. The Conference will focus on understanding and challenging anti-gender narratives - a growing threat to LGBTQI youth, democracy, and equality in Europe.

The Conference aims to strengthen the capacity of LGBTQI youth to recognise and debunk anti-gender discourse, and exchange experiences and good practices from their local contexts. 

By combining expert input, peer learning, and policy reflection, the event will create a space for young LGBTQI activists to connect their grassroots realities with European-level advocacy - laying the foundation for the next phase of IGLYO’s work on counteracting the anti-gender movement.

Timeline

The Conference will take place in April 2026, and the preparation process will begin in January 2026, giving ample time for planning and coordination between IGLYO and the selected Host Organisation.

What does IGLYO expect from a Host Organisation?

Host Organisation’s role

The role of the Host Organisation will be to lead the logistical organisation on the ground, including:

• Identifying the venue and accommodation;
• Coordinating local transport, catering, and materials;
• Liaising with local partners and service providers;
• Organising the social programme, including social activities that connect participants with the local queer community;
• Supporting on-the-ground logistics during the event.

Additionally, the Host Organisation is welcome to take part in shaping the programme and content of the event - for example, by proposing local speakers or facilitating a session. However, if your capacity is limited, this is not a requirement.

Needless to say, you will not be on your own - IGLYO’s Programmes Team will support and work closely with you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and collaborative process.

While IGLYO will provide the main funding, the Host Organisation is encouraged to identify potential local co-funding or in-kind support (e.g. venue, social events, local sponsorships…). 

If your organisation is highly motivated to host but may not be able to fully meet these expectations, we still encourage you to apply. Please complete the application form, and we can explore possible ways to move forward together.

IGLYO’s role

IGLYO will coordinate the overall event management, including:

• Programme design and facilitation (together with the Advisory Panel of young LGBTQI activists);
• Participant selection and management;
• Travel arrangements, bookings, and reimbursements;
• Communication, promotion, and visibility across IGLYO’s channels;
• Providing financial management, guidance, and ongoing coordination with the Host.
  

How will your Organisation benefit?

Hosting IGLYO’s International Conference will provide your Organisation with a unique opportunity to:

• Gain visibility within the European LGBTQI youth movement;
• Showcase your local activism, projects, and community work;
• Strengthen your logistical and organisational skills in hosting international events;
• Create lasting connections with activists, trainers, and experts from across Europe;
• Raise awareness about the anti-gender movement and its impact on LGBTQI youth in your country among a European audience.
  

Who can apply to be a Host?

We’re looking for a Host Organisation who:

• Is a Member of IGLYO;
• Has the capacity to welcome 20 participants and provide logistical support in the host city;
• Is able and willing to dedicate time to regular online coordination meetings with IGLYO (approx. twice a month from January to April 2026);
• Has experience hosting international activities or large meetings, or a strong motivation to gain this experience;
• Is able to work in English;
• Ideally, can seek local co-funding or partnerships to support the event’s implementation.

Questions and contact information

For any question about hosting or the application process, please feel free to reach out to our Programmes Team at programmes@iglyo.org.