Inspiring Voices, Igniting Action, Creating Impact
International Volunteer Forum 3.0
The International Volunteer Forum 2025 is a global gathering of volunteers, youth leaders, and changemakers, set to take place in Istanbul, Turkey from 14th to 17th August 2025. The event will feature workshops, cultural exchanges, and leadership sessions, aiming to empower young voices and promote community-driven social impact worldwide.
- August 14–17, 2025
- Istanbul, Turkey
Join Global Changemakers in Istanbul.
A Global Gathering of Visionaries, Volunteers, and Leaders
Are you ready to be part of one of the world’s most impactful gatherings of changemakers, volunteers, and emerging leaders? The International Volunteer Forum (IVF) returns for its third and most dynamic edition yet — hosted in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, a city where East meets West and history meets progress. From August 14–17, 2025, join us for a transformative 4-day experience that unites changemakers, volunteers, thought leaders, and policy influencers from around the globe.
Organized by the Headway Institute of Strategic Alliance (HISA), IVF 2025 will once again provide a world-class platform for ambitious youth and community leaders to engage in thought-provoking discussions, immersive learning experiences, and collaborative action for global good.
200+ Participants per Conference
Why Attend?
Program Benefits
This isn’t just another conference. This is a launchpad for leadership, a global classroom, and a celebration of impact.
- Engage with experts from UN bodies, global NGOs, and academic institutions
- Build lifelong networks with changemakers from over 50 countries
- Present your ideas, initiatives, and innovations in a supportive, solution-driven environment
- Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Istanbul while sharing yours with the world
What to Expect:
Keynote Speeches by Global Policy Experts & Humanitarians
Panel talks on volunteer work and global growth.
Interactive Capacity-Building Workshops
Networking & Cultural Exchange Sessions
Networking & Cultural Exchange Sessions
Choose Your Path to Join This Global Movement
Participation Categories
Fully Funded
Includes :
- Round-trip international airfare
- 4-star accommodation
- Meals during the forum
- IVF merchandise and welcome kit
- Participation certificate
- Access to all sessions, workshops & cultural segments
- Istanbul city tour
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunities
- Visa Supporting Letter
$250
Forum Access
Includes :
- Meals during the forum
- IVF merchandise and welcome kit
- Participation certificate
- Access to all sessions, workshops & cultural segments
- Istanbul city tour
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunities
- Visa Support Letter
$650
Self-Funded
Includes :
- 4-star accommodation
- Meals during the forum
- IVF merchandise and welcome kit
- Participation certificate
- Access to all sessions, workshops & cultural segments
- Istanbul city tour
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunities
- Visa Support Letter
Choose Your Path to Join This Global Movement
Participation Categories
$ 20
Fully Funded Scholarships
Includes :
- Round-trip international airfare
- 4-star accommodation
- Meals during the forum
- VIP airport transfers
- Participation certificate
- IVF merchandise and welcome kit
$ $$
Partially Funded Scholarships
Includes :
- Shared accommodation
- Meals during the forum
- Forum access
- Invitation letter for visa application
- Participation certificate
- IVF merchandise and welcome kit
$150
Forum Access Passes
Includes :
- Access to all forum sessions
- Networking lunch and refreshments
- Opportunity to present initiatives
- Invitation letter for visa application
- Participation certificate
- IVF merchandise and welcome kit
$ 600
Self-Funded
Includes :
- Guaranteed access to the forum
- 4-star shared accommodation
- Meals during the forum
- Invitation letter for visa application
- Participation certificate
- IVF merchandise and welcome kit
Who Should Apply?
Become a Catalyst for Global Change
The International Volunteer Forum (IVF) 2025 is more than just an event—it’s a global movement of passionate individuals who believe in the power of collective action. If you’re someone who dreams of a better world and takes steps to make it happen, this is your call to connect, learn, and lead.
- Exchange ideas with visionaries from 100+ countries.
- Gain hands-on skills from world-class workshops.
- Amplify your impact through a powerful global network.
This is where passion meets purpose.
Eligibility Criteria:
Young Leaders, Volunteers, and Social Impact Professionals
Community Development, Sustainability, and Youth Empowerment
University Students and Working Professionals
Applicants Must Be 15 Years or Above
Open to applicants from all nationalities
- Deadline to apply:
- June 30, 2025
Choose Your Path to Join This Global Movement
Selection Criteria
We are looking for driven, passionate, and purpose-led individuals who are committed to creating a positive impact through volunteerism, advocacy, and leadership. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, a social entrepreneur, or an experienced volunteer — if you’re ready to lead change, IVF 2025 is for you.
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following key criteria:
Leadership Potential
Includes :
- Demonstrated ability to lead initiatives, teams, or community projects.
- Proven involvement in civic engagement, volunteerism, or youth empowerment activities.
Passion for Social Impact
Includes :
- A strong commitment to advancing social causes, sustainability, education, public health, peacebuilding, or other areas of development.
- Genuine interest in contributing to global discussions and collaborative efforts.
Clarity of Purpose
Includes :
- Clearly articulated motivation for joining IVF 2025.
- Alignment between personal goals and the vision of the forum.
Communication Skills
Includes :
- Ability to express ideas clearly and confidently in English (spoken and written).
- Engaging storytelling and presentation of one’s background and achievements.
Diversity & Inclusion
Includes :
- We encourage applications from individuals of all nationalities, backgrounds, and abilities.
- Special consideration will be given to underrepresented regions and communities to ensure a globally inclusive experience.
Potential for Impact
Includes :
- Likelihood of applying the knowledge and network gained at IVF to launch or expand impactful initiatives at local, national, or international levels.
Note: Applicants are not required to have prior international experience or academic excellence — we are focused on your dedication, vision, and potential to contribute meaningfully to the world around you.
Inspiring Talks. Bold Ideas.
Voices of Change: The IVF Podcast
Stories of impact, trust, and success.
Event Success Stories from Our Alumni
What Our Alumni Says
Lord Justice Okanta Kumi
Multidisciplinary Project Manager
Kofi Gyau-Kyereh
Youth Diplomat
Suvethasree P U
ASU Learning Enterprise
Gabriela Williams
International Relations Concentration
Jaeda McDonald
Future Diplomats Forum Delegate
Kateryna Ostrovska
MD, Lean Green Belt
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The International Volunteer Forum is a global platform that brings together young leaders, changemakers, and volunteers from around the world to discuss innovative solutions to global challenges, enhance leadership skills, and build meaningful collaborations to drive social impact.
The 3rd Edition of IVF will be held from August 14–17, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Anyone from around the world aged 15 years or above with a strong interest in volunteerism, leadership, or social impact can apply. You don’t need to be a student or have prior international experience — just passion and commitment!
Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of $9.99 for all applicants.
Fully funded delegates will receive:
- Round-trip international airfare
- 4-star accommodation
- Meals during the forum
- IVF merchandise and welcome kit
- Participation certificate
- Access to all sessions, workshops & cultural segments
- Istanbul city tour
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunities
- Visa Support Letter
Forum Access Pass holders (50 selected applicants) will:
- Attend all forum activities and workshops
- Receive a participation certificate
- Get IVF merchandise and meals during forum hours
- Enjoy full access to networking and cultural exchange activities
Note: Travel and accommodation are not covered under this category.
A total of 150 participants will be selected:
- 30 Fully Funded Scholarships
- 70 Partially Funded Seats
- 50 Forum Access Passes
Delegates will be selected based on:
- Leadership experience and potential
- Passion for social change and volunteerism
- Clarity of purpose and motivation
- Communication skills
- Diversity and global representation
Yes. If selected, you may need to apply for a Turkish visa depending on your country of residence. HISA will provide an official invitation letter to assist you with the visa application process.
Yes, all selected participants will receive a formal Invitation Letter and Visa Assistance Guide. However, obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the applicant.
The deadline to submit your application is June 30, 2025. We highly recommend applying early to increase your chances of selection.
All selected delegates will be informed via official email by late July. Make sure to provide accurate contact details in your application.
Yes! Alumni are welcome to apply again, especially if they’ve continued contributing to community or volunteer efforts since their last participation.
The application portal will be available soon on our official website. Stay tuned to our social media platforms for the announcement and link.
Yes! As long as you're 15 years or older, you are eligible to apply—whether you’re a school student, college student, or young professional. We encourage passionate youth from all backgrounds to join.
Yes, you can apply without a passport. However, if selected, you will need to obtain a valid passport as soon as possible to proceed with your visa application and travel arrangements.
You do not need to be perfectly fluent, but you should have basic conversational English skills, as all sessions and communications will be conducted in English.
Yes, multiple people from the same school, organization, or country can apply. However, each person must submit their own individual application.
Yes! All participants—whether Fully Funded or Forum Access Pass holders—will receive an official Certificate of Participation from HISA.
Fully Funded delegates are chosen based on the strength of their application, leadership experience, passion for volunteerism, and potential for future impact.
No. Selection is non-transferable. If you’re selected and can’t attend, your slot will be offered to someone on the waiting list.
Travel insurance is not covered under the Fully Funded package. Participants are encouraged to arrange their own travel insurance for safety and peace of mind.
Selected delegates will receive a detailed pre-departure guide with a packing list, travel tips, and other important information to help them prepare.
Follow HISA and IVF on our official social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) and regularly check your email for updates.
The International Volunteer Forum is a global platform that brings together young leaders, changemakers, and volunteers from around the world to discuss innovative solutions to global challenges, enhance leadership skills, and build meaningful collaborations to drive social impact.
The 3rd Edition of IVF will be held from August 14–17, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Anyone from around the world aged 15 years or above with a strong interest in volunteerism, leadership, or social impact can apply. You don’t need to be a student or have prior international experience — just passion and commitment!
Yes, there is a non-refundable application fee of $9.99 for all applicants.
Fully funded delegates will receive:
- Round-trip international airfare
- 4-star accommodation
- Meals during the forum
- IVF merchandise and welcome kit
- Participation certificate
- Access to all sessions, workshops & cultural segments
- Istanbul city tour
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunities
- Visa Support Letter
Forum Access Pass holders (50 selected applicants) will:
- Attend all forum activities and workshops
- Receive a participation certificate
- Get IVF merchandise and meals during forum hours
- Enjoy full access to networking and cultural exchange activities
Note: Travel and accommodation are not covered under this category.
A total of 150 participants will be selected:
- 30 Fully Funded Scholarships
- 70 Partially Funded Seats
- 50 Forum Access Passes
Delegates will be selected based on:
- Leadership experience and potential
- Passion for social change and volunteerism
- Clarity of purpose and motivation
- Communication skills
- Diversity and global representation
Yes. If selected, you may need to apply for a Turkish visa depending on your country of residence. HISA will provide an official invitation letter to assist you with the visa application process.
Yes, all selected participants will receive a formal Invitation Letter and Visa Assistance Guide. However, obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the applicant.
The deadline to submit your application is June 30, 2025. We highly recommend applying early to increase your chances of selection.
All selected delegates will be informed via official email by late July. Make sure to provide accurate contact details in your application.
Yes! Alumni are welcome to apply again, especially if they’ve continued contributing to community or volunteer efforts since their last participation.
The application portal will be available soon on our official website. Stay tuned to our social media platforms for the announcement and link.
Yes! As long as you're 15 years or older, you are eligible to apply—whether you’re a school student, college student, or young professional. We encourage passionate youth from all backgrounds to join.
Yes, you can apply without a passport. However, if selected, you will need to obtain a valid passport as soon as possible to proceed with your visa application and travel arrangements.
You do not need to be perfectly fluent, but you should have basic conversational English skills, as all sessions and communications will be conducted in English.
Yes, multiple people from the same school, organization, or country can apply. However, each person must submit their own individual application.
Yes! All participants—whether Fully Funded or Forum Access Pass holders—will receive an official Certificate of Participation from HISA.
Fully Funded delegates are chosen based on the strength of their application, leadership experience, passion for volunteerism, and potential for future impact.
No. Selection is non-transferable. If you’re selected and can’t attend, your slot will be offered to someone on the waiting list.
Travel insurance is not covered under the Fully Funded package. Participants are encouraged to arrange their own travel insurance for safety and peace of mind.
Selected delegates will receive a detailed pre-departure guide with a packing list, travel tips, and other important information to help them prepare.
Follow HISA and IVF on our official social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter) and regularly check your email for updates.
