The Making of Youth Forum Switzerland 2026 (Podcast Episode)

What does it really take to lead a conference for more than 1,000 attendees?

In the latest episode of our award-winning ISZL Podcast, we follow Grade 12 student leaders Stella and Sibylle during the final week before Youth Forum Switzerland 2026 — a week filled with rehearsals, logistics meetings, venue set-ups, and more than a few nerves.

“I’ve personally had nightmares of messing up my opening,” Stella admits with a laugh. “Two days ago, I woke up and I was like, I swear I messed up my opening.”

On the surface, the event looked seamless. Behind the scenes, it was a different story. As lead organisers, the pair were not only managing their own stress, they were supporting the emotions of others.

There are a lot of people that count on us to kind of be pillars in terms of emotion,” Sibylle explains.

If they’re nervous, we can be there to comfort them… So I think even if we feel a bit nervous, we have to stay a bit more composed.

This year’s Forum unfolded against a particularly heavy backdrop. In early January, the ISZL community were grieving the tragic Crans-Montana fire, which deeply affected current and former members of our school. The team paused preparations to give space for students to process.

“You saw some people just completely shut down,” Stella reflects. “We obviously gave them that space.”

At the same time, others leaned into the work as a way to cope. “We had a few people come in and be like, can I please get something to do? Because I need something to distract myself,” Sibylle shares. “Everyone has their own way of dealing with it.”

The episode also revisits an earlier moment of uncertainty, when long-time YFS teacher leader Fabio Paron stepped down.

“When Mr. Paron first stepped down, we definitely thought this might not happen,” Stella says. “We were already panicking… and no one else knew. We had to panic in silence.”

Despite the challenges, the event came together — powered by more than 170 students across teams, alongside dedicated staff, and operations crews. On the day itself, there was a great sense of pride and momentum.

“I’ve seen so many people come together and actually start putting things together, working together,” Stella reflects.

Everyone seemed really excited, really motivated. And I think that motivation is starting to really show through and make it feel more real.

For Stella and Sibylle — who met in EY2 at age four — leading YFS was also very personal.

“We’re almost like siblings more than best friends,” Sibylle says.
“I feel like you’re a pillar for me,” Stella adds. “If I have a problem, I can always go back to Sibylle.”

As this chapter closes for them, their focus turns to the future of the Forum.

“Don’t shy away from your big ideas,” Stella says.

I hope we’ve left YFS in a place where there’s so much potential still to make it even bigger.

Listen to the full episode on The ISZL Podcast