Student Voices with Global Impact
We believe young people have the power to shape the world around them.
At ISZL, that belief takes form in Youth Forum Switzerland (YFS) — a student-led initiative that brings together the leaders of tomorrow with the changemakers of today.
YFS is more than just an event. It’s a platform, a community, and a call to action. Founded by students and driven by their ideas, YFS empowers young people to speak up on the issues that matter — from climate change and human rights to the future of technology — and to do so with clarity, purpose, and courage.
How It All Began
A highlight event for our community, Youth Forum Switzerland (YFS) was founded by ISZL students who, after attending the World Economic Forum’s Open Forum in Davos, saw the need for a space where young people could not only be heard, but truly listened to.
Since its launch in 2017, YFS has grown into an international platform that brings together thousands of students from across Switzerland and Europe for a day of thought-provoking panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and conversations with global leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Each year, it highlights the issues shaping our future and creates space for students to connect, reflect, and lead with fresh ideas.
Learning by Leading
YFS is entirely student-led, with Grade 11 and 12 students taking ownership of every aspect of the event, from inviting speakers and shaping the programme to leading communications and coordinating logistics.
This hands-on experience is more than just event planning. It’s a chance for students to lead with purpose, work collaboratively, and develop real-world skills in organisation, public speaking, media engagement, and strategic thinking.
Just as importantly, it empowers them to step confidently into their roles as global citizens, contributing to the conversations that are shaping our world and inspiring others to do the same.
YFS Through the Years
- 2018: The inaugural Youth Forum Switzerland takes place, inspired by ISZL student experience at the WEF Open Forum. The event focuses on youth engagement in global challenges.
- 2019: The forum expands its themes and brings in expert voices on innovation, equity, and sustainability.
- 2020: YFS draws over 1,000 student participants and features high-profile speakers from diverse sectors.
- 2021–2024: The forum continues to evolve with sessions on climate action, social justice, digital ethics, and the future of education.
- 2025: YFS celebrates its 8th anniversary with renewed energy, offering students a platform to lead and be heard.
Our Annual Forum Running Since 2018
Turning Ideas to Impact
Through YFS, ISZL students aren’t just inspired to act, they’re equipped to lead real change. In line with the forum’s strong focus on sustainability, the YFS team has launched a series of initiatives aimed at reducing the school’s environmental impact and moving toward a carbon-negative future.
From cutting waste on campus to running textbook resale programmes, these student-led efforts are helping ISZL take important steps toward becoming one of the first zero-waste, carbon-negative schools in the world.
Building Skills for What's Next
YFS reflects the kind of learning ISZL values most: student-driven, relevant to the world around us, and rooted in a strong sense of community. It’s a space where ideas are explored, voices are heard, and leadership evolves from being a concept to becoming a lived experience.
