Scholarship Overview
What Is the CGAD Global Forum?
The CGAD Global Forum is an international conference that brings together delegates from around the world for professional development, networking, and institutional exposure. The forum offers several participation packages designed to accommodate different financial circumstances, from fully funded scholarships to self-funded attendance options.
Available Funding Packages
The forum operates five distinct tiers. Each tier is covered by a single application, with selection determining which package you receive.
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Fully Funded Package
This is the most comprehensive option. It includes:
- Round-trip airfare support
- Twin-shared accommodation
- QR-code stamped visa invitation letter
- All meals during the forum
- Forum materials and delegate kit
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunity at the forum
- Workshop and session access
- Institutional visit to UN, WTO, WHO or CERN
- Official CGAD certificate
Partially Funded Package
This package covers your stay but requires you to arrange your own airfare. It includes:
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- Twin-shared accommodation
- QR-code stamped visa invitation letter
- All meals during the forum
- Forum materials and delegate kit
- Cultural exchange activities
- Speaking opportunity at the forum
- Workshop and session access
- Institutional visit to UN, WTO, WHO or CERN
- Official CGAD certificate
Funded Forum Access Programme
This entry-level funded option covers programme participation only. You arrange both airfare and accommodation. Benefits include:
- QR-code stamped visa invitation letter
- All meals during the forum
- Forum materials and delegate kit
- Cultural exchange activities
- Global networking opportunities
- Workshop and session access
- Institutional visit to UN, WTO, WHO or CERN
- Official CGAD certificate
Self-Funded Options
For those not selected for funded packages, two paid options exist:
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Most Complete ($849): Limited to 40 seats. Includes twin-shared accommodation, visa invitation letter, all meals, speaking opportunity, materials, cultural exchange, workshop access, institutional visit, and official certificate.
Forum Access ($449): Limited to 40 passes. Includes session access, visa invitation letter, panel participation, speaking opportunity, networking, meals, cultural exchange, institutional visit, and certificate. You arrange your own accommodation.
Standalone Invitation Letter Service ($99)
This is an add-on service, not a participation package. It provides:
- QR-code stamped CGAD invitation letter
- Official confirmation letter
- Confirmation email to the embassy
- Visa application guidance
- Option to upgrade to a full package
Who Should Apply?
The CGAD Global Forum suits African applicants, including those from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, who seek:
- International exposure to multilateral institutions
- Professional networking opportunities
- Speaking and presentation experience
- Cultural exchange in a global setting
- Certification for career development
The tiered structure means applicants at different financial levels can participate. Those with limited resources can aim for the fully funded tier, while others may opt for self-funded packages if not selected.
Institutional Visits
A distinguishing feature of all packages is the institutional visit. Delegates visit one of four major international organisations:
- UN: United Nations headquarters or offices
- WTO: World Trade Organisation
- WHO: World Health Organisation
- CERN: European Organisation for Nuclear Research
These visits provide firsthand exposure to global governance and technical institutions, valuable for careers in international relations, public health, trade policy, or scientific research.
Application Process
The research indicates a single application covers all funding tiers. Selection determines which package you are offered. The process appears to involve:
- Submit one application through the official portal
- Indicate your participation preferences if prompted
- Await selection notification
- If selected for a funded tier, receive package details and visa support
- If not selected for funding, choose whether to purchase a self-funded package
For the standalone invitation letter, there appears to be a separate purchase process.
Visa Support
All packages except the basic Forum Access pass include a QR-code stamped visa invitation letter. This is particularly valuable for African applicants from Zimbabwe and other SADC countries who often face visa challenges for European or Swiss destinations. The letter includes official confirmation to embassies and guidance for the application process.
What to Expect
Forum activities include:
- Plenary sessions and panel discussions
- Workshops with practical skill development
- Cultural exchange programming
- Networking events with global delegates
- Speaking slots for all package tiers except the standalone invitation letter
Preparing Your Application
While specific eligibility criteria are not published in the research, competitive applicants typically demonstrate:
- Clear motivation for international engagement
- Relevant academic or professional background
- Commitment to applying forum learning in their home context
- Strong communication skills for speaking opportunities
Given the limited seats in self-funded tiers (40 each), early application is advisable.
Costs for Self-Funded Applicants
Zimbabwean and SADC applicants considering self-funding should budget:
- $849 for accommodation-inclusive package, plus airfare
- $449 for forum access only, plus airfare and accommodation
- $99 for invitation letter only, plus all other costs
Additional costs may include travel insurance, personal expenses, and any visa fees not covered by the invitation letter service.