Junior Chamber International (JCI) Europe has successfully concluded its 2026 JCI European Conference in Málaga, Spain, bringing together more than 1,100 young leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers representing over 36 nationalities from across Europe and beyond. Held from 29 April to 2 May 2026, the conference transformed the Mediterranean city into a hub of leadership, collaboration and international exchange.

The JCI European Conference is more than an event. It is a platform that connects young people committed to creating positive change in their communities through leadership development, entrepreneurship, international cooperation and social impact. Over four days, participants took part in keynote sessions, workshops, panel discussions, debating and public speaking competitions, networking activities and cultural exchanges designed to inspire action and foster collaboration across borders.

This year’s edition marked a significant milestone for the organisation as, for the first time, the event was organised directly by the JCI Headquarters rather than by a National Organisation. Switzerland, Finland and Germany emerged as the top-represented countries during the conference.

Among the keynote speakers were Felipe Paullier, UN Youth Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, who addressed delegates on the importance of youth leadership in shaping sustainable and inclusive societies, Monika Froehler, CEO of the Ban Ki-Moon Foundation, who shared insights on global responsibility and collaborative leadership, and Aleyna Sayin, Global President of AIESEC International, who spoke about empowering young people through international engagement and leadership opportunities.

One of the highlights of the conference was the official awards ceremony recognising outstanding projects, local organisations and individual members from across Europe. The awards celebrated excellence in leadership, entrepreneurship, sustainability, community impact and international cooperation.

Among the major recognitions presented during the conference, JCI Innerschwyz from Switzerland was named Most Outstanding Local Organisation, while Christoph Preisinger from JCI Switzerland received the award for Most Outstanding New Member. Laura Kotipohja from JCI Finland was recognised as Most Outstanding Local President, while Tuğçe Zipperer from JCI Germany received the award for Most Outstanding Member.

The Most Outstanding New Local Organisation award was presented to JCI Sibiu in Romania, while the Most Outstanding Local Project award went to JCI Çankaya in Türkiye for the “JCNetwork Business Circle” initiative. Other notable award-winning projects included “Peace Makers Academy” by JCI France, “Handispensables: tous indispensables” by JCI France, and the “19th Crossroads International Short Film Festival” by JCI Türkiye.

The conference also celebrated excellence in debating and public speaking competitions. JCI Netherlands won the English Debating Championship, JCI Switzerland secured both the French and German Debating Championships, while Katia Alexandrescu from JCI Romania was named Public Speaking Champion.

Beyond the conference programme, delegates also experienced Málaga’s culture, hospitality and vibrant atmosphere through a series of social and cultural activities designed to strengthen friendships and international connections among members.

During the closing ceremony, delegates looked ahead to the future of the organisation’s European gatherings. The next JCI European Conference will take place from 2 to 5 June 2027 in The Hague, Netherlands. It was also officially announced that the 2028 JCI European Conference will be hosted in Angers, France, under the name “Anjoy”.