Headway Institute of Strategic AllianceReviews of headwayinstitute.org

Total Scam! I repeat, SCAAAAAAM. Don't fall for this SCAAAAM. Just like the so-called Center for Diplomatic Advancement, they are a total Scam. They have no certifications of any academic, political nor social sort. The first red flag you will find is that for the payment of the application fee, there is a random and dodgy overseas account that will receive the money. Unbelievable that scammers like this still exist in society. Don't fall for this Scam.

Paid registration fee for Global Youth Festival 2026. Withdrew my application on July 27 — before any decision was made. Requested refund. Organizer refused, citing non-refundable policy despite no service being delivered. No evaluation, no benefit, no value received. Disputing through my bank. Be cautious before paying.

One word to summarise my experience with HISA IVF 4.0 edition: Disappointment. Here's the breakdown of my experience and observations: 1. The overall management of the forum was sub-par and visibly amateur, with many questionable policies in place, such as asking for "only cash" fee and trying to levi late fee for late documentation, even when the visa process is not in participants' control, instead of acknowledging that, the HISA sought it as an opportunity to cash more amount from participants. Or the fact that during the application phase, a city tour was highlighted in the agenda, which was removed from the agenda once u had ur fee from the applicants. Another very disturbing aspect of forum, this has been showcased as 4 days forum right from the beginning, leading applicants to believe that we are investing our time and money into a forum which will engage us in international collaborative brainstorming on pressing challenges and other activities spanning across 4 days, but in reality it was only 2 days and that too just lectures, with virtually no activities, like we got transported to school lecture halls !! 2. Interacting with participants there and finding out many of them were on fully funded scholarships, even though they didn't seem to need financial support as they were coming from relatively nearby countries and were themselves expats. Which led to the question, what exactly was the criteria for scholarships? 3. Whoever put together the planner for the conference, didn't really get the idea of what such forums are all about, but then since this planner was approved by the management itself, put the problem right at the systemic level with this forum and the organiser HISA. The "opening ceremony" , the back to back pointless, just so basic lectures continuing till the last day... no introductory activities for participants, no working brainstorming sessions, no cultural introductions or exposure to the country you brought all of us to, not even reflections and feedback at the end of it all !!! What exactly was your purpose of this gathering- checking countries from every continent and expanding your "event management" portfolio? 4. Even the quality of lectures or speeches was so basic, clear indication of you didn't study who your targetted audience will be, for whom u needed to plan your engagement and sessions. This was supposedly a "youth" gathering, by definition youth are the most dynamic , vibrant, innovative, non-nonsense, get-to-the-point section of population and all you could deliver for them was unproductive baseless lectures from mostly senior citizens who could have been prepared ahead to upskill their delivery in more youth friendly conversational, inviting style of sessions, if the organisers played their role as facilitators. 5. I'm a working professional with years of experience in volunteering and not just attending but delivering at international conferences and workshops, I didn't see even a minute of that forum which was relevant or productive for me. And just like , there many other professionals there, who I believe will resonate my observation. The organiser knew my background during selection process, why wasn't I informed ahead that this forum is only for early stage volunteers, and can offer professionals like us absolutely nothing! I wonder if the early stage volunteers or students gained anything out of this forum. All I see that I have utterly wasted my money on this forum.

The committe is unprofessional. The presentation from the committee is too basic for professional's interest to join in this event. There are no simulation of UN youth SDGs and there is no substantial relate to SDGs' concept

Self funded my spot and they are refusing to give me a refund, despite the fact that I qualify for one under their refund policy. Absolute scam. Do not trust them. Calling my bank tomorrow.

This organization is a scam, asking Envy tax 150 dollars and you have to pay in cash which is absolutely ridiculous, promised something which never happens! Don’t waste your time and your money for this scammers.

Scam, run for your life