Applications are open for a limited number of funding opportunities for young people to participate in the first-ever UN Youth Townhall, taking place in Heidelberg, Germany, from 8–10 December 2026.

Convened by the UN Youth Office with support from partners, the Townhall will bring together more than 1,000 young people, governments, UN representatives, civil society organizations, entrepreneurs, researchers and other stakeholders to strengthen youth participation in decision-making and develop practical pathways for action.

The UN Youth Office will provide support to a limited number of selected young people aged 18–35 to attend the event in person.

About the UN Youth Townhall

The UN Youth Townhall is a flagship initiative of the UN Youth Compass and builds on the UN Youth Strategy (Youth2030), the Pact for the Future and commitments on meaningful youth engagement.

Rather than focusing only on dialogue, the Townhall aims to turn conversations into concrete recommendations, partnerships and opportunities for action. Participants will have opportunities to exchange ideas with decision-makers and other young people while building connections that can continue beyond the event.

The programme will include:

• Intergenerational dialogue
• Fireside conversations
• Roundtable discussions
• Small-group sessions
• Networking and collaboration opportunities
• Showcases of youth initiatives and organizations
• Discussions on youth participation and decision-making

Selection will aim to ensure:

• Geographical diversity
• Gender balance
• Representation of underrepresented and marginalized youth
• Participation of young people from grassroots organizations
• Inclusion of young people with limited or no previous engagement with the United Nations

Preference will be given to applicants involved in grassroots organizations who have had limited or no previous opportunities to engage with the UN.

Who Is Encouraged to Apply?

The opportunity is particularly relevant to young leaders, youth advocates, community organizers, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers and representatives of youth-led organizations.

Young people from communities that are often underrepresented in international policy and decision-making spaces are especially encouraged to apply.

Why Participate?

Selected participants will have the opportunity to:

• Connect with more than 1,000 participants from around the world.
• Engage directly with governments, UN representatives and other decision-makers.
• Share perspectives and experiences from their communities.
• Contribute to discussions shaping the future of youth engagement.
• Develop partnerships with youth organizations and other stakeholders.
• Explore opportunities for continued collaboration after the Townhall.
• Strengthen their understanding of global youth policy and meaningful youth participation.

Applicants who have not received an update by 8 October 2026 should assume that their application was not successful.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 7 September 2026.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity