Applications are now open for the 2027 International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Youth Forum, an international opportunity bringing together young people from around the world who are passionate about renewable energy, sustainability and the global transition towards cleaner energy systems. The forum will provide young leaders with an opportunity to exchange ideas, build international connections and contribute their perspectives to discussions shaping the future of energy.

The 2027 IRENA Youth Forum will take place under the theme “Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems.” The programme will explore the role young people can play in strengthening renewable energy systems, with discussions and activities focusing on modern electricity grids, energy storage, flexibility, innovation, policy, investment and the development of skills needed for the energy transition.

The main forum will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 6 to 7 January 2027, with selected participants also joining the closing session during the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly on 8 January. Youth-led activities will continue from 9 to 13 January, including engagement opportunities at the Youth Booth and Lounge and activities taking place during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

The opportunity is open to young people aged 18 to 35 from all countries. Applicants should be actively involved in renewable energy, sustainability, climate action, innovation or a related area and should be contributing to or leading a project, initiative, startup, research activity or advocacy effort connected to the energy transition. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a genuine commitment to creating positive change and an interest in collaborating with other young people and stakeholders to advance renewable energy solutions.

Selected participants will benefit from an international platform where they can engage with young leaders, policymakers, experts, businesses, researchers and representatives of international organisations working on renewable energy and sustainable development. The forum will provide opportunities to expand professional networks, exchange knowledge, strengthen leadership skills and gain greater exposure to international discussions surrounding the future of energy.

Up to 40 young participants will receive fully funded support to attend the forum. The funding package covers travel, accommodation and visa-related assistance, while there is no application or participation fee. Other successful applicants may also be invited to participate through partially funded or self-funded arrangements.

Interested young people are encouraged to submit an online Expression of Interest form in English before the application deadline. Applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time, with the selection results expected to be announced by 15 November 2026. The programme will be held in Abu Dhabi from 6 to 13 January 2027.

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