Young people in with a strong interest in climate governance and international policy now have the opportunity to strengthen their expertise through the Youth Climate Negotiators Fellowship 2026. Developed by Youth for NDCs in partnership with UNICEF, the fellowship is designed to prepare a new generation of youth leaders to engage meaningfully in global climate negotiations and diplomacy.

The programme responds to the growing need for greater youth representation in international climate decision-making processes, including negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

About the Fellowship

The fellowship is a structured five-month learning journey that equips participants with the technical knowledge, negotiation skills, and policy understanding required to contribute to climate governance discussions at national and international levels.

A cohort of 15 young participants from across Bangladesh will be selected to take part in intensive training, mentorship, and practical learning experiences focused on climate diplomacy and negotiation processes.

Potential Opportunity to Attend COP31

Outstanding participants may be considered for support to attend COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, where they could engage directly with global climate discussions and help amplify youth perspectives in international forums.

Selection for COP31 participation will be based on performance and engagement throughout the fellowship.

Fellowship Focus Areas

Unlike general climate leadership programmes, this initiative is specifically designed for young people interested in:

• Climate diplomacy
• International climate negotiations
• Climate governance
• Public policy development
• Multilateral environmental agreements
• UNFCCC processes
• Global climate advocacy

Programme Components

Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage in:

Online Learning

Interactive sessions covering climate negotiations, international agreements, and diplomatic processes.

Specialized Negotiation Training

Focused learning tracks that allow participants to develop expertise in key negotiation areas.

Expert Mentorship

Guidance from national and international climate policy professionals and negotiators.

Residential Bootcamp

An immersive in-person experience designed to strengthen practical negotiation and leadership skills.

Policy Development

Hands-on exercises and collaborative projects aimed at producing policy-oriented outputs.

Consultation Opportunities

Engagement with national climate discussions and pre-COP consultation activities.

Why Apply?

The fellowship offers a valuable pathway for young people seeking to build careers and expertise in climate diplomacy, international negotiations, environmental policy, and global governance. Participants will gain practical insights into how climate agreements are shaped and how youth voices can contribute to these critical processes.

Young climate advocates, policy enthusiasts, and aspiring negotiators are encouraged to submit thoughtful and authentic applications before the deadline.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 15 June 2026.