Applications are open for the Australia Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue, taking place in October 2025. Hosted by UNICEF Australia and UNICEF Pacific, in collaboration with The Australian National University’s Department of Pacific Affairs and Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions, and Western Sydney University’s Young and Resilient Research Centre, the Dialogue is a three-day event in Canberra that brings together youth climate leaders from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. The gathering aims to strengthen connections, foster knowledge sharing, and engage with decision-makers ahead of COP30 in Brazil and a potential COP31 hosted by Australia in partnership with the Pacific.

Young people play a leading role in climate action, serving as campaigners, lawyers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and first responders. The Dialogue provides an opportunity to shape intergenerational climate action in a region at the forefront of both climate challenges and solutions. The event is supported by the Bridging Hope Charity Foundation, whose work in the arts and mental health emphasizes youth empowerment and wellbeing. By promoting creativity and resilience through cultural engagement, the foundation’s mission aligns with the shared vision of an inclusive and sustainable future for the next generation.

Youth under 25 make up one-third of Australia’s population and half of the Pacific’s population under 35. Despite being disproportionately affected by climate change and demonstrating strong leadership in solutions, young voices are often underrepresented in climate policymaking at national and multilateral levels. The Dialogue seeks to address this by ensuring youth perspectives are central to discussions and planning.

The program, co-designed by a Youth Steering Committee and experts from partner institutions, will include peer-to-peer learning, professional masterclasses, agenda-setting, and opportunities for advocacy with climate decision-makers. Participants will also explore each other’s contexts, cultures, and priorities, building strong regional connections and engaging in meaningful conversations with stakeholders. The activities and themes are informed by participant feedback and the co-design process, aiming to create a foundation for cross-national youth-led climate action into 2026 and beyond.

Participation offers a chance to strengthen youth networks, share expertise, learn from peers, and engage directly with decision-makers ahead of COP30 and a potential COP31. The Dialogue runs from Monday, 27 October to Wednesday, 29 October in Canberra. In preparation, participants must complete the ICEDS Climate Essentials professional short course, delivered online at no cost. The course consists of six 1.5-hour sessions over three weeks, from 29 September to 19 October, with detailed schedules and Zoom links provided closer to the dates.

Accommodation, flights, local transport, visa costs, and meals are fully covered, ensuring participants have no out-of-pocket expenses. Attendance is highly competitive. Eligible applicants include youth aged 18-29 as of 18 August 2025 with valid passports through at least June 2026, residing in Australia, New Zealand, or Pacific countries and territories. Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 7 September 2025, with outcomes communicated by 19 September 2025.

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