Applications are now open for the Youth COP 2026, an international climate negotiation simulation designed to give students the opportunity to experience global climate diplomacy.

The program is organized by Université Paris Cité (France), Universidade Federal do Ceará (Brazil), and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates).

Through this initiative, students from around the world will simulate negotiations of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP), gaining first-hand experience in multilateral climate diplomacy.

Participation in the program is free of charge and will take place fully online.

About Youth COP

The Youth COP aims to provide students with practical exposure to international climate negotiations by simulating the decision-making processes of global climate conferences.

Participants will strengthen their:

• Critical thinking
• Negotiation and diplomacy skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Conflict resolution abilities

Following the competition, selected participants will help draft a policy brief in partnership with the Youth COP Organizing Committee and LAB Transition, which is expected to be presented at COP31 in Antalya.

The official working language of the program is English.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for Youth COP 2026, applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in a higher education institution
• Be studying in a Bachelor’s degree (second year or higher), Master’s, or PhD program
• Be 30 years old or younger
• Be able to participate in activities conducted in English

Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply, including but not limited to:

• International Relations
• International Law
• Climate Change
• Public Policy
• Environmental Studies
• Other related fields

A total of 35 participants will be selected for the program.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Resume (Maximum 2 Pages)

The résumé should include:

• Contact information
• Academic background
• Distinctions and achievements
• Professional or academic experience
• Language proficiency
• Publications (if any)

2. One-Minute Video (in English)

Applicants must answer the question:

“Why are you interested in participating in the Youth COP?”

The video must be uploaded to a platform accessible via link (e.g., Google Drive or YouTube).

3. Proof of Enrollment

A document confirming enrollment in a university or higher education institution for the 2025/2026 academic year (preferably in English).

Selection Process

The 35 participants will be selected by the organizing committee based on:

• Global and regional representation
• Originality and motivation expressed in the video
• Gender diversity
• Academic background

Additional applicants may be placed on a waiting list in case selected participants withdraw.

Program Structure

Selected participants will take part in:

1. Training Webinars

Mandatory online training sessions will be held in May and June 2026 to prepare participants for the negotiation simulation.

2. Virtual Climate Negotiations

The Youth COP simulation will take place over two days:

27 – 28 June 2026

Participants will represent assigned countries and engage in negotiations across different sessions, including:

• Opening and final plenary sessions
• Thematic committees
• Regional group meetings
• Interest group discussions

Participants will work together to draft a negotiation outcome document reflecting consensus on key climate topics.

Negotiation Themes for Youth COP 2026

The discussions will focus on two major global issues:

• Coastal Resilience and Sustainable Tourism
• Critical Minerals and Artificial Intelligence Governance

Awards and Benefits

The two top-ranked participants will receive full sponsorship to attend **COP31 in Antalya in November 2026.

The sponsorship will include:

• Round-trip flight tickets
• Accommodation during the conference
• Per diem for daily expenses

Awardees may also have the opportunity to speak at a panel during COP31, depending on availability.

All participants will receive an official certificate of participation, while additional honorary awards will be granted to top-performing competitors.

Follow this link to read the rules:  YouthCOP Official rules 

Follow this link to apply: YouthCOP Application Form