Young Caribbean professionals interested in climate change, sustainable development and global climate policy are invited to apply for the Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026, an opportunity to join the official Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) delegation at COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, taking place from 9 to 20 November 2026.

Supported by funding from the Caribbean Development Bank, the fellowship will select two young professionals from the Caribbean to participate in the UN climate change conference and gain first-hand experience of the international climate policy process. The selected fellows will have the opportunity to engage with climate experts, policymakers, development partners, advocates and other stakeholders from around the world while contributing to the Caribbean’s participation and visibility at COP31.

The fellowship is designed to help develop the next generation of Caribbean climate leaders by providing practical exposure to the UNFCCC process, mentorship, professional networking opportunities and insight into the regional climate priorities of CARICOM and the CCCCC.

Fellows will also be expected to make meaningful contributions to the Caribbean’s COP31 programme and help advance discussions around issues affecting the region.

The programme is particularly relevant to the Caribbean given the region’s vulnerability to climate change and the importance of international discussions on climate adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage and the Global Goal on Adaptation. These areas have significant implications for Caribbean Small Island Developing States and their long-term resilience.

To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old, be nationals of a CARICOM Member State and be affiliated with or work with a Caribbean-based organisation. Applicants should either be enrolled in tertiary education, employed or actively engaged in an organisation or initiative related to areas such as climate change, sustainable development, youth advocacy, research, communications, policy or public engagement.

Applications are particularly encouraged from young professionals associated with youth organisations, non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, private-sector organisations, public-sector institutions and other organisations working in climate, development or public engagement.

The two successful fellows will receive Blue Zone observer accreditation through the CCCCC’s COP31 quota. They will also be encouraged to seek accreditation through their respective national delegations, which could provide additional opportunities to observe negotiations and participate in country delegation activities where appropriate. The CCCCC may provide a supporting letter to governments upon request, although national delegation accreditation remains at the discretion of each government and is not guaranteed.

Even where national delegation accreditation is not obtained, selected fellows will retain Blue Zone observer access. This will allow them to attend plenary meetings, observer-accessible sessions, side events and activities taking place at the CARICOM Pavilion.

The Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship provides a valuable opportunity for young professionals to gain international experience, build networks within the global climate community and develop a deeper understanding of the processes shaping climate action while representing Caribbean perspectives on the global stage.

Deadline: 21 August 2026
Location: Antalya, Türkiye
Conference: COP31, 9–20 November 2026
Number of fellows: 2
Funding: Fully funded
Eligible applicants: Caribbean nationals aged 18–30 from CARICOM Member States

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