Applications are open for the for the 2026 Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship Program at Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs

Spanning five months, this initiative unites a dynamic mix of young professionals working in clean energy and climate-related fields across developing nations.

Hosted by Yale’s International Leadership Center, the program selects 16 early- to mid-career practitioners from the Global South, offering them a platform to enhance technical expertise, expand global networks, and engage in dialogue with prominent leaders in climate and energy sectors.

Participants come from a broad range of backgrounds, including government, private sector, entrepreneurship, finance, academia, journalism, civil society, legal advisory, and policy-making.

Structured into three main segments over five months, the fellowship leverages Yale’s academic and professional resources, allowing fellows to collaborate with esteemed faculty and leading global experts on pressing climate and energy topics.

Admission is selective, with fellows chosen to reflect geographic diversity, varied career paths, and a rich mix of professional experiences and cultural perspectives.

Program Structure Overview

The five-month fellowship begins with a one-week, on-site orientation at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, scheduled for April 7–11, 2026. During this period, fellows will participate in engaging sessions with Yale’s leading academics and experts, exploring the university’s diverse climate initiatives and gaining insights into global climate discourse. Key Yale centers such as the Program on Climate Change Communication, the Center for Natural Carbon Capture, and the Office of Sustainability will be featured throughout the week.

Between May and July 2026, the fellowship transitions to a virtual learning phase. During this segment, fellows will interact with renowned global specialists through thematic online workshops focused on critical climate and energy topics. These may include global climate governance, decarbonization strategies, scaling up renewables, promoting innovation, enabling behavioral shifts, and improving energy access. Fellows will also examine issues like climate finance, carbon markets, regulatory frameworks, energy security, and methane reduction, among others.

The fellowship concludes in Paris from September 15–19, 2026. Participants will convene in person to reflect on their learning experiences, strengthen connections, and engage with key actors from institutions such as the International Energy Agency, the OECD, and various public and private organizations. Fellows will present tailored policy proposals addressing climate and energy challenges to a distinguished advisory panel and remain connected through a lasting alumni network.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship. The application deadline for the 2026 Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship is August 1, 2025.