Join the YOUNGO LENS 1st Cohort – Learning-to-Action Programme on Loss and Damage
Applications are open for the first cohort of YOUNGO LENS (Learning, Equity, Negotiation & Solutions), a new learning-to-action initiative led by the YOUNGO Loss and Damage Working Group, the official children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with support from UNICEF.
The initiative is designed for young people who want to strengthen their understanding of Loss and Damage and develop practical skills for engaging in climate policy, advocacy, negotiations and community action.
About YOUNGO LENS
YOUNGO LENS is the flagship learning-to-action initiative of the YOUNGO Loss and Damage Working Group. It brings together young leaders, advocates, researchers, students, negotiators and practitioners interested in the growing Loss and Damage agenda.
The programme goes beyond classroom-style learning by connecting knowledge with opportunities for meaningful engagement and action. Participants will explore how Loss and Damage processes work while considering how they can apply their knowledge within national, local and community contexts.
Key areas covered through the programme include climate science and evidence, equity and climate justice, governance, Loss and Damage finance, negotiations, advocacy and practical solutions.
Participants will also have opportunities to connect with experts, researchers, negotiators, practitioners and other young people working on Loss and Damage.
Programme Themes
The learning journey will explore a range of topics, including:
- Understanding Loss and Damage
- Loss and Damage, Equity and Climate Justice
- Loss and Damage Governance – WIM and Santiago Network
- Loss and Damage Finance and FRLD
- Science, Evidence and Community Perspectives
- Loss and Damage Negotiations and Youth Engagement
- Advocacy, Policy Engagement and Solutions
- From Learning to Action
Priority for Underrepresented and Frontline Communities
Young people from underrepresented and climate-vulnerable communities are particularly encouraged to apply.
This includes applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Indigenous communities, rural and remote communities, displaced communities, persons with disabilities and other marginalized or frontline communities.
Programme Format
LENS will be delivered through an interactive online format, combining learning sessions, discussions, learning resources, reflection and collaborative activities.
The programme is designed to connect learning with ongoing youth policy and advocacy processes, giving participants opportunities to translate their knowledge into practical engagement and action.
Programme Timeline
Application Deadline: 23 September 2026, 11:59 PM UTC
Selection Results: To be announced
Programme Period: To be announced
Format: Online interactive sessions, discussions, learning resources, reflection and collaborative activities
Important Application Note
Applicants are expected to submit responses that reflect their own experiences, motivations, perspectives and reflections.
YOUNGO states that AI-generated answers will not be accepted and may lead to disqualification. Applicants should therefore ensure that their application responses genuinely represent their own voice and experiences.
Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 23 September 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC.
Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.
Additional Information
- Build a stronger understanding of Loss and Damage, its governance and its climate justice dimensions
- Explore major Loss and Damage processes and institutions, including the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM), Santiago Network and Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD)
- Understand the role of science, evidence, economic and non-economic losses, and community perspectives
- Develop practical knowledge of youth engagement, policy processes, advocacy and climate negotiations
- Learn directly from experts, negotiators, researchers, practitioners and youth leaders
- Connect their learning with ongoing children and youth policy and advocacy processes
- Develop ideas for applying their knowledge in their national, local or community contexts
- Join a growing network of young people engaged in the Loss and Damage agenda
Applicants should:
- Be 18–35 years old
- Have an interest in or experience related to climate justice, Loss and Damage, adaptation, resilience, disaster response, human rights, policy advocacy, research or community action
- Be interested in strengthening their engagement with Loss and Damage processes, climate policy, advocacy or community-based action
- Be able to commit approximately 3–4 hours per week throughout the programme
- Have conversational proficiency in English
- Have reliable internet access for online sessions and activities
- Previous experience in climate, policy, advocacy, research, humanitarian, development or justice-related work is preferred but not mandatory.
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