Applications are open for the Young Ambassadors Society (YAS) Climate Diplomacy Training Programme, an opportunity for young people to strengthen their understanding of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and develop practical skills in climate diplomacy.

The programme is designed to help participants better understand how international climate negotiations work and engage more meaningfully as observers during the UN climate process. Participants who successfully complete the training will have the opportunity to join the YAS Online Delegation for COP31, scheduled to take place from 9–20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye.

About the Programme

The UNFCCC provides the framework through which countries negotiate collective responses to climate change, including implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Recognising the technical nature of these negotiations, YAS has introduced the Climate Diplomacy Training Programme to equip young people with knowledge of UNFCCC mechanisms and practical climate diplomacy skills.

The programme will combine interactive learning with engagement from climate science experts and professionals working in climate diplomacy.

What Participants Will Learn

The training will provide participants with a stronger understanding of:

• UNFCCC mechanisms and processes
• International climate negotiations
• Climate diplomacy
• Climate policy and decision-making
• Climate science and its connection to negotiations
• The role of observers in UNFCCC processes
• International climate governance
• Effective participation in global climate discussions

COP31 Online Delegation

Successful completion of the training programme will provide selected participants with the opportunity to become part of the YAS COP31 Online Delegation.

COP31 will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9 to 20 November 2026. Participants in the online delegation will be divided into four thematic working groups and will monitor selected COP31 sessions.

The COP31 period will require a higher level of commitment because sessions will take place throughout the day.

Participation in the programme may also serve as an entry point into broader YAS opportunities, including potential progression toward Senior Delegate roles at future international summits.

Programme Structure

The training programme is expected to run from early October through the end of November 2026.

Participants can expect a maximum of one interactive webinar per week, generally scheduled after 6:00 PM CEST, alongside online masterclasses and offline activities.

The expected commitment is approximately 4 hours per week, although the workload will increase during the COP31 period.

Participants are expected to communicate their availability in advance if they are unable to attend training activities or COP31 sessions.

Important Dates

• Application deadline: Sunday, 13 September 2026
• Deadline time: 23:59 CEST / Italian time
• Training period: Early October – end of November 2026
• COP31: 9–20 November 2026
• COP31 location: Antalya, Türkiye

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 13 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST