Applications are open for the Children and Youth Major Group to the United Nations Environment Programme (CYMG) Global Steering Committee 2026  inviting young environmental leaders to apply for positions within its Global Steering Committee and related working groups.

CYMG is a global platform representing youth networks, organisations and individuals working to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. As the formal youth engagement mechanism to UNEP, CYMG provides young people with opportunities to contribute to environmental governance, policy discussions and sustainable development processes.

The selected members will support CYMG's coordination, thematic and regional engagement, communications, community activities and working groups.

Available Positions

The open call covers several roles within the Global Steering Committee and related task forces.

Thematic Focal Points

CYMG is seeking applicants for the following thematic portfolios:

• Policy Coordination and UNEP Affairs – 2 positions
• Environmental Law & Rights – 1 position
• Green Economy and Resources – 1 position
• Climate Action – 1 position
• Sustainable Finance – 1 position
• Chemicals, Waste and Pollution – 2 positions

These roles involve coordinating youth engagement in relevant UNEP processes, environmental governance discussions, policy consultations and international environmental initiatives.

Regional Focal Points

Positions are also available for:

• West Asia – 1 position
• Europe – 1 position

Regional focal points will coordinate youth activities, connect members with environmental governance processes and support consultations, partnerships, capacity-building activities and UNEP regional initiatives.

Community and Communications Roles

The call also includes:

• Community Engagement Officers – 3 positions
• Communication Liaison Officers – 3 positions
• Graphic Designers – 3 positions

These roles will contribute to strengthening the CYMG community, improving communication and creating engaging visual content for digital and print platforms.

Environmental Law & Rights Task Force

Up to 10 members will be selected for the Task Force of the Environmental Law & Rights Working Group.

Task force members will support CYMG's engagement on environmental rule of law, multilateral environmental agreements, environmental human rights and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Time Commitment

Selected Steering Committee and Operations Team members are expected to contribute approximately 3 hours per week. The time commitment may increase during busy periods, including major UNEP processes, consultations and international meetings.

All positions are voluntary and unpaid.

What Participants Will Gain

The opportunity provides young environmental leaders with practical experience in:

• Environmental policy and governance
• Climate action
• Biodiversity conservation
• Circular economy and resource management
• Sustainable finance
• Environmental law and human rights
• Chemicals, waste and pollution
• Youth advocacy
• International environmental processes
• Communications and community engagement
• Regional coordination

Participants will also have opportunities to connect with other young environmental leaders and contribute to youth participation within the United Nations environmental system.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline which is 28 August 2026 and select positions that match their experience and interests.

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