UNU Fully Funded Climate Change Training 2026 — Global Applicants Welcome

UNU Fully Funded Climate Change Training 2026 — Global Applicants Welcome. Apply for the 2026 Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM) by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability — a fully funded climate and biodiversity training programme for undergraduate students worldwide, including COP participation opportunities.

The Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM) is a fully funded capacity development programme launched by UNU-IAS in partnership with the AEON Environmental Foundation. It empowers youth to design and lead solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability challenges.

Applications for the 2026 programme will open in April 2026. The programme is open to undergraduate students globally and is conducted fully online.

Programme Overview

The Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM) aims to:

Build youth leadership in climate and biodiversity action
Strengthen knowledge of global environmental policy (CBD COP, UNFCCC COP)
Equip participants with public speaking and international engagement skills
Foster networking among global youth leaders

The programme includes an intensive three-day online training, followed by a speech contest and continued engagement opportunities.

Programme Structure

1. Online Training + Speech Contest (3 Days)

Participants attend expert-led sessions covering:

Science of biodiversity and climate change
International policy processes (CBD COP & UNFCCC COP)
Synergies between climate, biodiversity and sustainable development
Youth participation in global environmental governance
Effective presentation skills for international conferences

On the final day, participants deliver a speech based on what they have learned. Awards are given to top presenters.

All eligible participants receive a certificate of participation.

2. International Conference Participation (Award Winners)

Top awardees may receive the opportunity to attend a UN Climate Conference, such as COP, where they:

Participate in side events
Engage with global stakeholders
Present reflections after returning

Travel support is provided for award recipients.

3. Follow-Up Outreach & Platform Participation

Participants are expected to:

Join outreach activities
Engage with alumni networks
Support future GYM initiatives
Contribute to global sustainability dialogue

Eligibility Criteria for UNU Fully Funded Climate Change Training 2026 — Global Applicants Welcome

Applicants must:

Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate programme (global applicants eligible)
Be proficient in English
Have reliable internet access and equipment
Be in good health and available for full participation
Have experience in or engagement with climate or biodiversity action
Not have previously participated in GYM
Not be funded by other schemes for COP participation

Applicants must agree to:

UNU data protection policies
UNU Code of Conduct
Image/audio/video use policies
Participation consent requirements

Programme Language

All sessions are conducted in English.

Fees and Funding

Participation is free.
Online training has no tuition cost.
Participants cover their own internet and equipment expenses.

For award recipients attending international conferences:

Round-trip airfare (economy class) covered
Accommodation, meals and local transportation allowances provided
Travel regulated under UNU guidelines

Participants must cover passport issuance and some upfront expenses (reimbursable upon submission of receipts).

Key Dates (2026 Cycle Expected Timeline)

Applications Open: April 2026
Application Deadline: Expected late May 2026
Online Training: Mid-year (dates to be confirmed)
Speech Contest: Final training day
Conference Participation: Later in the year (subject to schedule)

Exact dates will be confirmed when the 2026 call opens.

Award Categories

Best Performance Award (1 person)
- Invitation to participate in a UN Climate Conference
Runner-Up Award (1 person)
- Invitation to participate in a UN Climate Conference
Third Place (2 persons)
- Invitation to international conference(s) hosted by UNU-IAS

Certificate Requirements

To receive a certificate or award, participants must:

Attend all sessions
Actively participate in discussions
Keep video camera on during sessions
Maintain professional conduct
Submit required assignments
Respond promptly to secretariat communications

Why You Should Apply

This programme provides:

Fully funded global exposure
Direct engagement with international climate governance
Networking with global youth leaders
Practical knowledge of biodiversity and climate policy
Certificate from a United Nations University institute

For students passionate about sustainability and climate leadership, GYM offers an accessible pathway into international environmental dialogue.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the programme fully funded?

Yes. Participation is free. Award winners receive funded travel and allowances for international conference attendance.

2. Is it open to all countries?

Yes. Undergraduate students worldwide may apply.

3. Do I need a climate-related degree?

No. Students from any discipline are eligible if they demonstrate engagement in climate or biodiversity action.

4. Is this an online programme?

Yes. The core training is fully online.

5. How long is the training?

The intensive training lasts three days.

6. Do all participants attend COP?

No. Only selected award recipients receive funded conference participation.

Conclusion

The UNU Global Youth MIDORI Platform 2026 is a fully funded climate and biodiversity training opportunity for undergraduate students worldwide. With online expert-led sessions, a speech contest, and potential international conference participation, it provides a powerful platform for youth leadership in sustainability.

If you are passionate about climate change and biodiversity action, prepare to apply when the April 2026 call opens.

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