Apply for the Global Youth Climate Training Programme 2026: Free Online Climate Policy and Advocacy Training for Young Leaders

Young people passionate about climate action have an exciting opportunity to deepen their knowledge and strengthen their advocacy skills through the Global Youth Climate Training Programme (GYCT) 2026. Designed for individuals aged 16 to 35, this free online programme offers expert-led training on international climate policy, negotiations, and practical climate advocacy.

The programme aims to empower the next generation of climate leaders by providing accessible, high-quality learning opportunities for young people from around the world. Applications are now open, with the deadline set for 10 August 2026 at 23:59 BST.

About the Global Youth Climate Training Programme

The Global Youth Climate Training Programme is a fully online capacity-development initiative created to help young people better understand the global climate governance landscape and develop the skills needed to advocate for meaningful climate action.

Whether participants are students, youth activists, nonprofit professionals, researchers, or simply passionate about environmental sustainability, the programme offers valuable insights into international climate processes and equips participants to contribute effectively to climate conversations in their communities and beyond.

The programme is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to participants worldwide without the need for travel.

What Participants Can Expect

The 2026 edition of the programme features four expert-led online sessions scheduled to take place between 2 September and 22 September 2026.

These sessions will focus on key aspects of international climate policy and advocacy, offering participants the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and climate experts.

The sessions will:

• Be delivered in English.
• Include closed captions for accessibility.
• Offer selected live interpretation, including Spanish.
• Be recorded and made publicly available after the programme.

In addition to the main training sessions, 20 selected participants will be invited to take part in a specialized three-session pathway led by alumni from GYC and YNA negotiators.

These advanced sessions will run from 29 September to 13 October 2026 and will:

• Be conducted online.
• Be delivered in English with closed captions.
• Not include live interpretation.
• Not be recorded, allowing for more interactive discussions.

Opportunity to Engage Beyond the Programme

Participants who complete the Global Youth Climate Training Programme will also have the opportunity to apply to stay at the GYC House in Antalya during COP31, creating an exciting pathway for further engagement with the global climate community.

The programme organizers have also noted that additional participation-support or bursary opportunities may become available depending on funding. However, applicants should understand that participation in the programme does not guarantee financial assistance.

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes applications from young people who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be between 16 and 35 years old on 1 September 2026.
• Be able to participate in online sessions using Zoom.
• Have sufficient English language skills to engage in the programme, with interpretation support available for some sessions.
• Commit to completing at least 80% of attendance requirements.
• Agree to uphold the programme’s code of conduct and contribute to a respectful and inclusive learning environment.

The programme is designed to attract participants from diverse backgrounds, encouraging global collaboration and the exchange of ideas across cultures and regions.

Why You Should Apply

Climate change continues to be one of the defining challenges of our time, and young people are playing an increasingly important role in shaping climate solutions at local, national, and international levels.

Participating in the Global Youth Climate Training Programme offers numerous benefits, including:

• Building a strong understanding of international climate policy.
• Learning directly from experienced climate experts and practitioners.
• Developing practical climate advocacy skills.
• Networking with young climate leaders from around the world.
• Gaining insights into international climate negotiations.
• Strengthening future academic and professional opportunities in sustainability and environmental policy.

The programme is particularly valuable for those interested in careers in environmental science, public policy, international development, nonprofit organizations, law, education, and climate advocacy.

Supporting Accessible Climate Education

The Global Youth Climate Training Programme remains free for participants thanks to the generosity of its supporters and community. Due to funding constraints, this year’s programme includes fewer sessions and language interpretation options than previous editions.

To help maintain free access and expand opportunities for future participants, the organizers have launched a fundraising campaign inviting supporters to contribute toward the programme’s continued success.

Application Deadline

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before 10 August 2026 at 23:59 BST. As spaces for the additional advanced training pathway are limited, early applications are recommended.

Final Thoughts

The Global Youth Climate Training Programme 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity for young people to expand their knowledge of climate policy, strengthen their advocacy skills, and become part of a growing international network of emerging climate leaders. With expert-led instruction, accessible online learning, and opportunities for continued engagement beyond the programme, GYCT equips participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to contribute meaningfully to global climate action.

If you are passionate about sustainability, environmental justice, and creating positive change, now is the perfect time to apply and take the next step in your climate leadership journey.

SUBMIT APPLICATION HERE

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.