UNCCD COP17 Youth Delegation 2026

UNCCD COP17 Youth Delegation 2026

Open Call for Young Leaders & Climate Changemakers Worldwide

Young leaders, environmental advocates, youth organizations, and aspiring changemakers worldwide now have an exciting opportunity to participate in one of the most important international environmental conferences focused on land restoration, drought resilience, and sustainable development.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has officially launched the Open Delegation Call for Youth Participation at COP17 and the UNCCD Youth Forum 2026, which will take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17–28 August 2026.

Held under the theme:

“Restoring Land, Restoring Hope”

UNCCD COP17 is expected to bring together:

• Governments
• Civil Society Organizations
• Youth Leaders
• Environmental Experts
• Global Stakeholders

to address major global challenges including:

• Land Degradation
• Desertification
• Climate Resilience
• Food Insecurity
• Sustainable Livelihoods
• Environmental Sustainability

Application Deadline: 14 June 2026 (23:59 CEST)

UNCCD COP17 Youth Delegation 2026 – Overview

About UNCCD COP17 2026

The seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is one of the world’s leading international gatherings focused on combating land degradation and strengthening drought resilience.

The conference aims to accelerate global action toward:

The summit serves as a major platform where governments, scientists, civil society organizations, and youth representatives collaborate on sustainable environmental solutions.

UNCCD Youth Forum 2026

Building on the success of previous Youth Forums organized during COP13, COP14, COP15, and COP16, the fifth UNCCD Youth Forum will take place alongside COP17.

Objectives of the Youth Forum

The Youth Forum aims to:

The forum will also create opportunities for young leaders to:

• Share experiences
• Build international partnerships
• Discuss environmental challenges
• Advocate for supportive policies
• Collaborate on sustainability initiatives

Who Can Apply?

The open call is open to two major categories of applicants.

1. UNCCD Youth Accredited Organisations

Youth organizations accredited under the UNCCD framework may nominate representatives to participate in:

• UNCCD COP17
• UNCCD Youth Forum 2026

2. Individual Young Applicants

Young people may also independently nominate themselves for participation in:

This creates opportunities for:

• Youth Leaders
• Climate Advocates
• Environmental Innovators
• Students
• Researchers
• Entrepreneurs
• Grassroots Organizers

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants and nominees must meet the following requirements.

Age Requirement

Eligible Regions

Applicants must belong to one of the following regions:

Registration Requirement

Applicants must:

Who Is This Open Call Intended For?

The programme specifically targets:

Possible Financial Support

If funding becomes available, selected participants may receive partial support.

Potential Support Includes

The support would cover activities taking place between:

17–28 August 2026

including:

• Youth Forum Sessions
• COP17 Events
• Networking Opportunities
• Side Events
• Policy Discussions

Important Funding Notice

Applicants should carefully note that:

Participants are strongly encouraged to explore:

• Institutional Sponsorships
• NGO Support
• Government Travel Funding
• University Grants
• Youth Participation Funds

Why This Opportunity Matters

Participation in UNCCD COP17 and the Youth Forum 2026 can provide young people with:

Participants will gain firsthand exposure to:

• International Climate Discussions
• Environmental Governance
• Sustainable Development Policymaking
• Youth-Led Advocacy
• Global Sustainability Initiatives

This experience can significantly strengthen careers related to:

• Climate Action
• Environmental Sustainability
• Agriculture
• International Policy
• Youth Development
• Sustainable Innovation

Why Youth Participation Is Important

Young people are increasingly leading:

The UNCCD Youth Forum recognizes that youth voices are essential for building:

• Sustainable Futures
• Inclusive Environmental Policies
• Resilient Communities
• Innovative Climate Solutions

The forum therefore creates opportunities for young people to directly influence discussions around:

• Environmental Justice
• Land Restoration
• Climate Resilience
• Sustainable Livelihoods

Event Location

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Mongolia will host the global gathering, bringing together environmental leaders, policymakers, civil society organizations, and youth representatives from around the world.

The location reflects growing international attention toward:

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply through the official application platform.

Important Links

Application Deadline

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Final Thoughts

The Open Delegation Call for Youth Participation at UNCCD COP17 and the Youth Forum 2026 represents a major opportunity for young environmental leaders and changemakers to engage directly in international sustainability discussions.

Although funding has not yet been confirmed, the programme offers participants an opportunity to:

• Join a global environmental movement
• Participate in international policymaking discussions
• Build meaningful global networks
• Strengthen advocacy skills
• Contribute to solutions for land restoration and climate resilience

For young people passionate about sustainability, climate justice, environmental governance, and youth leadership, UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia could become a transformative international experience.

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