Empowering young people to lead environmental action, drive innovation, and build a sustainable future for our planet.
Young people are powerful agents of change
The world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges — climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and unsustainable resource consumption. Young people, who make up a significant proportion of the global population, are disproportionately affected by these challenges, yet remain powerful agents of change.
Across the globe, youth are leading innovative solutions, advocacy movements, and community-based initiatives to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Yet their voices too often remain underrepresented in environmental governance and decision-making.
The Global Youth Summit for Climate Change 2026 convenes in Nairobi, Kenya to amplify youth voices and strengthen their role in environmental governance — a dynamic platform for young leaders, policymakers, development partners, and environmental experts to collaborate, share knowledge, and co-create actionable solutions. It is organized by the Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP) in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Global Collaboration
Youth Empowerment
Innovative Solutions
Future Leadership
“Youth Voices for a Sustainable Planet ”
True environmental progress requires collaboration across generations, sectors, and borders, combining the wisdom of experienced leaders with the urgency and innovation of youth.
We approach environmental action not as an isolated issue, but as deeply connected to peacebuilding, social justice, digital innovation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Climate action without equity is incomplete, and lasting change is built on inclusive dialogue.
Nairobi, a global hub for environmental governance and home to the United Nations Environment Programme, serves as the perfect backdrop for this dialogue. Here, young leaders will build bridges across cultures and sectors to create lasting change.
Young leaders, global impact
Highlights from our previous Global Youth Summit for Change in Geneva.
Summit objectives
Amplify Youth Voices
Ensure young people have a seat at the table in environmental governance and decision-making at local, regional, and global levels.
Foster Global Collaboration
Connect youth, institutions, and stakeholders across regions to share experiences, build solidarity, and co-create environmental solutions.
Build Capacity & Skills
Strengthen youth capacity in environmental leadership, advocacy, and innovation through training, innovation labs, and mentorship.
Showcase Youth Solutions
Highlight and support youth-led solutions addressing climate change and pressing environmental challenges.
Multi-Sector Partnerships
Build partnerships among youth organizations, governments, academia, and the private sector to support youth-driven environmental initiatives.
Influence Policy
Integrate youth perspectives into environmental decision-making and policy processes at local, national, and global levels.
What to expect
Plenary Sessions & Keynotes
Engage with global leaders, environmental experts, and youth representatives in high-level plenaries and keynote speeches.
Capacity-Building Workshops
Hands-on training and skill-building sessions on climate action, green innovation, and environmental leadership.
Dialogues & Roundtables
Youth-led dialogues, roundtables, and intercultural exchanges fostering collaboration and shared solutions.
Thematic areas & activities
Climate Action & Sustainability
Youth-led initiatives for renewable energy and climate advocacy
Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution
Dialogue, mediation, and youth engagement in conflict prevention
Digital Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship
Technology and entrepreneurship driving social change
Human Rights & Social Justice
Youth activism promoting equality, inclusion, and human rights
Innovation Showcases & Exhibitions
Youth-led environmental solutions on display
Networking & Partnership Forums
Connecting youth with institutions and stakeholders
Outcomes and legacy
Youth Policy Engagement
Increased youth engagement in environmental policy discussions and decision-making processes.
Global Network of Leaders
A strengthened, connected community of young environmental leaders and changemakers across continents and sectors.
Youth-Led Action Plans
Concrete youth-led action plans to address local and global environmental challenges beyond the summit.
Who should attend
Young Leaders (18–35)
Emerging and established young leaders passionate about environmental change
Policymakers & Community Leaders
Young policymakers and community leaders driving local and national change
Innovators & Social Entrepreneurs
Innovators and social entrepreneurs creating sustainable environmental solutions
NGO & Youth Organization Members
Representatives from youth organizations and NGOs
Students & Researchers
Students and researchers interested in global affairs and the environment
International Organization Representatives
Representatives from international organizations, UN agencies, and civil society
How to apply and participation packages
Complete the form
Fill in the online application form.
Fair review
Your application is reviewed by a panel using a fair, bias-minimized process that assesses motivation and leadership potential.
Get your confirmation
You receive an email confirmation, with results also announced on the summit website and social media channels.
Full Package
- Shared accommodation
- Official summit invitation letter
- Full summit access with merchandise
- Speaking opportunity
- Certification
- “Safari for Climate” at Nairobi National Park
Summit Access
- Shared accommodation
- Official summit invitation letter
- Full summit access with merchandise
- Speaking opportunity
- Certification
- “Safari for Climate” at Nairobi National Park
Ready to join us?
Limited seats available for 50+ youth delegates from around the world.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Global Youth Summit for Climate Change (GYSCC) 2026?
What is the goal of the summit?
Who can participate?
The summit welcomes 50+ youth delegates aged 18–35 , including:
- Young policymakers and community leaders
- Members of youth organizations and NGOs
- Innovators and social entrepreneurs
- Students and researchers
- Representatives from international organizations, UN agencies, and civil society
What are the summit’s objectives?
GYCC 2026 works to:
- Strengthen youth capacity in environmental leadership, advocacy, and innovation
- Foster global collaboration among youth, institutions, and stakeholders
- Showcase youth-led solutions to climate change
- Influence environmental policy through youth perspectives
- Build partnerships at local, national, and global levels
What are the thematic areas and activities?
The four thematic areas are:
- Climate Action & Sustainability
- Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution
- Digital Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship
- Human Rights & Social Justice
Activities include:
- Opening and closing ceremonies
- Panels and keynotes
- Capacity-building workshops
- Innovation showcases and exhibitions
- Youth-led dialogues and roundtables
- Networking and partnership forums
How do I apply?
Applying takes three steps:
- Complete the online application form
- Your application is reviewed by a panel using a fair, bias-minimized process that assesses motivation and leadership potential
- You receive an email confirmation, with results also announced on the summit website and social media channels
What are the participation packages and pricing?
Two packages are available:
Full Package 999 USD
- Shared accommodation
- Official summit invitation letter
- Full summit access with merchandise
- Speaking opportunity
- Certification
- “Safari for Climate” at Nairobi National Park
Summit Access 799 USD
- Official summit invitation letter
- Full summit access with merchandise
- Speaking opportunity
- Certification
Includes everything except accommodation.
