15 – 18 December 2026 – Nairobi, Kenya
Empowering young people to lead environmental action, drive innovation, and build a sustainable future for our planet.
Why This Summit Matters
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.
Summit Objectives
Amplify Youth Voices
Foster Global Collaboration
Build Capacity & Skills
Showcase Youth Solutions
Multi-Sector Partnerships
Influence Policy
What to Expect
Plenary Sessions & Keynotes
Capacity-Building Workshops
Dialogues & Roundtables
Thematic Areas & Activities
Outcomes and Legacy
Youth Policy Engagement
Global Network of Leaders
Youth-Led Action Plans
Who Should Attend
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?
GYCC 2026 is a global gathering of young leaders, policymakers, innovators, and environmental experts held 15–18 December 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya. Organized by the Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP) in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), it amplifies youth voices and strengthens their role in environmental governance and sustainable development.
What is the goal of the summit?
The summit aims to empower young people to lead environmental action, drive innovation, and build a sustainable future — by giving youth a meaningful seat at the table in environmental decision-making and connecting them with institutions and stakeholders across the globe.
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; and representatives from international organizations, UN agencies, and civil society.
What are the summit’s objectives?
GYCC 2026 works to (1) strengthen youth capacity in environmental leadership, advocacy, and innovation; (2) foster global collaboration among youth, institutions, and stakeholders; (3) showcase youth-led solutions to climate change; (4) influence environmental policy through youth perspectives; and (5) 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; and 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, and networking and partnership forums.
How do I apply?
Applying takes three steps: (1) complete the online application form; (2) your application is reviewed by a panel using a fair, bias-minimized process that assesses motivation and leadership potential; and (3) 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. The Full Package (999 USD) includes shared accommodation, an official summit invitation letter, full summit access with merchandise, a speaking opportunity, and certification. The Summit Access package (799 USD) includes everything except accommodation: the invitation letter, full summit access with merchandise, a speaking opportunity, and certification.
