UNCCD COP17 Youth Delegation: A Gateway for Young Changemakers

Young leaders and environmental advocates worldwide have a significant chance to influence global discussions on land restoration and climate resilience. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has opened applications for its Youth Delegation to COP17 and the UNCCD Youth Forum in 2026. This event, set to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, offers a platform for young people to engage directly with international policymakers and experts. The theme for COP17 is “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” highlighting the urgent need to address land degradation, desertification, and climate change impacts.

Understanding UNCCD COP17 and the Youth Forum

The UNCCD COP17 is a major international conference focused on combating land degradation and improving drought resilience. It brings together governments, scientists, civil society, and youth representatives to develop solutions for sustainable land management. This year’s conference, from August 17 to 28, 2026, in Mongolia, will address critical issues like food security, ecosystem protection, and climate adaptation.

The UNCCD Youth Forum 2026

Running alongside COP17, the UNCCD Youth Forum will be held on August 18 and 19, 2026. This forum is designed to boost youth involvement in environmental policy and action. It provides a space for young people to share experiences, build partnerships, and advocate for policies that support sustainable development. The forum also aims to promote youth-led eco-entrepreneurship and agribusiness innovation, recognizing the vital role young people play in creating sustainable futures.

Who Can Participate in the Youth Delegation?

The UNCCD’s open call targets two main groups: accredited youth organizations and individual young applicants. Youth organizations that are part of the UNCCD framework can nominate representatives. Individual young people can also apply independently to participate in either COP17 or the Youth Forum, or both. This inclusivity ensures that a diverse range of young voices, including climate advocates, environmental innovators, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and grassroots organizers, can contribute to the discussions.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the UNCCD Youth Delegation, applicants must meet specific criteria. The primary age requirement is between 18 and 35 years old. Applicants must also come from one of the UNCCD’s defined regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, or Western Europe and Others. A crucial registration requirement is that applicants must already be registered for UNCCD COP17 or be willing to complete the registration process upon confirmation of their participation.

Opportunities for Young Leaders

This initiative offers young people a unique chance to gain global exposure and develop essential skills. Participants can engage in international climate discussions, learn about sustainable development policymaking, and gain experience in environmental governance. The networking opportunities are extensive, allowing young leaders to connect with global stakeholders and build collaborations. This experience can significantly boost careers and initiatives focused on climate action, environmental sustainability, agriculture, and international policy.

Why Youth Voices Matter

Young people are increasingly leading the charge in climate advocacy, land restoration efforts, and sustainable agriculture innovation. The UNCCD Youth Forum acknowledges that their perspectives are essential for creating inclusive environmental policies and resilient communities. By providing a platform for direct engagement, the forum empowers young people to influence conversations around environmental justice, land restoration, and climate resilience, ensuring that their concerns and innovative solutions are heard on a global stage.

Financial Support and Application Details

While the opportunity to participate is significant, the UNCCD has clarified that financial support is not guaranteed. Applicants seeking financial assistance for travel, accommodation, or daily allowances are encouraged to apply, but funding is dependent on availability. The organizers strongly advise all applicants to seek independent funding sources, such as institutional sponsorships, grants, or government support, to supplement any potential assistance.

Application Deadline and Process

The deadline for applications is June 14, 2026, at 23:59 CEST. Interested individuals and organizations can apply through the official UNCCD COP17 Youth Delegation application form. It is advisable to submit applications well before the deadline to ensure they are considered. The information gathered through the application process will help identify potential delegates should sponsorship opportunities arise.

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: The Host City

Hosting COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, underscores the growing global focus on sustainable land management and climate resilience in diverse geographical contexts. Mongolia’s unique environmental challenges and commitment to restoration efforts make it a fitting location for this critical international gathering. The event will bring together environmental leaders, policymakers, and youth representatives from across the globe to collaborate on solutions for a sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UNCCD COP17?

UNCCD COP17 is a major international conference focused on combating land degradation and improving drought resilience, bringing together governments, scientists, and youth representatives.

What is the UNCCD Youth Forum?

The UNCCD Youth Forum runs alongside COP17 and is designed to increase youth participation in environmental policy and action, offering a space for sharing experiences and building partnerships.

Who can apply for the Youth Delegation?

Applications are open to accredited youth organizations and individual applicants aged 18-35 from specific UNCCD regions who are registered or willing to register for COP17.