The IRENA Youth Forum 2026 will mark the eighth edition of the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) flagship platform for youth empowerment, intergenerational dialogue, and renewable energy innovation.
Under the theme “Youth Innovation and Digital Solutions: From AI to Access in Renewable Energy”, this year’s Forum will explore how young people are leveraging artificial intelligence, digitalization, and new business models to expand access to renewable energy worldwide. The Forum will bring together youth leaders, policymakers, industry representatives, and partners to co-create solutions for a just and inclusive energy transition.
Objectives
The Forum aims to:
- Amplify youth voices in global energy and climate policy.
- Foster capacity building and skills development, enabling youth to design and scale impactful solutions.
- Highlight youth roles in financing the energy transition, exploring how young innovators can access capital.
- Strengthen partnerships between youth, governments, the private sector, academia, and international organizations.
Programme Highlights
- 8-9 January: IRENA Youth Forum (Abu Dhabi) – including High-Level Opening and interactive workshops.
- 10 January: Closing Session during the Sixteenth IRENA Assembly (St. Regis Saadiyat Island).
- Youth-led Activities: Youth Booth and Lounge (St. Regis) and IRENA Pavilion at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADNEC).
Why Participate?
Selected participants will:
- Gain direct exposure to the global renewable energy policy arena.
- Network with high-level decision makers, innovators, and peers from across the world.
- Co-develop the Youth Forum Outcome Statement, presented at the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly.
- Access opportunities to join IRENA’s broader youth initiatives, including the NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator and the Energy Transition Education Network.
Who Can Apply?
The Forum is open to young people aged 18-35 who are:
- Actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, or related fields.
- Leading or contributing to projects, startups, research, or advocacy initiatives that advance the energy transition.
- Motivated to collaborate with peers and partners to scale impact globally.
Application Process
Interested youth are invited to apply online by completing the expression of interest form below.
EOI Deadline: 30 September 2025