Applications Open: Steering Committee of the UNESCO Youth Climate Action Network (YoU-CAN) (2026–2027)

The UNESCO Youth Climate Action Network (YoU-CAN) is now accepting applications for new Steering Committee members for the 2026–2027 mandate. This is a unique opportunity for youth-led organizations and networks working on climate change to help shape global youth climate action within UNESCO’s ecosystem.

About the UNESCO Youth Climate Action Network (YoU-CAN)

Launched at COP25 in 2019, YoU-CAN is a global platform that brings together youth climate networks from around the world to strengthen cooperation, amplify youth voices, and scale up youth-led climate action. Over the years, the Network has evolved into a dynamic community actively contributing to climate dialogue, policy spaces, and action across UNESCO’s areas of work.

About the YoU-CAN Steering Committee

The YoU-CAN Steering Committee is the Network’s strategic and governance body. It is composed of 15 members in total, and through this Call for Applications, 8 positions will be filled for a two-year term (2026–2027), in line with the official Terms of Reference.

Steering Committee members play a key role in:

• Guiding YoU-CAN’s strategic direction and priorities

• Strengthening governance and coordination across the Network

• Ensuring meaningful and inclusive youth engagement in UNESCO’s climate work

• Acting as a bridge between youth-led networks and the UNESCO Secretariat

Available Positions (2026–2027)

1. Main Coordinator / Deputy Coordinator

The Coordinator and Deputy Coordinator lead YoU-CAN’s overall progress. They serve as the main focal points for the Steering Committee and are responsible for liaising closely with the UNESCO Secretariat.

2. Thematic Coordinators

Thematic Coordinators facilitate collaboration between the Steering Committee and UNESCO when designing and implementing YoU-CAN activities. They also report on progress to the Steering Committee. Available thematic roles include:

• Sciences Coordinator

• Education Coordinator

• Culture Coordinator

• Information Coordinator

3. Regional Coordinators

Regional Coordinators ensure strong regional representation and coordination within the Network. Available regional roles include:

• Latin America & Caribbean Coordinator

• Asia and the Pacific Coordinator

• Europe and North America Coordinator

Who Should Apply?

This call is specifically addressed to youth-led organizations and networks that are active in the field of climate change. Applicants should meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the official Call for Applications and demonstrate:

• Strong engagement in youth-led climate action

• Experience in coordination, advocacy, or network leadership

• Commitment to global cooperation and inclusive youth participation

If you are part of a youth-led climate network—or know young leaders who are—this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to global climate governance and youth leadership.

How to Apply

📝 Application link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=Uq5PHbM5-kuwswIpVrERlGTVkj6N6uRMjEPf5nJgZMdUNlMwRUhJMlJNSDlOTFZEME0yTlJTU1c0US4u&route=shorturl
📅 Application deadline: 15 February 2026
⏳ Mandate period: 2026–2027 (2 years)

Why This Opportunity Matters

Serving on the YoU-CAN Steering Committee allows youth-led organizations to:

• Influence global climate strategies within UNESCO

• Elevate youth perspectives in international climate policy spaces

• Strengthen collaboration across regions and thematic areas

• Help shape the future of youth-led climate action worldwide

When applying, clearly demonstrate your organization’s climate impact, governance experience, and ability to collaborate across regions or thematic areas. Concrete examples of youth leadership and results will strengthen your application.

For more global youth leadership and climate opportunities, keep following Opportunities for Youth and share this call with networks that should not miss it.