Apply for the NDC Youth Ambassador Program Spring 2026: Paid Climate Policy Fellowship for Youth

The NDC Youth Ambassador Program Spring 2026, organized by Care About Climate (CAC), is a unique global initiative designed to empower young people to actively participate in climate policy analysis and advocacy. This program provides a structured pathway for youth to engage with one of the most critical frameworks guiding global climate action: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By combining training, practical experience, and a focus on inclusive perspectives, the program seeks to amplify youth voices in shaping climate solutions at the national level.

About Care About Climate (CAC)

Care About Climate (CAC) is a non-profit organization committed to breaking barriers and creating meaningful pathways for young people to engage in climate policy spaces. The organization focuses on equipping youth with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities needed to influence climate decision-making processes. Through initiatives like the NDC Youth Ambassador Program, CAC continues to foster a new generation of informed and active climate leaders.

Understanding NDCs and Their Global Importance

As part of the Paris Agreement, a landmark global accord on climate change, countries are required to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). These documents outline each country’s commitments and strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and mobilize climate finance.

NDCs are central to global climate action, as they reflect national priorities and ambitions. However, despite their importance, many NDCs are often reviewed without adequately considering youth perspectives or gender-inclusive approaches. This creates a significant gap in how climate policies are analyzed and implemented.

Bridging the Gap: A Youth and Feminist Perspective

The NDC Youth Ambassador Program addresses this gap by introducing an intergenerational and gender lens to NDC analysis. The program recognizes that climate change disproportionately affects young people and marginalized groups, yet their voices are frequently underrepresented in policy discussions.

By engaging youth directly in reviewing their country’s NDCs, the program ensures that these perspectives are not only included but also amplified. This approach promotes more equitable, inclusive, and effective climate policies.

Program Overview and Structure

Selected participants will serve as NDC Ambassadors and commit approximately five weeks to the program. During this period, ambassadors will focus on reviewing and analyzing their own country’s NDC. This country-specific approach is designed to strengthen local engagement and ensure authenticity in the analysis.

Participants will receive structured training on how to evaluate NDCs through a gender and intergenerational lens. This training is essential for equipping ambassadors with the analytical frameworks and tools needed to conduct meaningful assessments.

In addition to the training, each ambassador will receive a stipend of 100 USD as compensation for their time and contributions.

Eligibility and Country Representation

The program is open to applicants from a select group of countries. Interested individuals must be from or currently living in the country they wish to represent. This requirement ensures that participants have a direct connection to the context they are analyzing.

The eligible countries for the Spring 2026 cohort include:

• Dominican Republic
• Liberia
• European Union
• Colombia
• Turkey
• Switzerland
• Mexico
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Mali
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Vanuatu
• Costa Rica
• Australia
• El Salvador
• Ukraine
• The Philippines
• China
• Tuvalu
• Republic of Korea
• Nepal

Program Timeline and Commitment

The NDC Youth Ambassador Program Spring 2026 will run from April 6 through May 11, 2026. Within this timeframe, participants are expected to:

• Attend all required training sessions
• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of their country’s NDC
• Submit their completed work by the program deadline

The program requires a consistent commitment throughout the five-week period, making it important for applicants to ensure their availability before applying.

Application Deadline and Process

All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM GMT on April 1, 2026.

APPLY HERE

Late submissions will not be considered, so prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their materials well in advance of the deadline.

Skills and Background Requirements

While prior experience in climate action or knowledge of climate politics can be beneficial, it is not a requirement for participation. The program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of young people, including those who are new to climate policy.

Importantly, the program emphasizes authenticity and integrity in the application process. The use of artificial intelligence tools in application submissions is strictly prohibited, and any applications found to contain AI-generated content will be disqualified.

Benefits of Participation

Participating in the NDC Youth Ambassador Program offers several valuable benefits:

• Hands-on experience in climate policy analysis
• Training in gender-responsive and intergenerational frameworks
• Opportunity to contribute to global climate discourse
• Financial support through a 100 USD stipend
• Networking with a global community of young climate advocates

Contact and Additional Resources

For any questions or further information about the program, interested applicants can reach out via email at Ruth@careaboutclimate.org.

To explore existing work and learn more about NDC analysis, visit NDCEquityTracker.org, a platform dedicated to tracking and evaluating climate commitments through an equity-focused lens.

Conclusion

The NDC Youth Ambassador Program Spring 2026 stands out as a powerful initiative for youth engagement in climate governance. By combining education, practical experience, and a strong emphasis on inclusivity, the program equips young people to critically assess and influence national climate commitments.

For young individuals passionate about climate change and eager to make a tangible impact, this program represents a significant opportunity to contribute to shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.

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