The Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (G-CAP) 2026 is now open for applications, offering a prestigious and fully sponsored leadership opportunity for parliamentarians worldwide. Scheduled to take place from 24–28 August 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, this exclusive five-day academy is designed to empower policymakers with the knowledge, skills, and global networks needed to advance sustainable land management and climate action.
Organized by the G20 Global Land Initiative and hosted at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in collaboration with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), the programme brings together a select group of 30 parliamentarians from across the globe to engage in high-level dialogue, training, and policy development.
About the Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (G-CAP)
The Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians is an annual leadership initiative focused on strengthening the capacity of policymakers to address one of the most pressing global challenges—land degradation.
Land restoration is a critical pillar of sustainable development. It directly contributes to:
- Food security
- Climate resilience
- Biodiversity conservation
- Sustainable economic development
As lawmakers, parliamentarians play a crucial role in shaping policies, legislation, and governance frameworks that influence land use and environmental sustainability. G-CAP provides a unique platform for these leaders to collaborate, learn, and drive impactful change.
Programme Highlights and Learning Components
The G-CAP 2026 programme offers a rich, immersive learning experience through multiple components:
1. Masterclasses and Global Dialogues
Participants will engage with leading global experts, senior UN officials, and policymakers on key topics such as:
- Sustainable land governance
- Climate policy integration
- Restoration strategies and implementation
- Global environmental frameworks
2. Immersive Field Visits
- Experience real-world examples of land restoration and eco-social transformation
- Participate in site visits, including initiatives such as mine restoration
- Observe the impact of policy and innovation on sustainable land use
3. Legislative Workshops
- Develop practical legislative approaches for land restoration
- Explore cross-sectoral policy integration
- Strengthen governance strategies at national and international levels
4. Communication and Advocacy Labs
- Build skills in public communication and advocacy
- Learn how to craft compelling narratives around sustainability
- Enhance influence in policy discussions and public engagement
What the Programme Offers
Selected participants will benefit from:
- Full sponsorship covering participation in the academy
- Access to high-level global policy discussions
- Opportunities to engage in the UNCCD COP17 events and dialogues
- Networking with international parliamentarians and experts
- Enhanced leadership capacity in climate and environmental governance
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is specifically designed for:
- National Members of Parliament from around the world
- Policymakers actively engaged in land management, climate action, or environmental governance
- Leaders with a demonstrated interest or experience in sustainable development and land restoration
Applicants are required to provide details about their work and contributions to land conservation and management.
Programme Location and Context
The 2026 edition of G-CAP will be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, alongside the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UNCCD.
This strategic alignment allows participants to:
- Engage directly with global environmental negotiations
- Participate in COP sessions and side events
- Contribute to international policy discussions on desertification and land restoration
Application Timeline
- Programme Dates: August 24–28, 2026
- Application Status: Currently Open
- Deadline: Not explicitly specified (early application strongly recommended)
How to Apply
Interested parliamentarians are required to submit their application through the Official Application form by providing details about their background and work in land restoration and sustainability.
For inquiries, applicants may contact:
- Email: gcap@unssc.org
Why You Should Apply
The G-CAP 2026 programme is a rare opportunity for parliamentarians to:
- Gain advanced knowledge in sustainable land management
- Strengthen legislative and policy-making capabilities
- Engage with global leaders and institutions
- Influence national and international climate agendas
- Contribute to sustainable development and environmental resilience
This programme is particularly valuable for policymakers seeking to drive impactful legislative change and champion environmental sustainability in their countries.
Learn more about the Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (G-CAP) 2026 HERE.
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