The Life of Pachamama COP31 Fellowship 2026, titled “Democratizing the Future: Youth for Climate Action”, is a structured, fully-funded program designed for young leaders passionate about climate action and environmental justice. The program aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and experience to participate in international climate negotiations and promote climate solutions in their local communities.
Life of Pachamama is a non-profit youth organization dedicated to mobilizing the current generation of climate leaders. The organization works to strengthen youth participation in environmental governance and to ensure that knowledge about climate justice and sustainability is accessible to communities worldwide, particularly in the Global South.
This third edition of the fellowship combines training, mentorship, global exposure, and practical application. Participants selected for the program will engage in a multi-stage process including online training, mentorship, participation at the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, and the implementation of local climate initiatives after the conference.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Climate change is a global challenge that disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, particularly in the Global South. Effective climate action requires not only knowledge but also the ability to implement local solutions informed by global negotiations. The Life of Pachamama COP31 Fellowship bridges this gap by equipping young leaders with the skills and exposure needed to influence climate policy and promote sustainable development at the community level.
The program fosters intergenerational dialogue, builds long-term leadership capacity, and strengthens local engagement with the UN’s climate framework. By translating international policy into actionable local initiatives, fellows play a critical role in promoting equity, environmental justice, and the democratization of climate knowledge.
What You’ll Gain
The COP31 fellowship offers a comprehensive set of benefits that extend beyond standard internships or educational programs. Participants will gain:
- Professional experience and international exposure: Selected youth will engage with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders at COP31, observing multilateral climate negotiations and contributing to policy discussions.
- Practical skills in climate action: Fellows will participate in intensive online training sessions led by climate experts, focusing on policy, negotiation strategies, advocacy, and project management.
- Capacity building in knowledge democratization: Participants will learn to translate complex climate data into actionable proposals for local communities, strengthening community awareness and resilience.
- Networking opportunities: Direct interaction with international experts, mentors, and fellow participants provides long-term connections with the global climate and sustainability community.
- Funding and logistical support: Life of Pachamama covers airfare, accommodation, per diem, and travel insurance for the COP31 participation period, reducing financial barriers to global engagement.
Through these experiences, participants are equipped to lead climate initiatives in their territories, contribute to intergenerational dialogue on climate issues, and support local implementation of strategies aligned with national and global sustainability goals.
Eligibility
To apply, candidates must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be between 15 and 30 years old from April 6, 2026, until November 20, 2026.
- Have nationality or legal status from one of these countries: Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Indonesia, Ghana, Gabon, Uganda, or Tanzania. Refugees or climate migrants from these countries may also apply with proper documentation.
- Reside in one of the eligible countries or demonstrate verified refugee or climate migrant status.
- Be part of an indigenous, peasant, Afro-descendant, or rural community, or be a victim of armed conflict.
- Demonstrate interest in climate, gender, human rights, and diplomacy, and commitment to knowledge democratization in their territories.
- Possess leadership or activism experience in socio-environmental issues, with or without higher education.
- Have access to a computer and internet to participate in virtual training.
- Be able to dedicate at least four hours per week to online training sessions between May and August 2026 (GMT-5).
- Hold a passport valid until at least May 20, 2027, or commit in writing to obtaining one if selected.
- Be proficient in Spanish or English.
- While not mandatory, adherence to recommended vaccination schedules of the country of origin is strongly advised.
Candidates are also expected to have strong analytical, written, and oral communication skills, and a willingness to actively participate in all training sessions, collaborative activities, and post-COP community initiatives.
Application Process and Deadline
Applicants are required to submit a video presentation and written materials according to the guidelines specified by Life of Pachamama. The selection process occurs in multiple phases:
- Phase 1: Application deadline is April 30, 2026. Shortlisted candidates are notified on May 8, 2026, and training runs from May 23 to July 11, 2026.
- Phase 2: Selected candidates complete mentorship from August to October 2026 and attend COP31 from November 9–20, 2026.
- Phase 3: Participants implement local climate initiatives, with proposals due December 1–23, 2026, and implementation in 2027.
Selected individuals are expected to actively participate in training, deliver policy briefs, present position speeches, and contribute to the democratization of knowledge in their communities.
To learn more and apply, visit the official Life of Pachamama website.
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