Young leaders, environmental advocates, youth organisations, and aspiring changemakers from around the world now have an exciting opportunity to participate in one of the most important global environmental conferences focused on land restoration, drought resilience, and sustainable development.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has officially launched the Open Delegation Call for Youth Participation at COP17 and the UNCCD Youth Forum 2026, which will take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August 2026.

Held under the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” UNCCD COP17 is expected to bring together governments, civil society, youth leaders, environmental experts, and global stakeholders to address the growing challenges of:

• Land degradation
• Desertification
• Climate resilience
• Food insecurity
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Environmental sustainability

The conference comes at a time when more than three billion people worldwide are affected by land degradation and declining ecosystems, making this summit a critical platform for global action and youth participation.

The UNCCD Youth Forum 2026, which will take place on 18 and 19 August 2026, aims to strengthen the meaningful engagement of young people in environmental policy discussions and implementation efforts while promoting youth-led eco-entrepreneurship and agribusiness innovation.

This open delegation call offers eligible young people and youth organisations the opportunity to participate in COP17 activities and potentially receive partial financial support should funding become available.

About UNCCD COP17 2026

The seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is one of the world’s leading international gatherings focused on combating land degradation and strengthening drought resilience.

Event Details

• Event: UNCCD COP17
• Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• Dates: 17–28 August 2026
• Theme: “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope”

The summit will serve as a major international platform where governments, policymakers, scientists, civil society organisations, and youth representatives collaborate on solutions for sustainable land management and environmental restoration.

The conference seeks to accelerate global action toward:

• Land restoration targets
• Drought resilience
• Climate adaptation
• Sustainable agriculture
• Ecosystem protection
• Food security solutions

UNCCD Youth Forum 2026

Building on the success of previous Youth Forums organised during COP13, COP14, COP15, and COP16, the fifth UNCCD Youth Forum will take place alongside COP17.

Youth Forum Dates

18–19 August 2026

The Youth Forum aims to:

• Empower young people in global environmental governance
• Increase youth participation in UNCCD implementation
• Strengthen youth advocacy
• Promote youth-led environmental innovation
• Support eco- and agripreneurship initiatives

The forum will also provide space for young leaders to:

• Share experiences
• Build international partnerships
• Discuss environmental challenges
• Advocate for supportive policies
• Collaborate on sustainable development initiatives

Who Can Apply?

The open call is open to two major categories of applicants:

1. UNCCD Youth Accredited Organisations

Youth organisations accredited under the UNCCD framework may nominate representatives to participate in COP17 and the Youth Forum.

2. Individual Young Applicants

Young people may also nominate themselves independently for participation in:

• UNCCD COP17
• UNCCD Youth Forum 2026

This provides opportunities for youth leaders, climate advocates, environmental innovators, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and grassroots organisers to engage directly in international environmental discussions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants and nominees must meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement

Applicants must be:

• Between 18 and 35 years old

Eligible Regions

Applicants must come from one of the following regions:

• Africa
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America and the Caribbean
• Central and Eastern Europe
• Western Europe and Others

Registration Requirement

Applicants must:

• Already be registered for UNCCD COP17
  OR
• Be willing to complete registration upon confirmation of participation

Who Is This Open Call Intended For?

The call specifically targets:

Young People Already Planning to Attend COP17

Individuals who have already secured participation arrangements for COP17 in Mongolia are encouraged to apply.

Young People Seeking Financial Support

Applicants who require partial financial assistance to attend the Youth Forum and COP17 are also encouraged to submit applications.

However, organisers have clarified that:

• Funding has not yet been confirmed
• Financial support is not guaranteed
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek independent funding where possible

The information collected through the application process will help identify potential delegates should sponsorship opportunities become available.

Possible Financial Support

If funding becomes available, selected participants may receive partial participation support.

Potential Support Includes:

• Shared accommodation
• Travel assistance
• Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA)
• Participation support during COP17
• Support for attending the UNCCD Youth Forum

The support would cover activities taking place between:

• 17–28 August 2026

including:

• Youth Forum sessions
• COP17 events
• Networking opportunities
• Side events and policy discussions

Important Funding Notice

Applicants should note carefully that:

• Submission of the form does not guarantee sponsorship
• Financial assistance depends entirely on funding availability
• Delegates are encouraged to independently secure financial support whenever possible

This means applicants should proactively explore:

• Institutional sponsorships
• Grants
• Youth participation funds
• NGO support
• Government travel support
• University funding opportunities

Why This Opportunity Matters

Participation in UNCCD COP17 and the Youth Forum can provide young people with:

• Global exposure
• International networking opportunities
• Policy engagement experience
• Leadership development
• Environmental advocacy skills
• Collaboration opportunities with global stakeholders

Participants will gain firsthand experience engaging in:

• International climate discussions
• Sustainable development policymaking
• Environmental governance
• Youth-led advocacy
• Global sustainability initiatives

This experience can significantly strengthen careers and initiatives related to:

• Climate action
• Environmental sustainability
• Agriculture
• Youth development
• International policy
• Sustainable innovation

Why Youth Participation Is Important

Young people are increasingly at the forefront of:

• Climate advocacy
• Land restoration campaigns
• Sustainable agriculture innovation
• Environmental entrepreneurship
• Community resilience initiatives

The UNCCD Youth Forum recognises that youth voices are essential for building:

• Sustainable futures
• Inclusive environmental policies
• Resilient communities
• Innovative climate solutions

The forum therefore creates opportunities for young people to directly influence conversations around:

• Environmental justice
• Land restoration
• Climate resilience
• Sustainable livelihoods

Application Deadline

Deadline: 14 June 2026

Time: 23:59 CEST

Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline to ensure consideration.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply through the official application form.

Learn more and apply here: UNCCD COP17 Youth Delegation Application Form

Event Location

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Mongolia will host the global gathering, bringing together environmental leaders, policymakers, civil society organisations, and youth representatives from around the world.

The location reflects growing international attention toward:

• Sustainable land management
• Climate resilience
• Ecosystem restoration
• Environmental cooperation

Final Thoughts

The Open Delegation Call for Youth Participation at UNCCD COP17 and the Youth Forum 2026 represents a major opportunity for young environmental leaders and changemakers to engage directly in international sustainability discussions.

Although funding has not yet been confirmed, the opportunity offers participants a chance to:

• Join a global environmental movement
• Participate in international policymaking discussions
• Build meaningful networks
• Strengthen advocacy skills
• Contribute to solutions for land restoration and climate resilience

For young people passionate about sustainability, climate justice, environmental governance, and youth leadership, UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia could become a transformative international experience.

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