The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), with funding from the Caribbean Development Bank, has opened applications for the Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship, an opportunity designed to support emerging Caribbean professionals working or interested in climate change, sustainable development and public engagement.

The fellowship will give two young Caribbean professionals the opportunity to attend UNFCCC COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, as part of the CCCCC delegation. Selected fellows will receive funding covering return travel, accommodation and a daily per diem, while also receiving official observer access to the COP31 Blue Zone.

Beyond attending an international climate conference, the fellowship is structured as a regional capacity-building experience. Fellows will participate in activities before, during and after COP31, gaining exposure to international climate negotiations, regional climate priorities and professional networks that can be used to strengthen climate action across the Caribbean.

Application deadline: 21 August 2026.

Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026 at a Glance

What Is the Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship?

The Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship is a professional development initiative created to help develop the next generation of Caribbean climate professionals.

The programme recognises that international climate negotiations can have significant consequences for Caribbean countries, particularly Small Island Developing States that face challenges related to climate adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage and the Global Goal on Adaptation.

Through participation in COP31, fellows will have the opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the international climate policy process while learning about the role of the CCCCC in coordinating regional climate action.

The fellowship is therefore not simply an opportunity to attend COP31. It is designed to help participants understand, contribute to and communicate the climate agenda affecting the Caribbean.

Why COP31 Matters to the Caribbean

COP31 will bring together governments, climate experts, development partners, advocates and other stakeholders from around the world to discuss international climate action.

For Caribbean countries, international climate negotiations are particularly important because climate-related decisions can directly influence the region’s ability to respond to climate risks.

Among the issues particularly relevant to Caribbean countries are:

• Climate adaptation
• Climate finance
• Loss and damage
• The Global Goal on Adaptation
• Sustainable development
• Climate resilience
• International cooperation
• Support for Small Island Developing States

The Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship aims to equip young professionals with the knowledge and experience needed to understand these discussions and contribute to the region’s climate agenda.

What Will Fellows Experience?

Selected fellows will participate in the full fellowship cycle, beginning before COP31 and continuing after the conference.

The programme has three broad stages:

1. Pre-COP Preparation

Before travelling to Türkiye, fellows will participate in preparation activities designed to help them understand their role and maximise their contribution to COP31.

This preparation can include:

• Professional development
• Understanding the UNFCCC process
• Defining the fellow’s role during COP31
• Preparing for participation in the CCCCC delegation
• Understanding Caribbean climate priorities
• Preparing for knowledge-sharing activities

This preparation is intended to ensure that fellows arrive at COP31 ready to participate meaningfully rather than simply attend the conference.

2. Participation During COP31

Fellows will join the CCCCC delegation during COP31 in Antalya.

They will have access to the official Blue Zone as observers through the CCCCC delegation quota.

This provides an opportunity to experience an important part of the international climate process and attend activities accessible to observers.

Fellows may be able to participate in:

• Plenary sessions
• Observer-accessible sessions
• Side events
• Activities at the CARICOM Pavilion
• Other relevant COP31 activities

3. Post-COP Knowledge Transfer

The fellowship does not end when COP31 concludes.

Participants will be expected to contribute to post-conference knowledge-sharing activities across the Caribbean.

This means fellows will have an opportunity to take the knowledge, insights and connections developed during COP31 and share them with their organisations, communities and wider Caribbean audiences.

What Does the Fellowship Cover?

The Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship is described as fully funded.

The funding package includes several major costs associated with participating in COP31.

Return Airfare

Selected fellows will receive economy-class return airfare from their home country to Antalya, Türkiye.

This removes one of the biggest financial barriers associated with international conference participation.

Accommodation

The fellowship provides hotel accommodation throughout the conference period.

Fellows therefore do not need to independently finance their conference-period accommodation.

Daily Per Diem

Participants will receive a daily allowance to cover meals and incidental expenses during the fellowship.

This provides additional financial support while fellows are participating in COP31.

Blue Zone Observer Accreditation

Selected fellows will receive official Blue Zone observer accreditation through the CCCCC delegation quota.

This is an important component of the opportunity because it provides access to COP31 activities available to accredited observers.

Mentorship

Fellows will receive guidance from experienced members of the CCCCC delegation.

Mentorship will take place:

• Before COP31
• During COP31
• After COP31

This can help participants better understand the international climate process and make the most of their experience.

Professional Development

The fellowship also includes structured professional development through:

• Pre-COP preparation
• Role definition
• COP31 participation
• Post-conference knowledge-sharing
• Exposure to experienced climate professionals
• Regional and international networking

Who Can Apply for the Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship?

The fellowship is specifically designed for young Caribbean professionals between 18 and 30 years old.

Applicants should be early-career, mid-career or emerging professionals with a strong interest in climate change and sustainable development.

However, applicants must meet several specific eligibility requirements.

1. Age Requirement

Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.

This makes the fellowship particularly relevant to young professionals and emerging leaders who are beginning to establish careers in climate action, development, communications, public engagement or related areas.

2. Citizenship Requirement

Applicants must be nationals of a CARICOM Member State.

This is a key eligibility condition.

The fellowship is specifically designed to strengthen Caribbean climate leadership, meaning applicants from countries outside the CARICOM membership framework do not qualify simply because they work on climate-related issues.

3. Caribbean-Based Organisation Affiliation

Applicants must be affiliated with or work with a Caribbean-based organisation.

The organisation may fall into a number of categories, including:

• Youth organisations
• Non-governmental organisations
• Community-based organisations
• Private-sector organisations
• Public-sector institutions
• Other organisations working in climate, development or public engagement

4. Education, Employment or Organisational Involvement

Applicants should currently be:

• Enrolled in tertiary education;
• Employed; or
• Actively involved with a relevant organisation.

Their work, studies or involvement should connect to climate change, development, public engagement or related areas.

5. Climate and Sustainable Development Interest

Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in climate change and sustainable development.

The programme is intended for people who can contribute to the Caribbean’s climate agenda and eventually help translate international climate discussions into meaningful regional action.

6. Cannot Be an Official Party Negotiator

Applicants must not currently be serving as an official Party negotiator.

The fellowship is aimed at emerging professionals who will participate through the CCCCC delegation rather than individuals already serving as official government negotiators in the UNFCCC process.

What Organisations Can Applicants Come From?

The fellowship is open to individuals connected to a range of organisations.

Potential applicants may be affiliated with:

Youth Organisations

Young people involved in youth-led initiatives and organisations can apply if they meet the other requirements.

Non-Governmental Organisations

Professionals and emerging leaders working with NGOs on climate, development, advocacy or related issues may be eligible.

Community-Based Organisations

Applicants involved in community-level climate or development initiatives may also qualify.

Private-Sector Organisations

Young professionals working in businesses or other private-sector organisations can apply where their work or interests align with the fellowship requirements.

Public-Sector Institutions

Applicants working in government or public institutions can also be eligible, provided they meet the requirements and are not serving as official Party negotiators.

Other Relevant Organisations

The fellowship also recognises organisations working in areas such as:

• Climate action
• Sustainable development
• Public engagement
• Environmental issues
• Community development
• Related areas of regional importance

The Blue Zone Access Explained

One of the most valuable features of the fellowship is access to the COP31 Blue Zone.

Selected fellows will receive observer accreditation through the CCCCC’s available quota.

This means fellows who are selected can attend activities accessible to accredited observers, including relevant plenaries, sessions, side events and activities at the CARICOM Pavilion.

The fellowship also encourages participants to explore accreditation through their respective national delegations.

National delegation accreditation could potentially provide additional opportunities to observe negotiation processes and contribute to country delegations where appropriate.

However, this additional accreditation is not guaranteed.

The decision to provide accreditation through a national government rests entirely with the relevant government.

The CCCCC may provide a supporting letter to the appropriate government upon request, but this does not guarantee national delegation accreditation.

Importantly, a fellow who does not receive national delegation accreditation can still participate through their Blue Zone observer accreditation provided via the CCCCC delegation.

Application Requirements

Applicants need to prepare several important materials before applying.

1. Current Curriculum Vitae

Applicants must provide a current CV.

The CV should clearly demonstrate relevant aspects of the applicant’s background, including:

• Education
• Professional experience
• Volunteer involvement
• Climate-related work
• Relevant skills
• Organisational involvement

Applicants should make sure their CV clearly communicates their connection to climate action, sustainable development, public engagement or other relevant areas.

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2. Written Application of 1,200–1,500 Words

Applicants must submit a written application between 1,200 and 1,500 words.

The application must address three major areas.

Professional Development

Applicants should explain how participation in the fellowship would contribute to their professional development.

This section should address:

• Skills they expect to develop
• Knowledge they hope to gain
• Experience they want to acquire
• Their career trajectory
• Why this is the right time for them to participate

Applicants should demonstrate that they have thought carefully about how the fellowship fits into their professional journey.

Institutional Impact

Applicants should explain how their participation would benefit their organisation or institution.

They should provide a realistic plan explaining how they intend to share:

• Knowledge
• Insights
• Lessons from COP31
• Professional networks
• Relevant climate information

with their colleagues, organisation or community.

A strong answer should demonstrate that the benefits of the fellowship will extend beyond the individual participant.

Caribbean Climate Literacy

Applicants must explain how their COP31 experience will help translate complex climate discussions into accessible information for Caribbean audiences.

The goal is to demonstrate how the applicant can contribute to stronger climate literacy and public engagement across the Caribbean.

A short supporting statement from the applicant’s organisation or institution is encouraged.

How Will Applications Be Assessed?

Applications will primarily be assessed according to the strength, clarity and credibility of the three required written statements.

The selection panel will give particular consideration to several factors.

Commitment to the Caribbean Climate Agenda

Applicants should demonstrate genuine interest in the climate issues affecting Caribbean countries and the wider region.

Professional Value

The selection panel will consider how valuable the fellowship would be to the applicant’s professional development.

Applicants should therefore explain why participation at this particular stage of their career would make a meaningful difference.

Institutional Knowledge Transfer

Applicants need to present a credible plan for transferring the knowledge and insights gained through COP31 to their organisation or community.

Climate Literacy Contribution

The panel will assess how effectively applicants can help make climate discussions understandable and accessible to Caribbean communities.

Communication Skills

Applicants should demonstrate an ability to communicate climate information effectively.

This is particularly important because fellows are expected to help translate international climate discussions into accessible information.

Potential Impact Beyond COP31

The selection process will also consider whether the fellowship could produce meaningful impact after the conference.

The ideal candidate will not simply benefit personally from attending COP31 but will use the experience to contribute to wider Caribbean climate action.

Interview and Final Selection

After applications have been reviewed, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with a CCCCC selection panel.

Following the selection process, only two fellows will be selected.

Because there are only two fellowship positions, applicants should ensure that their application clearly communicates their motivation, experience, potential impact and connection to the Caribbean climate agenda.

For more information VISIT HERE.

Important Dates

Applicants should take note of the following dates:

Applications open: 10 August 2026

Application deadline: 21 August 2026

COP31: 9–20 November 2026

Location: Antalya, Türkiye

Only a short period is available between the opening of applications and the deadline, so eligible applicants should begin preparing their CV and written application as early as possible.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants can take several steps to make their application more compelling.

Research Caribbean Climate Priorities

Develop a clear understanding of the climate challenges facing Caribbean countries and the importance of issues such as adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage and climate resilience.

Connect COP31 to Your Career

Do not simply state that attending COP31 would be valuable.

Explain exactly how the experience would support your professional goals and the skills you want to develop.

Present a Realistic Knowledge-Sharing Plan

The fellowship places significant emphasis on institutional impact.

Think about what you would actually do after COP31 to share your knowledge.

For example, you could consider activities such as:

• Internal presentations
• Community discussions
• Educational content
• Workshops
• Social media campaigns
• Articles
• Youth engagement activities
• Climate literacy initiatives

Demonstrate Communication Ability

Since climate literacy is an important part of the fellowship, applicants should demonstrate their ability to communicate complex subjects in ways that ordinary audiences can understand.

Show Regional Commitment

Explain how your experience, interests or work connects with the needs and priorities of Caribbean communities.

Proofread the Written Application

The written component has a specific 1,200–1,500-word requirement.

Applicants should ensure their submission remains within the required range while answering all three areas fully.

Why This Fellowship Is a Valuable Opportunity

The Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship combines international exposure, professional development, mentorship and practical climate engagement.

Selected fellows will have the opportunity to:

• Attend COP31 in Türkiye.
• Receive fully funded return economy airfare.
• Receive accommodation during the conference period.
• Receive a daily per diem.
• Obtain Blue Zone observer accreditation through the CCCCC delegation.
• Receive mentorship from experienced climate professionals.
• Learn more about the UNFCCC process.
• Develop professional skills.
• Build international and regional networks.
• Learn more about Caribbean climate priorities.
• Participate in COP31-related activities.
• Share knowledge with organisations and communities after the conference.
• Contribute to stronger climate literacy across the Caribbean.

The fellowship therefore has the potential to benefit both the selected individuals and the wider organisations and communities they represent.

A Platform for the Next Generation of Caribbean Climate Leaders

Climate change presents significant challenges for Caribbean countries, particularly because many countries in the region are vulnerable to climate impacts despite contributing relatively little to global emissions.

Developing professionals who understand international climate negotiations and can communicate climate issues effectively is therefore important for the region’s future.

The Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship seeks to contribute to this effort by giving emerging professionals direct exposure to COP31 while preparing them to take the knowledge gained back to their communities.

The programme’s emphasis on knowledge transfer is particularly significant. Fellows are expected to help ensure that their experience benefits more than just themselves.

Conclusion

The Caribbean Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026 offers two young Caribbean professionals the opportunity to experience UNFCCC COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, while developing professional skills, building networks and contributing to the Caribbean’s climate agenda.

The fellowship is fully funded, covering return economy airfare, accommodation and a daily per diem. Selected fellows will also receive Blue Zone observer accreditation through the CCCCC delegation and mentorship before, during and after COP31.

Applicants must be 18–30 years old, nationals of a CARICOM Member State and affiliated with or working with a Caribbean-based organisation. They should have a strong interest in climate change and sustainable development and must not currently be serving as official Party negotiators.

The application requires a current CV and a 1,200–1,500-word written application addressing professional development, institutional impact and Caribbean climate literacy.

With only two fellows to be selected, applicants should focus on demonstrating their commitment to the Caribbean climate agenda, their ability to communicate climate information and their potential to create impact beyond COP31.

Application deadline: 21 August 2026.

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