COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon 2026 in Türkiye: Apply to Develop Climate Solutions and Join the International COP31 Ideathon in Antalya
The COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon is inviting young people across Türkiye to turn their climate ideas into practical solutions for some of the most urgent environmental challenges facing communities and the planet. Organized under the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports, the initiative provides young participants with an intensive opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams, receive guidance from expert mentors, develop solutions to real environmental problems and present their ideas before a jury.
The programme is particularly designed for young people interested in climate change, sustainability, environmental protection, zero waste and the circular economy. Participants will spend three days working collaboratively on a selected climate-related challenge, with the strongest teams potentially advancing to an international ideathon in Antalya held alongside the COP31 process.
The COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon offers an opportunity not only to develop an innovative climate solution but also to connect with young people from different parts of Türkiye and, for successful teams, eventually collaborate with participants from countries around the world.
About the COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon
The COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon is a youth-focused climate innovation and solution-development initiative designed to give young people an active role in responding to climate change.
Rather than simply discussing the environmental challenges facing society, participants are encouraged to identify problems and develop original, practical and feasible solutions.
The programme brings together young people from different cities and disciplines and places them in collaborative teams. With support from expert mentors, participants will work through a three-day ideathon experience to transform their initial ideas into more developed solutions.
The initiative is connected to the broader COP31 process, creating a potential pathway for successful youth teams to take their solutions to an international platform in Antalya.
The programme’s underlying message is that young people should not only be consulted about the climate crisis but should also have opportunities to design and develop solutions that can contribute to the future of environmental policy and action.
What Is an Ideathon?
An ideathon is an intensive, collaborative problem-solving event in which participants work together to develop innovative responses to a particular challenge.
In the case of the COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon, participants will:
- Select or be assigned a climate-related theme.
- Work in multidisciplinary youth teams.
- Examine a real environmental problem.
- Generate and refine potential solutions.
- Receive guidance from expert mentors.
- Develop a feasible solution proposal.
- Present their idea to a jury.
- Compete for the opportunity to progress to the international stage.
The format encourages participants to move beyond general awareness of climate change and focus on solutions that can realistically address environmental challenges.
What Participants Can Expect
Selected participants will take part in a three-day experience focused on climate solution development.
Three Days of Collaborative Solution Development
Participants will work with their teams for three days to address a real environmental problem.
The experience is intended to strengthen practical skills such as:
- Problem identification
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Creative thinking
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Solution design
- Presentation
- Project development
- Teamwork
Participants will have the opportunity to turn an initial concept into a more structured and potentially implementable climate solution.
Expert Mentorship
Participants will receive one-on-one support from expert mentors working in relevant fields.
Mentors can help participants:
- Evaluate their ideas.
- Identify weaknesses in proposed solutions.
- Improve feasibility.
- Develop stronger approaches to environmental problems.
- Think about implementation.
- Prepare their final presentations.
This mentorship component is particularly valuable because participants are not expected to develop their ideas entirely on their own.
Presentation Before a Jury
At the end of the ideathon experience, teams will have the opportunity to present their ideas to a jury.
This gives participants practical experience in communicating an environmental solution to decision-makers and experts.
Teams will need to demonstrate not only that their idea is innovative but also that it can potentially address a genuine environmental challenge.
Youth Networking
The initiative will bring together young people from different cities across Türkiye.
Participants can therefore build connections with peers who share interests in:
- Climate action
- Sustainability
- Environmental protection
- Renewable energy
- Circular economy
- Climate leadership
- Green transition
The multidisciplinary nature of the programme can also help participants discover perspectives and approaches outside their usual academic or professional areas.
Opportunity to Participate in the International Ideathon in Antalya
One of the most significant opportunities associated with the COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon is the possibility of progressing to the international stage.
Teams that perform particularly well may have the opportunity to participate in the international ideathon in Antalya during the COP31 process.
At the international ideathon, successful teams will have the opportunity to:
- Develop their ideas on an international scale.
- Work alongside young participants from different countries.
- Exchange ideas across national and cultural contexts.
- Further refine their proposed solutions.
- Present their work on an international platform.
- Contribute to discussions connected with global climate challenges.
This creates a potential progression from a local or national youth ideathon to an international climate innovation experience.
COP31 and the International Climate Context
The initiative is connected to the COP31 process, giving the programme an important international climate-policy dimension.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP, brings countries together to discuss international action on climate change.
The COP31-related youth initiative seeks to create space for young people to contribute their own ideas and solutions to environmental challenges.
For participants, this can provide valuable exposure to the broader climate policy and sustainability ecosystem.
Eight Climate and Sustainability Themes
Participants will develop ideas under one of eight thematic areas.
These themes cover a broad range of environmental, social and economic dimensions of climate action.
1. Green Skills and Climate Literacy
This theme focuses on strengthening the knowledge and skills people need to understand and respond to climate change.
Potential ideas could address:
- Climate education
- Environmental awareness
- Green skills development
- Youth climate education
- Sustainability training
- Climate communication
- Environmental literacy
Young people interested in education, training and awareness-raising may find this theme particularly relevant.
2. Youth Participation and Climate Leadership
This theme focuses on increasing young people’s involvement in climate action and environmental decision-making.
Possible areas of interest include:
- Youth participation
- Climate leadership
- Youth-led environmental initiatives
- Climate advocacy
- Youth representation
- Community engagement
- Environmental policymaking
The theme recognizes young people as active contributors to climate solutions rather than passive beneficiaries of environmental policies.
3. Adaptation and Resilience to Climate Change
Climate change is already affecting communities and ecosystems, making adaptation and resilience increasingly important.
Participants working on this theme may explore solutions related to:
- Climate adaptation
- Disaster preparedness
- Community resilience
- Climate risk management
- Resilient infrastructure
- Local adaptation strategies
- Protection of vulnerable communities
The emphasis is on developing approaches that can help communities prepare for and respond to climate-related risks.
4. Air Pollution, Clean Air and the Green Transition
Air pollution represents both an environmental and public-health challenge.
This theme invites ideas addressing:
- Air quality
- Pollution reduction
- Clean transportation
- Clean energy
- Sustainable urban development
- Green technologies
- Low-carbon transition
Participants can explore innovative ways to reduce pollution while supporting a broader transition toward more sustainable systems.
5. Combating Forest Fires, Drought and Water Stress
This theme addresses environmental challenges that can become more severe as climate conditions change.
Participants may develop solutions relating to:
- Forest-fire prevention
- Early warning systems
- Drought management
- Water conservation
- Water security
- Climate-resilient ecosystems
- Community preparedness
The theme is particularly relevant to innovative approaches that help communities and ecosystems cope with increasing environmental pressures.
6. Agriculture and Food Security
Climate change has significant implications for agriculture and food systems.
Ideas under this theme could explore:
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Sustainable farming
- Food security
- Agricultural resilience
- Efficient water use
- Sustainable food systems
- Reducing environmental impacts of agriculture
Participants can examine how food systems can become more resilient while contributing to environmental sustainability.
7. Renewable Energy and Carbon Footprint Reduction
This theme focuses on the transition toward cleaner energy systems and reducing greenhouse-gas emissions.
Potential areas include:
- Renewable energy
- Solar energy
- Energy efficiency
- Low-carbon technologies
- Carbon footprint reduction
- Clean energy access
- Sustainable consumption
Participants with interests in engineering, technology, energy or environmental science may find this theme particularly suitable.
8. Youth-Friendly and Environmentally Friendly Sports Facilities
The final theme connects climate action with sports and youth facilities.
Participants may explore how sports facilities can become:
- More environmentally sustainable
- More energy efficient
- More accessible to young people
- Less carbon intensive
- More resource efficient
- Better integrated into sustainable communities
This theme demonstrates that climate action can be incorporated into many aspects of everyday community life.
Who Can Apply?
The COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon is aimed specifically at young people between 15 and 29 years old.
Applicants should have an interest in at least one of the areas connected to the programme, including:
- Climate change
- Sustainability
- Environmental protection
- Zero waste
- Circular economy
Applicants do not need to be described as climate experts. The initiative is designed to give young people an opportunity to develop ideas with the support of mentors and other participants.
The multidisciplinary nature of the programme means that young people with different educational, professional and personal backgrounds may be able to contribute.
Nationality and Geographic Eligibility
The programme information states that young people will be selected from across Türkiye and that the in-person ideathon events will take place in cities across Türkiye.
Therefore, this opportunity is primarily intended for young people in Türkiye, particularly those eligible to participate through the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports’ E-Genç platform.
The information provided does not indicate that applicants from other countries can directly apply to the national ideathon stages.
However, participants whose teams successfully advance may have the opportunity to take part in the international ideathon in Antalya, where they can work alongside participants from different countries.
International participation therefore appears to be associated with the later stage of the programme rather than the initial national application.
Where Will the Ideathon Take Place?
The national ideathon is scheduled to take place in seven cities across Türkiye.
Istanbul
4–6 September 2026
Rize
9–11 September 2026
Adana
18–20 September 2026
Konya
25–27 September 2026
Izmir
2–4 October 2026
Mardin
9–11 October 2026
Erzurum
16–18 October 2026
Applicants should pay close attention to the location and dates relevant to their participation.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the E-Genç Platform, the youth-focused digital platform associated with the Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports.
During the application process, applicants are expected to provide a short solution proposal addressing one of the eight programme themes.
A strong proposal should focus on a specific environmental or climate challenge and present a solution that is:
- Original
- Practical
- Feasible
- Relevant to the selected theme
- Potentially useful to communities
- Capable of being developed further during the ideathon
Applicants should avoid presenting only a general statement about climate change. The purpose of the application is to demonstrate an ability to identify a problem and begin thinking about a realistic solution.
What Makes a Strong Solution Proposal?
Although the programme emphasizes creativity and innovation, a successful idea should also demonstrate practical thinking.
Applicants can strengthen their proposals by considering questions such as:
What is the problem?
Clearly identify the climate or environmental challenge.
For example, instead of simply discussing “water scarcity,” identify a particular aspect of water stress affecting communities.
Who is affected?
Explain the people, communities, ecosystems or sectors affected by the problem.
What is your proposed solution?
Describe the core idea clearly and simply.
Why is the solution different?
Explain what makes the proposal innovative or different from existing approaches.
Is it feasible?
Consider whether the solution could realistically be implemented with available or potentially accessible resources.
What impact could it create?
Explain how the proposed solution could improve environmental, social or community outcomes.
Multidisciplinary Teams
The programme places particular importance on teams made up of young people from different disciplines.
This approach recognizes that complex climate challenges rarely have a single solution or belong to one academic field.
For example, a climate solution might benefit from combining:
- Environmental science
- Engineering
- Economics
- Technology
- Agriculture
- Communications
- Public policy
- Business
- Education
- Design
Participants will therefore have opportunities to learn from people with different knowledge, skills and perspectives.
From Idea to Implementation
The COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon is designed to take participants beyond simply generating ideas.
The three-day experience allows teams to develop their proposals through:
- Problem identification.
- Idea generation.
- Team discussion.
- Expert mentoring.
- Solution refinement.
- Feasibility consideration.
- Presentation preparation.
- Jury evaluation.
The strongest teams can then potentially take their ideas to the international stage in Antalya.
This progression gives participants an opportunity to see how an initial concept can evolve into a more developed climate solution.
Benefits of Participating
The COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon offers several potential benefits for young participants.
Practical Climate Innovation Experience
Participants gain hands-on experience developing solutions to real environmental challenges.
Expert Mentorship
One-on-one guidance provides participants with access to experienced professionals who can help improve their ideas.
Networking
Participants can establish relationships with young people from different cities and potentially, at the international stage, from different countries.
Presentation Skills
Presenting before a jury can strengthen participants’ ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
Teamwork
Participants gain experience collaborating with people from different disciplines and backgrounds.
Exposure to International Climate Action
Successful teams may have the opportunity to participate in an international ideathon connected with the COP31 process.
Contribution to Environmental Policy and Action
The programme encourages young people to develop ideas that could potentially contribute to future environmental policies and climate solutions.
Why Young People Should Consider Applying
Climate change presents complex challenges requiring innovation across multiple sectors.
Young people are often among the most affected by long-term environmental changes, but they also bring new perspectives, technologies and approaches to solving these problems.
The COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon provides a structured environment where young people can turn those perspectives into practical proposals.
The programme can be particularly valuable for young people interested in building experience in:
- Climate policy
- Environmental science
- Sustainability
- Renewable energy
- Circular economy
- Agriculture
- Environmental technology
- Climate leadership
- Public policy
- Green innovation
- Community development
Application Deadline
The information provided for the COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon does not state a specific application closing date.
Applications are currently presented as open through the E-Genç Platform. Applicants should therefore check the official application portal for the current submission deadline and complete their applications as early as possible.
The scheduled national ideathon events begin on 4 September 2026 in Istanbul, followed by events in Rize, Adana, Konya, Izmir, Mardin and Erzurum through October 2026.
Organizing Institution
The initiative is regulated by the:
Turkish Ministry of Youth and Sports
Address:
Örnek Mahallesi, Oruç Reis Caddesi No:13, Altındağ, Ankara, Türkiye
The Ministry operates the youth-focused platforms and programmes through which participants can access information and submit applications.
Important Information for Applicants
Before applying, candidates should:
- Confirm that they meet the 15–29 age requirement.
- Review the eight available climate themes.
- Select a theme that matches their interests and strengths.
- Develop a clear and practical climate solution.
- Prepare the requested short solution proposal.
- Submit the application through the E-Genç Platform.
- Check the application portal for the latest deadline and participation details.
- Consider the location and dates of the relevant ideathon event.
- Be prepared to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team.
- Be available for the full three-day ideathon experience if selected.
Visit HERE to learn more about the COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon 2026 in Türkiye.
Conclusion
The COP31 Youth Climate Ideathon provides young people in Türkiye with an opportunity to move from climate awareness to practical climate action. Through three days of intensive teamwork, expert mentorship and solution development, participants can explore real environmental challenges and transform their ideas into more feasible and impactful proposals.
The programme covers eight major areas, ranging from climate literacy and youth leadership to renewable energy, agriculture, food security, water stress, air pollution, forest fires and sustainable sports facilities. This broad thematic scope means that young people with different interests and backgrounds can contribute to the climate solution-building process.
One of the programme’s most attractive features is the potential pathway to the international ideathon in Antalya. Teams that perform particularly well may have the opportunity to work with participants from countries around the world and develop their ideas within an international COP31-related environment.
Young people aged 15 to 29 in Türkiye who are passionate about climate change, sustainability, environmental protection, zero waste or the circular economy should consider preparing a strong solution proposal and applying through the E-Genç Platform.
Because the information provided does not specify a final application closing date, prospective applicants should consult the official platform promptly for the latest deadline and application requirements.
Discover more global Competition and Climate Action opportunities on OFY.
Share this:
Discover more from Opportunities for Youth
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
