The United Nations Youth Office is inviting young people from diverse backgrounds to apply for participation in the 2026 UN Youth Townhall, a flagship youth engagement gathering taking place in Heidelberg, Germany, from 8 to 10 December 2026.

The Townhall is designed to bring young people together with governments, the United Nations, civil society, the private sector and other partners to move beyond dialogue and develop concrete recommendations, partnerships and opportunities for action.

For the 2026 gathering, the UN Youth Office will support a limited number of eligible young people aged 18 to 35 to participate in person. The selection process aims to promote diversity, including geographical representation, gender balance and participation from underrepresented and marginalized youth.

The application deadline is 7 September 2026 at midnight ET.

2026 UN Youth Townhall at a Glance

What Is the 2026 UN Youth Townhall?

The 2026 UN Youth Townhall is described as the first convening of its kind and is a flagship gathering of the UN Youth Compass.

The event is intended to create a space where young people can engage meaningfully with decision-makers and other important stakeholders on issues affecting young people and the wider world.

Rather than limiting youth participation to discussion and consultation, the Townhall aims to generate tangible outcomes.

These include:

• Concrete recommendations;
• Partnerships;
• Opportunities for action;
• Continued engagement between young people and institutions; and
• Stronger connections between youth and decision-makers.

The Townhall will bring together young people from diverse backgrounds with representatives from governments, the United Nations, civil society, the private sector and other partners.

This makes the event particularly relevant to young people interested in youth participation, international development, policymaking, peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and global affairs.

Where and When Will the UN Youth Townhall Take Place?

The 2026 UN Youth Townhall will take place in:

Heidelberg, Germany

The event is scheduled for:

8–10 December 2026

Selected young participants will therefore need to be available to participate in person during the Townhall dates.

The source specifically states that the UN Youth Office will support a limited number of young people to participate in person.

Who Is the UN Youth Townhall Looking For?

The open call is aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 35.

However, age alone does not determine selection.

The UN Youth Office states that the selection process will consider several factors to help ensure meaningful and diverse youth representation.

These include:

• Gender balance;
• Geographical representation;
• Participation of youth from underrepresented groups;
• Participation of youth from marginalized groups;
• Engagement with grassroots organizations; and
• Previous engagement with the United Nations.

The selection process will be conducted by the UN Youth Office, with support from online volunteers and the Youth Advisory Group to the UN Youth Townhall.

Preference for Grassroots Youth Engagement

One particularly important aspect of the call is the preference given to young people who are engaged in grassroots organizations.

The UN Youth Office also indicates that preference will be given to applicants who have had limited or no prior engagement with the United Nations.

This is significant because the Townhall is designed to broaden youth participation rather than simply bring together young people who already have extensive experience within international institutions.

Young people who are actively contributing to their communities through grassroots initiatives may therefore find this opportunity particularly relevant.

Representation of Underrepresented and Marginalized Youth

The UN Youth Office aims to ensure that the Townhall reflects the diversity of young people.

The selection process will therefore consider participation from underrepresented and marginalized groups.

The application form specifically asks applicants whether they belong to or identify with particular rights-holder communities, including:

• LGBTQIA+ communities;
• Indigenous communities;
• Migrants and internally displaced people;
• Persons with disabilities;
• Youth facing work- and descent-based discrimination;
• Young people living with HIV; and
• Refugees.

Applicants are given the opportunity to identify with these communities in the application.

The form also asks applicants with disabilities whether they require reasonable accommodation to participate.

Why the UN Youth Townhall Matters

The Townhall is designed around the principle that young people should have meaningful opportunities to contribute to discussions and decisions affecting their lives and communities.

The event is anchored in several major United Nations youth and international policy frameworks.

These include the:

• UN Youth Compass;
• UN Secretary-General’s 2023 Policy Brief on Meaningful Youth Engagement;
• Youth2030: The UN Youth Strategy;
• Pact for the Future;
• UN Security Council Resolution 2250 (2015) on Youth, Peace and Security; and
• UN Security Council Resolution 2807 (2025) on Youth, Peace and Security.

These frameworks provide the broader policy context for the Townhall.

The event therefore represents an opportunity for young participants to engage with international youth policy and contribute perspectives that can inform recommendations and future action.

What Can Participants Expect From the Townhall?

The source emphasizes that the Townhall will go beyond dialogue.

Participants will have an opportunity to connect with a range of stakeholders, including:

Governments

Young participants can engage with government representatives and contribute youth perspectives to policy discussions.

United Nations

The Townhall provides an opportunity for youth to interact with UN representatives and contribute to the organization’s broader youth engagement efforts.

Civil Society

Civil society organizations play an important role in youth participation and community action. The Townhall will provide opportunities for young people to connect with civil society actors.

Private Sector

The event will also connect young people with private-sector stakeholders, creating potential opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.

Other Partners

The gathering will bring together additional organizations and stakeholders working on youth-related issues.

The resulting connections can potentially extend beyond the three-day event, as the Townhall aims to create opportunities for continued engagement after the gathering.

The UN Youth Townhall Is Designed to Generate Action

A major feature of the event is its emphasis on moving from conversation to action.

Rather than simply asking young people to express their views, the Townhall seeks to produce:

1. Concrete recommendations that can inform future work;
2. Partnerships between young people and relevant stakeholders; and
3. Opportunities for action that can continue beyond the Townhall.

This approach places young people not only in the position of participants but also as contributors to solutions and future initiatives.

Application Eligibility

Applicants should carefully review the official application guidance before submitting their applications.

Based on the supplied call, applicants should meet the following central criteria:

Age

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.

Participation

Selected applicants are expected to participate in person at the Townhall in Heidelberg, Germany.

Language

The application asks whether applicants have a working knowledge of English.

Applicants are also asked whether they would require interpretation support and, if so, which language and what scope of support would be required.

Youth Engagement

The opportunity is intended for young people who can contribute meaningfully to the Townhall and its objectives.

The selection process considers the diversity of youth representation and gives preference to young people involved in grassroots organizations.

Important Restriction for Current UN Contractors

There is an important eligibility consideration that applicants should not overlook.

The UN Youth Office states that it is unable to sponsor youth who are currently under contract with the United Nations.

Applicants who are currently working under a UN contract should therefore carefully consider this restriction before applying.

What Information Does the Application Form Request?

The application form contains several sections designed to help the UN Youth Office understand applicants’ backgrounds, circumstances and participation needs.

Personal Information

Applicants are asked to provide basic personal information, including:

• First name;
• Last name;
• Date of birth;
• Gender identity;
• Email address;
• Country of nationality;
• Country of residence; and
• City of residence.

The form states that personal information collected in this section will not be disclosed to third parties.

Gender Identity

Applicants are asked about their gender identity.

The options displayed in the form include:

• Woman;
• Man;
• Non-binary; and
• Prefer not to say.

This information forms part of the application process and can contribute to the organizers’ consideration of gender balance in participant selection.

Rights-Holder Community Information

Applicants can indicate whether they belong to or identify with any of the rights-holder communities listed in the form.

These include:

• LGBTQIA+;
• Indigenous Community;
• Migrants and Internally Displaced People;
• Persons with Disability;
• Youth Facing Work and Descent Based Discrimination;
• Young People Living with HIV; and
• Refugees.

Applicants should provide this information according to their circumstances and the options available in the application form.

Applicant Category

The application asks candidates which category they most closely associate with.

The listed options are:

• Youth-led entity/organisation;
• Youth-serving entity/organisation; or
• Individual young person aged 35 and below.

This allows the organizers to understand whether an applicant is participating as an individual or through an organization or entity connected to youth work.

Organization of Affiliation

Applicants are also asked to provide their organization of affiliation, if they have one.

This is particularly relevant to applicants involved in:

• Youth organizations;
• Grassroots initiatives;
• Civil society organizations;
• Community initiatives; or
• Other youth-related entities.

Applicants without an organizational affiliation can provide the information requested according to their individual circumstances.

Disability and Reasonable Accommodation

The application asks applicants whether they consider themselves a person with a disability.

If the answer is yes, applicants can specify the reasonable accommodation they would need to participate in the UN Youth Townhall.

This allows the organizers to consider accessibility requirements when planning participation.

Applicants who require accommodations should provide sufficient information to help the UN Youth Office understand what support may be needed.

Safety and Security Considerations

The application also provides applicants with an opportunity to identify any safety measures that should be considered to ensure their secure participation in the Townhall.

Examples given in the application include:

• Avoiding the display of an applicant’s full name;
• Using a specific travel route; or
• Other precautions the applicant may require.

This section is particularly relevant for applicants who may have specific safety or privacy concerns connected to their participation.

English Language and Interpretation Support

Applicants are asked whether they have a working knowledge of English.

The form also asks whether selected participants would require interpretation support.

If interpretation is required, applicants can indicate:

• The language they require; and
• The scope of interpretation support needed.

This information can help organizers plan appropriate support for participants.

How Long Does the Application Take?

The UN Youth Office estimates that completing the application will take approximately:

30–45 minutes

Applicants should therefore avoid beginning the application immediately before the deadline.

It is advisable to set aside sufficient uninterrupted time to read the questions carefully and provide thoughtful responses.

Application Deadline for the 2026 UN Youth Townhall

The application deadline is:

7 September 2026 at midnight ET.

Applications should be submitted before the deadline.

Because the selection process is expected to attract a large number of applications, prospective participants should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit.

When Will Applicants Be Notified?

The UN Youth Office states that, due to the anticipated large number of applications, it will only be able to notify successful applicants.

Applicants who do not receive communication from the office by:

8 October 2026

are encouraged to explore other opportunities.

This means applicants should not necessarily expect an individual rejection notification if they are not selected.

How to Apply for the 2026 UN Youth Townhall

Applicants should first read the Official Application Guidance carefully before completing the form.

Step 1: Review the Application Guidance

The UN Youth Office provides an official application guidance document explaining the call and application process.

Applicants should read this before starting the form.

Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check that you meet the age requirement and consider the other selection factors and restrictions outlined in the call.

Step 3: Prepare Your Information

Have your basic personal, nationality, residence and organizational information available.

You should also consider in advance whether you need:

• Reasonable accommodation;
• Interpretation;
• Specific safety measures; or
• Other participation support.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

The application is submitted through the online form provided by the UN Youth Office.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

Ensure that the completed application is submitted by:

7 September 2026 at midnight ET.

Applicants should allow enough time for any technical issues and for reviewing their responses before submission.

APPLY HERE

Application Guidance

Before applying, applicants should read the official guidance document:

UN Youth Townhall Sponsored Youth Engagement Application Guidance

The guidance should be treated as an important reference when preparing the application.

Youth2030 and Continued Engagement

The UN Youth Townhall is connected to the wider Youth2030 framework and the UN’s efforts to strengthen meaningful youth participation.

Participants will not simply be brought together for a single event. The Townhall aims to create opportunities for continued engagement beyond the gathering.

This means the value of participation can extend beyond the three days in Heidelberg.

Young people can potentially use the experience to:

• Strengthen connections with other youth leaders;
• Develop relationships with institutions;
• Exchange ideas across countries and regions;
• Contribute to recommendations;
• Explore potential partnerships; and
• Remain engaged in youth-related international processes.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The opportunity may be particularly relevant to young people who are:

• Between 18 and 35 years old;
• Active in youth-led or youth-serving organizations;
• Working with grassroots communities;
• Interested in youth participation;
• Engaged in social or community initiatives;
• Interested in international development;
• Interested in peace and security;
• Working on issues affecting marginalized or underrepresented communities;
• Interested in connecting with policymakers and international organizations; or
• Looking for meaningful opportunities to contribute to global youth policy discussions.

The call does not suggest that applicants must have previously participated in UN programmes. In fact, limited or no previous UN engagement is identified as a preference.

How to Strengthen Your Application

While selection is competitive, applicants can improve the quality of their submission by approaching the application thoughtfully.

Demonstrate Meaningful Youth Engagement

Explain clearly how you engage with young people, your community or an issue affecting youth.

Highlight Grassroots Experience

If you are involved in a grassroots organization or community initiative, clearly explain your role and the impact of your work.

Explain Your Perspective

The Townhall seeks diverse youth representation. Applicants should clearly communicate the perspectives, experiences and issues they can contribute to the gathering.

Be Clear About Accessibility Needs

If you require reasonable accommodation, interpretation or specific safety measures, provide the relevant information in the appropriate section of the application.

Review Before Submitting

Because the application takes approximately 30–45 minutes, applicants should reserve enough time to review their answers carefully before submission.

APPLY HERE

A Global Youth Participation Opportunity

The 2026 UN Youth Townhall is structured to bring together young people from diverse geographical and social backgrounds.

Geographical representation is specifically included among the selection considerations.

The call does not identify a restricted list of eligible countries in the supplied information. Applicants are therefore encouraged to review the official application guidance and form carefully to determine whether they meet all requirements.

The opportunity should not be viewed as being limited to one continent or region.

Visit HERE to learn more about the UN Youth Townhall in Germany.

Conclusion

The 2026 UN Youth Townhall in Heidelberg, Germany provides young people aged 18–35 with an opportunity to participate in a major United Nations youth engagement gathering focused on turning youth dialogue into recommendations, partnerships and action.

Taking place from 8–10 December 2026, the Townhall will connect young people with governments, the United Nations, civil society, the private sector and other partners.

The UN Youth Office intends to support a limited number of young people to participate in person, with selection considering gender balance, geographical representation and participation from underrepresented and marginalized groups. Preference will also be given to young people involved in grassroots organizations and those with limited or no previous engagement with the United Nations.

The application deadline is 7 September 2026 at midnight ET, and applicants should expect the form to take approximately 30–45 minutes to complete.

Prospective applicants should carefully review the official application guidance, confirm their eligibility, prepare the requested personal and participation information, and submit their application well before the deadline.

For young people seeking to contribute to international youth policy, connect with decision-makers, share community perspectives and participate in meaningful global youth engagement, the 2026 UN Youth Townhall represents an opportunity to make their voices heard at an important international gathering.

Discover more global Conference and UN opportunities on OFY.