Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
Forum Dates: 6–13 January 2027
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Age: 18–35
Funding: Up to 40 participants fully funded
No application fee
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is inviting young leaders, innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and changemakers from around the world to participate in a global platform focused on renewable energy, climate action and the future of sustainable energy systems.
Organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the eighth edition of the Youth Forum will take place from 6 to 13 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, alongside the IRENA Assembly and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Under the theme “Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems,” the forum will examine how young people can contribute to modernising energy grids, expanding energy storage and creating more flexible renewable energy systems.
Importantly, up to 40 selected participants will receive fully funded participation, including travel, accommodation and visa support.
About the IRENA Youth Forum 2027
The IRENA Youth Forum is IRENA’s flagship platform for youth empowerment, intergenerational dialogue and renewable energy innovation.
Since its launch, the forum has brought together young people from different regions and backgrounds to exchange ideas, develop partnerships and contribute youth perspectives to discussions about the global energy transition.
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 will focus particularly on the technologies, policies, financing and skills needed to integrate greater amounts of renewable energy into electricity systems.
The programme will provide participants with opportunities to engage with governments, international organisations, businesses, researchers, investors and other young leaders working to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
IRENA Youth Forum 2027 Theme
The theme for the 2027 forum is:
“Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems”
The theme highlights the growing importance of modern electricity grids, energy storage and system flexibility as countries increase their use of renewable energy.
Participants will explore how young innovators and professionals can contribute to:
- Renewable energy integration
- Grid modernisation
- Energy storage solutions
- Flexible energy systems
- Sustainable energy access
- Climate and energy policy
- Clean technology innovation
- Financing the energy transition
Objectives of the IRENA Youth Forum
The forum aims to strengthen the role of young people in shaping the global energy transition.
Key objectives include:
1. Amplify Youth Voices
The forum will provide young people with opportunities to contribute to global energy and climate policy discussions and ensure youth perspectives are represented in decision-making.
2. Develop Knowledge and Skills
Participants will deepen their understanding of energy grids, storage technologies and system flexibility, including the policy and regulatory frameworks required to support renewable energy deployment.
3. Support Youth Innovation
The programme will help young people develop the knowledge, skills and networks needed to design, implement and scale innovative renewable energy solutions.
4. Explore Financing Opportunities
Participants will examine the role of young entrepreneurs and innovators in financing the energy transition, including ways to access capital and scale clean energy solutions.
5. Build Global Partnerships
The forum will connect youth with stakeholders from governments, the private sector, academia and international organisations, creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
IRENA Youth Forum 2027 Programme
The programme will take place across several activities in Abu Dhabi.
6–7 January 2027 – IRENA Youth Forum
The main Youth Forum will take place in Abu Dhabi and will include a High-Level Opening, interactive workshops and youth-focused discussions.
8 January 2027 – Closing Session
The Youth Forum closing session will take place during the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island.
9–13 January 2027 – Youth-Led Activities
Selected participants will also have opportunities to take part in youth-led activities, including the Youth Booth and Lounge at the St. Regis and activities at the IRENA Pavilion during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at ADNEC.
Who Can Apply for the IRENA Youth Forum?
The opportunity is open to young people aged 18 to 35 at the time of the forum.
Applicants should:
- Be actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, climate action, innovation or related fields.
- Be leading or contributing to a project, startup, research initiative, advocacy campaign or other activity supporting the energy transition.
- Demonstrate a strong interest in collaborating with other young leaders and stakeholders.
- Be motivated to contribute to the development and acceleration of sustainable energy solutions.
Applications are welcome from young people of all nationalities and countries.
The selection process will consider factors including geographic diversity, gender balance and demonstrated commitment to the energy transition.
All applications must be completed in English.
Is the IRENA Youth Forum 2027 Fully Funded?
Yes. Up to 40 participants will be selected for fully funded participation.
For those selected for the fully funded places, support will cover:
- ✈️ International travel
- 🏨 Accommodation
- 🛂 Visa support
There is no application fee and no participation fee.
Additional applicants may also be invited to participate on a partially funded or self-funded basis.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| IRENA Youth Forum | 6–7 January 2027 |
| Closing Session | 8 January 2027 |
| Youth-led activities | 9–13 January 2027 |
| Application deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Notification of results | By 15 November 2026 |
| Location | Abu Dhabi, UAE |
Application deadline: 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time.
How to Apply for IRENA Youth Forum 2027
Interested young leaders must complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI) before the deadline.
Applicants should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their experience, leadership, innovation, research, advocacy or other contributions to the renewable energy and energy transition agenda.
👉 APPLY NOW – IRENA Youth Forum 2027
For enquiries, contact youth@irena.org.
Why Apply for the IRENA Youth Forum?
The IRENA Youth Forum offers young professionals and changemakers an opportunity to participate in international discussions about one of the world’s most important challenges: accelerating the transition to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
Selected participants can gain:
- International exposure in the renewable energy sector
- Access to global youth and energy networks
- Opportunities to engage with policymakers and industry leaders
- Knowledge of emerging energy technologies and solutions
- Opportunities to showcase youth-led initiatives
- Potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities
- Experience participating in a major international energy forum
For young people working in renewable energy, climate change, sustainability, engineering, technology, entrepreneurship, policy, research or advocacy, this is an opportunity worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IRENA Youth Forum?
The IRENA Youth Forum is an international platform organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) that brings young people together to discuss renewable energy, innovation, climate action and the global energy transition.
When is the IRENA Youth Forum 2027?
The main IRENA Youth Forum will take place on 6–7 January 2027, with related activities continuing through 13 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Where will the IRENA Youth Forum 2027 take place?
The forum will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with activities connected to the IRENA Assembly and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Who is eligible for the IRENA Youth Forum?
Young people aged 18–35 who are actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation or related fields can apply.
Is the IRENA Youth Forum fully funded?
Up to 40 participants will receive fully funded participation, including travel, accommodation and visa support. Other participants may be invited on a partially funded or self-funded basis.
Is there an application fee?
No. There is no application or participation fee.
What is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to submit an Expression of Interest is 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time.
When will applicants be notified?
Applicants will be notified of the selection results by 15 November 2026.
Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes. Applications are welcome from young people from all countries around the world.
Apply for the IRENA Youth Forum 2027
If you are a young leader, entrepreneur, researcher, policymaker, innovator or advocate working to advance the renewable energy transition, consider applying for the IRENA Youth Forum 2027.
📅 Deadline: 30 September 2026
📍 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
👥 Age: 18–35
💰 Up to 40 fully funded places
✈️ Travel, accommodation and visa support for selected fully funded participants
💵 No application fee
Source: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
