UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace 2026: Apply for the UN Youth Peacebuilding Programme in Cyprus

The United Nations Youth Champions for Environment and Peace Programme 2026 is inviting young people living in Cyprus to apply for an opportunity to develop practical skills in environmental peacebuilding, intercommunal cooperation, youth leadership and sustainable development.

Organized by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in partnership with the British Council, through its regional Youth Connect programme, the initiative will bring together young people from different communities across the island to learn, collaborate and develop joint environmental actions.

The programme is designed for young people who are interested in environmental protection, peacebuilding, climate action, social cohesion and community development. Participants will take part in immersive workshops, work in intercommunal teams, receive guidance from mentors and develop environmental initiatives that must be implemented by February 2027.

Participation in the programme is free. The application deadline is 20 September 2026.

Overview of the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace Programme

The UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace initiative is being offered for the sixth year by UNFICYP and the British Council. The 2026 edition will focus specifically on environmental peacebuilding and the development of joint actions addressing shared environmental concerns.

Environmental challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, pollution, environmental degradation and unequal access to resources can affect communities across social, political and geographical divisions. The programme recognizes that environmental issues can also provide opportunities for cooperation, dialogue and trust-building.

Through collaborative learning and practical action, the programme seeks to empower young people in Cyprus to become active contributors to a more peaceful, sustainable and inclusive future.

The initiative will enable participants to:

• Explore the relationship between environmental challenges and peacebuilding.
• Learn how shared environmental concerns can encourage cooperation.
• Develop practical environmental action plans with participants from different communities.
• Strengthen leadership, communication and teamwork skills.
• Build relationships with environmental and peacebuilding practitioners.
• Participate in initiatives that promote intercommunal trust and social cohesion.
• Join a wider network of Youth Champions working on environmental and peace-related issues.

According to the official announcement, the programme is taking place at a time when climate change is increasingly contributing to insecurity, inequality and social vulnerability. The initiative therefore emphasizes the importance of acting both locally and collectively to address shared challenges.

What Is Environmental Peacebuilding?

Environmental peacebuilding refers to the use of environmental cooperation, natural-resource management and sustainability initiatives to support peace, prevent conflict and strengthen relationships between communities.

Environmental concerns often affect people regardless of their political, cultural, ethnic or social background. Issues such as water, waste management, biodiversity, climate resilience, land use, food systems and pollution can create shared interests and provide opportunities for constructive cooperation.

Within the UN Youth Champions programme, participants will explore how environmental action can contribute to:

• Peaceful relationships between communities.
• Mutual understanding and trust.
• Sustainable development.
• Inclusive youth leadership.
• Climate resilience.
• Community participation.
• Environmental awareness.
• Cooperation across the divide in Cyprus.

Rather than focusing only on discussions, the programme encourages participants to work together on practical initiatives that address environmental issues and benefit communities across the island.

Key Dates for the 2026 Programme

Applicants should take note of the important dates and participation requirements.

Programme Activity	Date or Period
Application deadline	20 September 2026
Notification of successful applicants	Expected by 23 September 2026
First workshop day	3 October 2026
Second workshop day	4 October 2026
Third workshop day	10 October 2026
Fourth workshop day	11 October 2026
Environmental action implementation deadline	February 2027
Closing event	End of March 2027

Attendance at all four workshop days is mandatory. Participants are also expected to actively contribute to the development and implementation of their team’s environmental action.

Who Can Apply for the UN Youth Champions Programme?

The programme is open to young people aged 18 to 30 who live in Cyprus and come from any community on the island.

Applicants do not need to have previous professional or academic experience in environmental protection, peacebuilding or activism. However, they should demonstrate genuine interest, motivation and willingness to work collaboratively with people from different communities.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old.
• Belong to or live within any community in Cyprus.
• Have a strong desire to contribute to a peaceful and sustainable future on the island.
• Demonstrate an interest in environmental issues and peacebuilding.
• Be willing to become active in environmental and peace-related initiatives.
• Commit to attending all four experiential workshop days on 3, 4, 10 and 11 October 2026.
• Be willing to work with a team to develop and implement an environmental action by February 2027.
• Have a very good knowledge of English.
• Be willing to build interpersonal relationships with participants from all communities living in Cyprus.
• Be interested in working collaboratively toward a common cause.
• Not have previously benefited from a UN Youth Champions programme.

The call is intended to encourage participation from young people across the different communities in Cyprus. The organizers also seek gender diversity and equal representation among participants.

Previous Experience Is Not Required

One of the important features of the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace Programme is that applicants do not need previous experience in environmental peacebuilding, environmental activism or related fields.

This makes the programme suitable for young people who may be new to environmental action but are passionate about sustainability, peace, youth participation, community development or social change.

Applicants do not necessarily need to be environmental scientists, peacebuilding professionals or climate activists. What matters is their:

• Interest in the subject.
• Willingness to learn.
• Commitment to teamwork.
• Ability to participate fully.
• Motivation to contribute to a peaceful and sustainable Cyprus.

Participants will receive learning opportunities and support from experts, trainers, environmental practitioners, peacebuilding specialists and youth activists.

What Does the Programme Offer?

The UN Youth Champions initiative provides a combination of workshops, collaborative learning, mentoring, practical project development and networking opportunities.

1. Immersive Environmental Peacebuilding Workshops

The programme will include in-person workshops on:

• 3 October 2026
• 4 October 2026
• 10 October 2026
• 11 October 2026

The workshops will take place at Ledra Palace in the UN buffer zone in Nicosia.

The sessions will focus on experiential and collaborative learning. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, group activities, presentations and practical exercises related to environmental issues and peacebuilding.

The workshops are expected to help participants understand:

• The links between environmental challenges and conflict.
• The role of youth in peacebuilding.
• The importance of environmental cooperation.
• The value of inclusive leadership.
• Ways to design community-focused environmental actions.
• How to work effectively in intercommunal teams.

2. Team-Based Project Development

During the workshops, participants will meet other young people from communities across Cyprus. They will form teams and work together to identify environmental concerns that can be addressed through joint action.

Each team will develop an environmental action idea with support from programme organizers, experts and mentors.

The projects are expected to encourage cooperation across the divide and should be designed to reach people from different communities. Although actions may take place in specific locations, participants are strongly encouraged to develop initiatives that can benefit communities throughout Cyprus.

3. Mentorship and Expert Support

Each team will receive support from a mentor as it develops and implements its environmental action plan.

Mentors and experts may assist participants with:

• Refining their project idea.
• Identifying the environmental issue to address.
• Developing an achievable action plan.
• Preparing a simple project proposal.
• Organizing implementation activities.
• Identifying target beneficiaries.
• Strengthening teamwork and communication.
• Addressing practical challenges during implementation.

This guidance is intended to help participants transform an initial idea into a realistic and useful environmental initiative.

4. Small Grants for Environmental Actions

After the workshops, teams will be expected to finalize their environmental action ideas and submit a simple proposal.

Each team will receive a small grant to support the implementation of its approved environmental action. The supplied announcement does not specify the exact amount of funding available to each team.

The environmental actions must be implemented by February 2027.

The projects should:

• Address a relevant environmental concern.
• Encourage cooperation between communities.
• Promote sustainability or environmental awareness.
• Involve young people or local communities where appropriate.
• Contribute to social cohesion and mutual understanding.
• Be practical and achievable within the programme timeline.
• Reach people across the divide.

The grant is intended to support the implementation of team projects. It should not be interpreted as a personal stipend, salary or individual fellowship award.

5. Networking Opportunities

Participants will have the opportunity to connect with:

• Environmental organizations.
• Peacebuilding organizations.
• Youth networks.
• Community activists.
• Environmental practitioners.
• Peacebuilding experts.
• Trainers and facilitators.
• Other young people from across Cyprus.

By the end of the programme, participants will become part of the wider UN Youth Champions network, creating opportunities for continued engagement, collaboration and peer learning.

6. Certificate of Participation

Participants who meet the programme requirements may receive a programme certificate.

To receive the certificate, participants must:

• Attend all four mandatory workshop days.
• Actively participate in the environmental action process.
• Fulfil the programme’s participation requirements.

Full compliance with both workshop attendance and environmental action participation is necessary to receive the certificate.

What Will Participants Do During the Workshops?

The workshops will be organized around collaborative learning and practical teamwork.

Participants can expect to take part in activities such as:

• Interactive sessions on environmental peacebuilding.
• Discussions with environmental and peacebuilding activists.
• Presentations from experts and trainers.
• Group exercises.
• Team-building activities.
• Exploration of shared environmental concerns.
• Development of environmental action ideas.
• Collaborative project planning.
• Networking with participants from different communities.

The workshops are designed not only to transfer knowledge but also to help participants develop relationships and learn how to work together across community divisions.

The group work component will be especially important because participants will form teams and develop environmental actions with support from the programme team and experts from across the island.

Implementing Environmental Actions After the Workshops

Following the workshops, each team will be expected to develop its environmental action idea into a simple proposal.

The team will then work toward implementing the action by February 2027.

Potential actions may address shared environmental concerns, although the official announcement does not prescribe a fixed list of project themes. Applicants should therefore remain open to developing practical initiatives that respond to the needs of communities and encourage cooperation.

Examples of possible areas of interest could include:

• Environmental education.
• Waste reduction and recycling.
• Biodiversity conservation.
• Climate awareness.
• Sustainable communities.
• Water conservation.
• Green public spaces.
• Environmental volunteering.
• Sustainable consumption.
• Community clean-up activities.
• Nature-based cooperation.
• Youth-led climate action.

These examples are illustrative rather than an official list of required project topics. The final actions will depend on the ideas developed by selected participants and approved through the programme process.

The organizers encourage actions that reach people across the divide and recommend that initiatives take place throughout Cyprus where possible.

Closing Event in March 2027

The programme will conclude with a closing event expected to take place at the end of March 2027.

All participants are expected to attend the closing event. It will provide an opportunity to reflect on the programme, share experiences, present or discuss environmental actions, celebrate collaboration and recognize the contributions of the Youth Champions.

The closing event may also provide an opportunity for participants to connect with programme partners, environmental organizations, peacebuilding practitioners and other stakeholders.

Programme Location and Attendance Requirements

All programme activities will be held at Ledra Palace, located in the UN buffer zone in Nicosia.

Participation is conditional on applicants being able to enter the UN buffer zone through the relevant crossing points. The official announcement emphasizes that authority over entry through crossing points rests with the respective sides and not with the United Nations.

Applicants must therefore ensure that they possess the required documentation and are able to access the programme venue.

Accommodation Support

Accommodation in Nicosia may be available during the workshop weekends for participants who are unable to commute.

However:

• Accommodation is subject to demand.
• Availability is limited.
• Accommodation is not guaranteed.
• Arrangements are subject to confirmation.

Applicants who require accommodation should communicate their needs through the application process or with the programme organizers.

Is Participation Free?

Yes. Participation in the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace Programme is free of charge.

However, applicants should carefully review the practical requirements associated with attending the programme, including:

• Travel to the workshop location.
• Ability to enter the UN buffer zone.
• Availability for all workshop dates.
• Participation in team activities.
• Ability to contribute to environmental action implementation.
• Attendance at the closing event.

The announcement confirms that accommodation may be available for some participants, but it does not state that all travel or personal expenses will be covered.

Important Clarification About the Programme

The UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace Programme is a youth development and community engagement initiative. It is not a job, paid internship or full-time employment opportunity.

Participation is:

• Honorary.
• Non-remunerated.
• Not considered employment with the United Nations or British Council.
• Not associated with UN salaries, emoluments or employment benefits.
• Not a formal appointment as a UN staff member.

Participants will not receive UN privileges or immunities, and joining the programme does not authorize participants to speak on behalf of the UN, UNFICYP or the British Council.

The programme should therefore be viewed as a learning, leadership, networking and community action opportunity rather than a paid employment placement.

Important Disclaimer for Participants

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by individuals or groups designated as UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace are expressed in their personal capacity.

These views do not necessarily represent the official views of:

• The United Nations.
• UNFICYP.
• The British Council.
• Their officials or personnel.

Participants should therefore understand that being selected as a Youth Champion does not mean they are official spokespersons for the United Nations or UNFICYP.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace Programme 2026 is:

20 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their forms before the deadline. The official announcement indicates that successful applicants are expected to be notified by 23 September 2026.

Late applications may not be considered, so applicants should avoid waiting until the final day to complete and submit the form.

How to Apply for the UN Youth Champions Programme

Interested applicants should complete the Official Online Application Form before the deadline.

Application Steps

1. Review the eligibility criteria carefully.
2. Confirm that you are aged 18–30 and living in Cyprus.
3. Ensure that you can attend all four workshop days.
4. Confirm that you can participate in environmental action activities through February 2027.
5. Ensure that you have a very good knowledge of English.
6. Check that you have not previously participated in a UN Youth Champions programme.
7. Complete the online application form.
8. Submit the application by 20 September 2026.

Official Application Form

Interested applicants can apply through the official application form:

Apply for the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace Programme

Official Programme Information

For the original announcement and additional information, visit:

UNFICYP: Apply Now to Become a UN Youth Champion for Environment and Peace

Contact Information

For questions about the programme or application process, applicants can contact:

Email: unficyp-youthchampions@un.org

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Although the announcement does not provide a detailed scoring rubric, applicants can improve their applications by clearly demonstrating their motivation and readiness to participate.

A strong application should communicate:

1. Genuine Interest in Environmental Issues

Explain why environmental sustainability, climate action, conservation or related issues matter to you.

Applicants do not need extensive technical knowledge, but they should demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to learn.

2. Commitment to Peacebuilding

Describe your interest in dialogue, community cooperation, social cohesion or building relationships across differences.

The programme is specifically designed to bring together participants from different communities, so applicants should show that they value respect, inclusion and collaboration.

3. Willingness to Work in Teams

The programme requires participants to develop environmental actions as part of a team. Applicants should be prepared to listen, contribute ideas, manage differences and work toward shared goals.

4. Availability for All Programme Activities

Applicants should confirm that they can attend the workshops on:

• 3 October 2026.
• 4 October 2026.
• 10 October 2026.
• 11 October 2026.

They should also be able to participate in the environmental action implementation process and attend the closing event in March 2027.

5. Interest in Practical Action

The programme is not limited to discussions or classroom learning. Participants will be expected to develop and implement an environmental action.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate a willingness to move from learning to practical community engagement.

6. Understanding of the Programme’s Requirements

Applicants should understand that:

• Participation is free.
• The programme is not paid employment.
• Attendance is mandatory.
• Environmental actions must be implemented by February 2027.
• Entry into the UN buffer zone is the participant’s responsibility.
• Accommodation in Nicosia may be limited and is not guaranteed.
• A certificate depends on full compliance with programme requirements.

Why This Programme Matters

The UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace Programme responds to two closely connected challenges: environmental sustainability and peaceful coexistence.

Environmental problems do not stop at community boundaries. Climate change, pollution, waste, biodiversity loss and resource pressures can affect people across social and political divisions. Cooperation on these issues can help communities identify common interests and develop practical solutions.

The programme also recognizes the role of young people as contributors to peacebuilding. Rather than treating youth only as beneficiaries, it gives them opportunities to:

• Develop leadership skills.
• Participate in decision-making.
• Build relationships across communities.
• Design community initiatives.
• Strengthen environmental awareness.
• Contribute to sustainable development.
• Become involved in peacebuilding processes.

By combining environmental action with intercommunal cooperation, the initiative seeks to show how shared goals can help build trust and strengthen social cohesion.

Visit HERE to learn more about the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace 2026.

Conclusion

The UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace Programme 2026 offers young people living in Cyprus an opportunity to gain knowledge, build cross-community relationships and develop practical environmental initiatives that contribute to peace and sustainability.

Organized by UNFICYP in partnership with the British Council, the programme includes immersive workshops, team-based project development, mentoring, small grants for environmental actions and networking with environmental and peacebuilding practitioners.

The programme is open to individuals aged 18 to 30 from any community living in Cyprus. Previous experience in environmental peacebuilding is not required, but applicants must demonstrate motivation, a strong interest in environmental and peace-related issues, good English-language skills and a commitment to attending all workshops and participating in environmental action implementation.

Participation is free, but the programme is honorary and non-remunerated. Applicants must also be able to access the UN buffer zone in Nicosia, where activities will take place.

The application deadline is 20 September 2026. Eligible young people who are passionate about environmental sustainability, peacebuilding, youth leadership and community cooperation are encouraged to apply early and take part in this opportunity to help build a more peaceful and sustainable Cyprus.

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