As environmental challenges continue to threaten communities worldwide, the need for informed and empowered young leaders has never been greater. The Council of Europe, through its North-South Centre, is offering young people the opportunity to deepen their understanding of environmental justice, human rights, climate action, and sustainable development through the Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) Tutored Online Course on Environment.
This fully funded online learning programme equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and advocacy tools needed to address pressing environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution through a human rights-based approach. The course is designed to empower young activists, youth leaders, educators, and community advocates from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to become effective agents of change in their communities.
Why This Course Matters
The world is currently confronted by what experts describe as the “triple planetary crisis”:
- Climate change
- Biodiversity loss
- Pollution
These environmental challenges increasingly affect human dignity, public health, livelihoods, and fundamental freedoms. Access to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment has become essential for the enjoyment of human rights.
Young people are among the groups most affected by environmental degradation. At the same time, they are leading environmental movements and advocating for stronger protection of natural resources and communities.
Despite this growing engagement, youth-friendly environmental education grounded in human rights remains limited. The HEY Environment Course seeks to bridge this gap by providing practical and accessible education that connects environmental sustainability with human rights protection.
About the HEY Environment Course
The Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) Environment Course is an intensive online programme organized by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe.
The programme brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to learn about environmental challenges, legal frameworks, human rights advocacy, and community-based solutions.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how environmental degradation impacts vulnerable communities and how young people can actively participate in environmental governance and advocacy.
Course Objectives
The programme aims to achieve several important objectives:
1. Understanding the Triple Planetary Crisis
Participants will explore:
- Climate change
- Environmental pollution
- Biodiversity loss
The course also examines these challenges through a North-South perspective, helping learners understand how environmental issues affect regions differently.
2. Exploring Human Rights and Environmental Connections
Participants will develop a critical understanding of:
- Human rights principles
- Environmental justice
- International legal frameworks
- Regional environmental agreements
- Rights-based environmental protection approaches
3. Analysing Impacts on Marginalised Communities
The course examines how environmental degradation disproportionately affects:
- Vulnerable populations
- Underrepresented communities
- Indigenous groups
- Communities with limited access to environmental resources
Participants will also study community-driven solutions that address environmental and human rights violations.
4. Strengthening Advocacy Skills
A major focus of the programme is empowering young people to:
- Advocate for environmental justice
- Promote human rights
- Organize awareness campaigns
- Influence decision-making processes
- Engage in civic participation and policy discussions
Course Structure
The programme is delivered entirely online through the HEY Programme e-learning platform, which is based on Moodle Workplace.
Duration
- 4 weeks
Learning Modules
The course consists of:
- Module 1
- Module 2
- Module 3
- Module 4
Participants complete one module each week.
Estimated Workload
- Approximately 30 hours in total
Learning Methodology
Asynchronous Learning
Participants learn at their own pace and according to their personal schedules.
Collaborative Group Activities
Regular participation in group work is expected. Participants organize and coordinate group activities among themselves.
Live Tutoring Sessions
A limited number of live support sessions will be organized to assist participants throughout the learning process.
Certificate
Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive a Certificate of Participation from the Council of Europe.
Programme Dates
The next edition of the HEY Environment Course will take place:
28 October 2026 to 24 November 2026
Cost and Funding
One of the most attractive aspects of the programme is that participation is completely free.
Benefits
- No tuition fees
- Fully online access
- International learning environment
- Human rights and environmental education training
- Networking opportunities with youth leaders from different regions
- Certificate upon successful completion
Selection Process
A total of 50 participants will be selected for the programme.
Selection will be based primarily on the quality and relevance of the submitted application.
Priority will be given to applicants who:
- Are active in civil society organisations
- Participate in youth organizations or youth platforms
- Work within youth-related institutions
- Demonstrate the potential to share acquired knowledge with others
- Show commitment to environmental and human rights issues
Applicants must also have the ability to communicate effectively in English, which serves as the working language of the course.
The selection process will be conducted jointly by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe and its partner organizations.
The Council of Europe welcomes applications from all eligible candidates regardless of:
- Gender
- Disability
- Marital status
- Parental status
- Racial background
- Ethnic origin
- Social origin
- Religion
- Belief
- Sexual orientation
Connection with the iLEGEND III Programme
The HEY Environment Course forms part of the iLEGEND III project (Intercultural Learning Exchange through Global Education, Networking and Dialogue 2022-2026).
This initiative is a joint programme of:
- The European Union
- The Council of Europe
The project seeks to encourage active youth participation in addressing global challenges, promoting sustainable development, and reducing inequalities at both local and international levels.
Through this broader initiative, participants become part of a larger movement that promotes intercultural dialogue, democratic participation, and global citizenship.
Partner Organisations
The programme is supported by respected international institutions, including:
- UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)
- UNESCO-UV Chair for Global Education in the Mediterranean
These partnerships contribute expertise in environmental education, sustainability, and global citizenship.
Deadline for Applications
18 October 2026 at 23:59 UTC/GMT+1 (Lisbon Time)
Selection Results Announcement
23 October 2026
Applicants should note that only selected candidates will be contacted due to the large number of expected applications.
Selected participants must confirm their participation within the specified timeframe after receiving their selection notification.
Qualifications
- Must be 30 years old or younger
- Must demonstrate interest in environmental and human rights issues
- Must be active in civil society, youth work, activism, education, advocacy, media, policymaking, or related fields
- Must possess sufficient English-language communication skills
- Must be willing to participate throughout the 4-week course
- Should have potential to disseminate knowledge gained through the course
Eligible Countries and Regions
Applicants can apply from:
- The 46 Council of Europe Member States
- African countries
- Countries in the Middle East
Race Eligibility
- All races and ethnic backgrounds are eligible.
- The programme explicitly encourages diversity and non-discrimination in its selection process.
Click here for more information on this opportunity:
Conclusion
The Council of Europe HEY Environment Course 2026 presents an exceptional opportunity for young people passionate about environmental protection, human rights, climate justice, and sustainable development. Through its comprehensive curriculum, international network, expert guidance, and fully funded online format, the programme empowers future leaders to understand the complex relationship between environmental challenges and human rights.
For aspiring youth advocates, educators, activists, community leaders, and environmental defenders, this course offers both the knowledge and practical tools necessary to create meaningful change. As the world faces growing environmental crises, strengthening the capacity of young people to lead sustainable and rights-based solutions remains a critical investment in our collective future.
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