Children and Youth Pavilion COP31 Spokesperson Application: Opportunity for Young Climate Leaders to Represent Youth Voices

The Children and Youth Pavilion (CYP) at COP31 is inviting applications from young people interested in serving as spokespersons during COP31, providing an opportunity for youth experts to help communicate key climate and sustainability issues to the public and media.

The initiative is designed to bring together a diverse group of young people with expertise across different thematic areas of climate action. Selected spokespeople will contribute to the Children and Youth Pavilion’s communication efforts during the conference, respond to relevant media interview requests, and have an opportunity to showcase the experiences of young people attending COP31 through the Pavilion’s social media platforms.

Applications are currently open, with the deadline set for 11 October.

About the Children and Youth Pavilion COP31 Spokesperson Opportunity

The Children and Youth Pavilion provides a platform for young people to participate in global climate discussions and ensure that children’s and youth perspectives are represented during the Conference of the Parties.

For COP31, the Pavilion is seeking young people who can serve as knowledgeable and confident spokespersons on different thematic days of the conference.

Spokespeople will be selected based on their areas of expertise and will be available to support media engagement and digital storytelling throughout COP31.

The opportunity is particularly suited to young people who already have experience in areas such as climate action, education, youth development, sustainable development, technology, agriculture, nature conservation, social development, finance, energy, or other fields connected to the COP agenda.

What Will Selected Spokespeople Do?

Selected applicants will have several responsibilities during COP31.

1. Serve as experts on thematic days

Spokespeople will be matched with thematic areas corresponding to their knowledge and experience.

They may be called upon to explain important discussions, activities, announcements, or issues arising during COP31 within their area of expertise.

The thematic areas listed in the application include:

• Food, Agriculture and Health
• Energy and Transport
• Zero Waste
• Resilient Cities and Built Environment
• Finance and Trade
• Children, Youth, Education and Skills
• Science, Industry and Technology
• Ocean, Seas, Nature and Land Use
• Human and Social Development

This means applicants do not necessarily need to be climate scientists. Young professionals, activists, journalists, researchers, educators, entrepreneurs, community leaders and other youth working in relevant fields may have valuable expertise to contribute.

Media Interview Opportunities

One of the major responsibilities of the spokesperson team will be responding to media interview requests.

During COP31, selected spokespeople may be contacted when journalists or other media representatives are looking for young experts who can comment on issues connected to their particular area of expertise.

This could provide selected participants with an opportunity to:

• Explain complex climate issues in an accessible way.
• Share youth perspectives on climate action.
• Discuss challenges affecting young people and communities.
• Highlight youth-led solutions and initiatives.
• Provide expert commentary on thematic COP31 discussions.
• Represent children’s and youth perspectives in media coverage.
• Increase their visibility as young leaders and subject-matter experts.

Applicants should therefore be comfortable communicating clearly and confidently, particularly in an interview setting.

Social Media Takeover Opportunity

In addition to media engagement, each selected spokesperson will be given one day to conduct a social media takeover of the Children and Youth Pavilion’s Instagram and TikTok pages.

The takeover is intended to give young people who are not physically attending COP31 an opportunity to experience the conference through the eyes of a young participant.

During their assigned day, a spokesperson could potentially showcase:

• Their experience at COP31.
• Activities taking place at the Children and Youth Pavilion.
• Youth participation in climate discussions.
• Key events and thematic sessions.
• Important conversations happening at the conference.
• The daily experience of attending COP31.
• Youth perspectives on climate action.
• Behind-the-scenes experiences from the conference.

This component makes the opportunity particularly relevant to young communicators, journalists, content creators, filmmakers, social media storytellers and youth advocates who are comfortable producing engaging digital content.

Mandatory Spokesperson Training

Successful applicants will be required to participate in one mandatory spokesperson training session before COP31.

The exact date and time of the training session have not yet been announced.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to attend the training once the date and time are confirmed.

The training is expected to help selected spokespeople understand their role and prepare them for media engagement and social media responsibilities during COP31.

Who Can Apply?

The application is aimed at young people who already have confirmed accreditation and funding to attend COP31 and who have knowledge or experience in one or more of the thematic areas covered by the Children and Youth Pavilion.

Applicants should ideally have:

• Strong knowledge or practical experience in at least one relevant thematic area.
• An interest in climate action, sustainable development, youth participation or related issues.
• The ability to communicate ideas clearly.
• Confidence in speaking with journalists and other audiences.
• An ability to represent youth perspectives responsibly.
• Interest or experience in social media and digital communication.
• Availability to participate in the required spokesperson training.
• Confirmed accreditation to attend COP31.
• Confirmed funding to attend COP31.

Experience in journalism, media, communications, advocacy, research, campaigning, content creation or public speaking could be particularly valuable for this role.

Important Funding and Accreditation Information

Applicants should pay close attention to an important condition of this opportunity.

This is not a funded position.

The Children and Youth Pavilion will not provide funding for participants to attend COP31.

The Pavilion will also not provide a Blue Zone badge.

Therefore, applicants should only apply if they have already secured:

1. Confirmed accreditation to attend COP31, and
2. Confirmed funding to cover their participation and attendance.

This requirement is important because being selected as a Children and Youth Pavilion spokesperson does not itself provide access to COP31 or financial support for attending the conference.

Areas of Expertise

The application allows candidates to identify the subjects they would feel confident discussing during media interviews.

The available areas include:

Food, Agriculture and Health

Applicants with experience in sustainable agriculture, food systems, food security, climate-related health challenges, public health or related areas may be suitable for this thematic area.

Energy and Transport

This area covers issues connected to clean energy, renewable energy, energy transition, sustainable transportation, mobility and related climate solutions.

Zero Waste

Applicants working on waste management, recycling, circular economy, sustainable consumption, waste reduction or environmental sustainability may have relevant expertise.

Resilient Cities and Built Environment

This area is relevant to applicants interested in urban development, climate-resilient infrastructure, housing, sustainable construction, urban planning and adaptation.

Finance and Trade

Applicants with experience in climate finance, sustainable investment, economics, trade, development finance or related areas may contribute to discussions in this field.

Children, Youth, Education and Skills

This thematic area is particularly relevant to youth leaders, educators, students, youth advocates and people working on education, skills development, youth empowerment and children’s rights.

Science, Industry and Technology

Applicants with backgrounds in science, innovation, technology, digital transformation, research, engineering or sustainable industrial development may be suited to this category.

Ocean, Seas, Nature and Land Use

This area includes issues related to biodiversity, conservation, forests, oceans, marine ecosystems, land use, nature-based solutions and environmental protection.

Human and Social Development

Applicants working on human development, social inclusion, poverty reduction, community development, human rights, gender equality or related areas may have relevant expertise.

Experience With Media

The application specifically asks candidates to describe their experience with media.

This is an important component because spokespeople may be approached for interviews during COP31.

Relevant experience could include:

• Journalism
• Television and radio
• Newspaper or magazine reporting
• Documentary filmmaking
• Digital journalism
• Podcasting
• Public speaking
• Media interviews
• Social media content creation
• Video production
• Communications
• Advocacy campaigns
• Press engagement
• Hosting or presenting
• Community storytelling

Applicants should clearly demonstrate their ability to communicate information accurately and confidently to different audiences.

Short Bio

Applicants are also required to provide a short biography.

The bio should give the selection team a clear understanding of the applicant’s background, experience, expertise and current work.

A strong bio could include:

• Current role or occupation.
• Academic or professional background.
• Area of expertise.
• Relevant climate or development work.
• Youth leadership experience.
• Media or communications experience.
• Major projects or initiatives.
• The communities or geographical areas they work with.

The biography should be concise but should clearly establish why the applicant has relevant knowledge and experience to contribute as a COP31 spokesperson.

Why Should You Be Selected?

The application asks:

Why do you think you would be a strong addition to the Spokespeople Team for the Children and Youth Pavilion?

This is one of the most important questions in the application.

Applicants should use this section to demonstrate what makes them different from other candidates.

A strong response could highlight:

• Expertise in a particular COP31 thematic area.
• Experience representing young people.
• Media and communication skills.
• Climate or sustainable development experience.
• Ability to communicate complex topics in simple language.
• Experience working across communities or countries.
• Public speaking and interview skills.
• Social media storytelling experience.
• Experience producing digital content.
• Commitment to amplifying youth voices.
• Understanding of issues affecting young people in their region.

Applicants should focus on specific experience and achievements rather than simply stating that they are passionate about climate change.

Social Media Links

Applicants are required to provide links to their social media profiles.

These links may help demonstrate the applicant’s experience with digital communication and public engagement.

Candidates should consider providing their most relevant professional or public-facing platforms, particularly accounts where they have demonstrated:

• Communication skills.
• Leadership.
• Climate or sustainability engagement.
• Youth advocacy.
• Journalism or storytelling.
• Video production.
• Public speaking.
• Community engagement.

CYP Steering Committee Membership

The application also asks whether the applicant is a member of the Children and Youth Pavilion Steering Committee for COP31.

Applicants can select:

• Yes
• No
• Unsure

Candidates should provide the answer that accurately reflects their status.

Information Required in the Application

Applicants should be prepared to provide the following information:

1. Full name
2. Gender
3. Age
4. Country
5. Primary geographical area of work
6. Mobile number
7. Email address
8. Special areas of expertise
9. Dates available at COP31
10. Experience with media
11. Short bio
12. Explanation of why they would be a strong addition to the spokesperson team
13. Social media links
14. CYP Steering Committee membership status

The application form is being administered through Google Forms.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Children and Youth Pavilion COP31 Spokesperson opportunity is 11 October.

Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required information is complete and accurate.

Because the opportunity is specifically intended for people who already have COP31 accreditation and funding, applicants should also ensure that they meet those requirements before submitting their application.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

This opportunity is intended for young people with relevant expertise, experience or professional involvement in climate, sustainability, youth development, education, media, science, technology, nature, social development, finance or related fields.

It is particularly relevant to:

• Youth climate advocates.
• Youth leaders.
• Young journalists.
• Young filmmakers and content creators.
• Researchers.
• Students and young professionals.
• Environmental advocates.
• Youth development practitioners.
• Educators.
• Scientists and technology professionals.
• Community leaders.
• Human rights and social development advocates.
• Communications professionals.
• Young people with relevant subject-matter expertise.

Key qualification

The most important practical requirement is that applicants must already have confirmed accreditation and funding to attend COP31.

Selection as a spokesperson does not provide funding or a Blue Zone badge.

Opportunity Category

This is not a scholarship, grant, internship, fellowship or funded job. It is a spokesperson and youth representation opportunity connected to COP31.

Why This Opportunity Matters

COP conferences bring together governments, international organizations, civil society, researchers, businesses, activists and young people to discuss global climate action.

However, climate negotiations can often involve highly technical discussions that are difficult for the wider public to follow.

Youth spokespeople can help bridge this communication gap by translating important discussions into accessible stories and perspectives.

The Children and Youth Pavilion spokesperson initiative therefore creates an opportunity for young experts to contribute not only as conference participants but also as communicators and representatives of youth perspectives.

The social media takeover component is especially significant because it can help connect young people who are not physically present at COP31 with the experiences and conversations taking place at the conference.

Potential Benefits for Selected Participants

Although the position is not funded, selected spokespeople could gain valuable professional and leadership experience, including:

• Media interview experience.
• International exposure.
• Experience communicating climate-related issues.
• Opportunities to represent youth perspectives.
• Digital storytelling experience.
• Social media communication experience.
• Exposure to international climate discussions.
• Opportunities to connect with other young climate leaders.
• Greater visibility within the global youth climate community.
• Experience working with an international communication platform.
• An opportunity to strengthen a professional media or advocacy portfolio.

For young journalists, filmmakers, communicators, advocates and content creators, the experience could also provide valuable material for future professional and academic opportunities.

Important Things Applicants Should Know

Before applying, candidates should carefully consider the following:

The opportunity is not funded. Applicants are responsible for securing their own financial support to attend COP31.

The Children and Youth Pavilion does not provide a Blue Zone badge. Applicants must already have appropriate accreditation.

Training is mandatory. Selected spokespeople must attend one training session before COP31.

Media availability is important. Selected participants may be contacted for interviews relating to their area of expertise.

Social media skills are useful. Each spokesperson will have an opportunity to take over the Pavilion’s Instagram and TikTok for one day.

Expertise matters. Applicants should select thematic areas where they genuinely have knowledge or experience.

Geographical diversity is encouraged. The application welcomes perspectives from different regions around the world.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their submission by making sure their responses are specific and evidence-based.

Instead of simply saying that they are passionate about climate change, applicants should explain:

• What they have done.
• Who they have worked with.
• Which issues they understand.
• What communities they represent or work with.
• What media experience they have.
• What stories they can tell.
• Why their perspective would add value to the Children and Youth Pavilion.

Applicants with media experience should clearly mention relevant work in journalism, television, radio, documentary filmmaking, digital media, social media, communications or public speaking.

Those working in climate-related areas should also connect their expertise to one or more of the Pavilion’s thematic areas.

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Conclusion

The Children and Youth Pavilion COP31 Spokesperson Application offers young people with relevant expertise an opportunity to play a visible communication role during COP31. Selected spokespeople will help explain important issues within their areas of expertise, respond to potential media interview requests and showcase the experience of young people at the conference through a dedicated social media takeover.

The opportunity is particularly valuable for young leaders, journalists, communicators, researchers, advocates, content creators and professionals who can confidently discuss issues connected to climate action and sustainable development.

However, prospective applicants should carefully note that this is not a funded opportunity and the Children and Youth Pavilion does not provide a Blue Zone badge. Applicants must already have confirmed accreditation and funding to attend COP31.

Interested applicants should therefore ensure that they meet the participation requirements, prepare strong information about their expertise and media experience, and submit the application by 11 October.

Click HERE for more information about Children and Youth Pavilion (CYP).

Application Details

Opportunity: Children and Youth Pavilion COP31 Spokesperson
Event: COP31
Deadline: 11 October
Funding: Not provided
Blue Zone accreditation: Not provided
Training: One mandatory spokesperson training session before COP31
Application: Google Forms application

Eligible applicants: Young people with relevant expertise or experience in the listed thematic areas, particularly youth leaders, journalists, communicators, researchers, advocates, content creators, students and young professionals who already have confirmed COP31 accreditation and funding.

Discover more conference opportunities like this on Opportunity for Youth HERE