An exciting opportunity for young people from all over the World who are interested in sustainability, innovation, and related fields to apply for the 8th edition of the IRENA Youth Forum. This year's forum will be under the theme “Youth Innovation and Digital Solutions: From AI to Access in Renewable Energy”. IRENA Youth Forum 2026 will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 8 to 10 January 2026. The forum is organised and funded by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
About IRENA
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is a lead global intergovernmental agency for energy transformation that serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, supports countries in their energy transitions, and provides state-of-the-art data and analyses on technology, innovation, policy, finance, and investment. IRENA promotes the broad use and sustainable application of all renewable energy sources, such as bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar, and wind energy, in order to achieve sustainable development, energy security, and resilience and prosperity in the social and economic spheres, as well as a future that is climate-proof.
Members of IRENA include the European Union and 168 other nations. Together, they determine the Agency's programmatic initiatives and strategic direction, keeping in mind the global energy conversation and the need to expedite the deployment of renewable energy transitions on a global scale.
About the IRENA Youth Forum 2026
The IRENA Youth Forum 2026 will represent the eighth edition of the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) flagship initiative dedicated to youth empowerment, intergenerational dialogue, and advancing renewable energy innovation.
Centered on the theme “Youth Innovation and Digital Solutions: From AI to Access in Renewable Energy”, the Forum will highlight how young people are harnessing artificial intelligence, digital tools, and innovative business models to broaden global access to renewable energy. It will convene youth leaders, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and partners to jointly develop solutions for a fair and inclusive energy transition. The forum aims to:
- Amplify youth voices in global energy and climate policy.
- Foster capacity building and skills development, enabling youth to design and scale impactful solutions.
- Highlight youth roles in financing the energy transition, exploring how young innovators can access capital.
- Strengthen partnerships between youth, governments, the private sector, academia, and international organizations.
Why participate?
Selected participants will:
- Gain direct exposure to the global renewable energy policy arena.
- Network with high-level decision makers, innovators, and peers from across the world.
- Co-develop the Youth Forum Outcome Statement, presented at the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly.
- Access opportunities to join IRENA’s broader youth initiatives, including the NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator and the Energy Transition Education Network.
Eligibility
- All nationalities are welcome to apply for the IRENA Youth Forum 2026.
- Applicants must be young people aged between 18 and 35 who are:
- Actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, or related fields.
- Leading or contributing to projects, startups, research, or advocacy initiatives that advance the energy transition.
- Motivated to collaborate with peers and partners to scale impact globally.
Financial conditions
- There is no registration or participation fee.
- Selected applicants will have full sponsorship, including travel and accommodations, for up to 35 participants.
Timeline
Application deadline: 30th September 2025 (at midnight, Abu Dhabi local time)
Event days: 8-10 January 2026
- 8-9 January: IRENA Youth Forum (Abu Dhabi) – including High-Level Opening and interactive workshops.
- 10 January: Closing Session during the Sixteenth IRENA Assembly (St. Regis Saadiyat Island).
How to apply
Note: Please make sure to submit your application as soon as you can and don't wait until the very last minute to avoid any technical issues.
More Details
For more details about the IRENA Youth Forum 2026, check the IRENA website HERE
Apply Now⇗
Opportunity Website⇗
By applying to this forum, you take the responsibility and risks. Inform yourself about the regulation and potential risks. "Opportunity 4U" can't be held liable for any of the potential risks, and this post is only for informative and popularising purposes.
.jpg)
){kind=link}
0 Comments