Applications are now open for the UNICEF Pre-COP31 Australia & Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue (APYCD) 2026 in Nadi, Fiji. This fully funded regional event will bring together more than 60 young climate leaders from Australia, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, and neighboring regions to discuss climate challenges, strengthen youth leadership, and develop recommendations ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31).
The three-day dialogue is designed by and for young people, providing participants with an opportunity to engage directly with policymakers, climate experts, and international organizations while ensuring youth perspectives help shape regional and global climate discussions.
Details of the UNICEF Pre-COP31 APYCD 2026
- Host Country: Fiji
- Venue: Nadi, Fiji
- Organizer: UNICEF
- Co-Organizers: Government of Fiji and Government of Australia
- Program Type: Youth Climate Dialogue
- Duration: 3 Days
- Event Dates: 1–3 October 2026
- Funding: Fully Funded
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Application Deadline:
- 26 July 2026 – Pacific Island Nation applicants
- 30 July 2026 – Australia and New Zealand applicants
Program Level
The opportunity is open for:
- Youth Leaders
- Students
- Climate Activists
- Community Volunteers
- Environmental Advocates
- Young Professionals
Program Themes
Participants will engage in discussions related to:
- Climate Change
- Climate Policy
- Youth Leadership
- Climate Advocacy
- Sustainable Development
- Environmental Protection
- Climate Negotiations
- Community Resilience
- Youth Participation
- Regional Cooperation
Program Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Round-trip international travel to Fiji.
- Accommodation throughout the program.
- Meals during the event.
- Local transportation related to the dialogue.
- Chaperone support for participants under 18 years of age.
- Opportunities to engage with policymakers, climate negotiators, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
- Leadership and advocacy training.
- Regional networking with young climate leaders from Australia and the Pacific.
- Practical experience contributing to recommendations for Pre-COP31 and COP31.
Note: Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel insurance, including medical coverage.
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants must be residents of one of the following:
- Australia
- Cook Islands
- Fiji
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Kiribati
- Republic of the Marshall Islands
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Niue
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be 14 to 29 years old during the event (1–3 October 2026).
- Be a resident of one of the eligible countries.
- Be available to attend the dialogue in person in Nadi, Fiji.
- Be able to communicate in English (sign language interpretation will be available where required).
- Demonstrate a strong interest in climate action and environmental issues.
- Have participated in climate-related initiatives at the school, community, national, regional, or international level.
- Be connected with a youth organization, network, school initiative, or community platform.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and initiative.
- Be willing to collaborate with participants from diverse backgrounds.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Passion for climate and environmental action.
- Active involvement in climate-related activities.
- Participation in youth networks or community organizations.
- Leadership qualities and initiative.
- Communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills.
What Participants Will Do
During the dialogue, participants will:
- Share experiences and recommendations on climate action.
- Develop youth priorities for Pre-COP31 and COP31.
- Collaborate with young leaders from across the region.
- Strengthen skills in climate policy, advocacy, leadership, and negotiations.
- Build long-term regional partnerships.
- Engage with government representatives, negotiators, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
- Contribute to advancing climate action for children and young people.
Required Application Materials
Applicants will need to complete the online application form, including:
- Personal information.
- Details about climate-related experience.
- Motivation for participating.
- Responses to two video questions (videos may be prerecorded and uploaded).
- Any additional information requested in the application form.
Application Process
To apply:
- Visit the official UNICEF application page.
- Select the correct application form based on your country of residence.
- Complete the online application form.
- Record and upload responses to the required video questions.
- Submit the application before the relevant deadline.
Application Deadline
- 26 July 2026 – Applicants from Pacific Island Nations.
- 30 July 2026 – Applicants from Australia and New Zealand.
Official Call: https://www.unicef.org/pacificislands/call-applications-apycd
