3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026 — Fully Funded UNESCO Youth Forum in Italy (Apply Now) @UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme

Overview

The 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum, organized by UNESCO, will be held from May 18-22, 2026, in Rosolina Mare, Italy. This forum focuses on youth participation in the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development under the theme "Committed to the Future We Want."

Eligibility

The forum is for young people aged 18-35 actively engaged with UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. This includes those living, working, studying, volunteering, researching, or supporting BR-related activities.

Two application pathways are available:

• National MAB Youth Focal Points: Official representatives confirmed by the MAB Secretariat.
• MAB Youth Participants (Open Call): For eligible youth not designated as focal points. Selection is competitive based on merit, geography, gender, and relevance to forum objectives.

Benefits

Accommodation and meals during the forum in Italy are covered. Limited travel support may be available, depending on funding and eligibility.

How to Apply

Submit an online expression of interest via the provided application form. Specific required documents vary depending on the application pathway (National MAB Youth Focal Points or Open Call).

For National MAB Youth Focal Points:

• Confirmation letter of designation.
• Short description of experience/initiatives related to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (max. 250 words).
• Statement of contribution to the Forum (max. 250 words).
• Statement on post-Forum follow-up plans (max. 250 words).
• Indication of confirmed financial support for travel costs, with supporting documents if applicable.

For MAB Youth Participants (Open Call):

• Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Short description of experience/initiatives related to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (max. 250 words).
• Statement of intended contributions and desired outcomes (max. 250 words).
• Explanation of how Forum outcomes will be applied post-event (max. 250 words).
• Letter of endorsement from a Biosphere Reserve, MAB National Committee, or National Commission for UNESCO.
• Indication of confirmed financial support for travel costs, with supporting documents if applicable.

Apply here: https://indico.un.org/event/1022458/

Deadline

The application deadline is 23 March 2026, 23:59 CET.

Location

Rosolina Mare, Italy