Call for Applications: UNICEF Pre-Conference of the Parties 31 Australia and Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue 2026 in Fiji (Fully Funded) ·Conference of the Parties 31 Australia and Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue 2026 in Fiji (Fully Funded)

Climate change continues to be one of the world’s most pressing challenges, and young people are increasingly taking center stage in shaping climate policies and solutions. To amplify youth voices ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), UNICEF, in collaboration with the Governments of Fiji and Australia and several regional partners, has opened applications for the Pre-Conference of the Parties 31 Australia and Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue (Pre-COP31 APYCD) 2026.

The fully funded regional dialogue will bring together more than 60 young climate leaders aged 14 to 29 years from Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Island nations, and surrounding regions. Scheduled to take place in Nadi, Fiji, from 1–3 October 2026, the event will provide participants with a unique opportunity to influence regional and international climate discussions while strengthening their leadership, advocacy, and networking skills.

If you are passionate about climate action and want your voice to contribute to decisions that shape the future of the planet, this is an opportunity you should not miss.

About the UNICEF Pre-Conference of the Parties 31 Australia and Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue

The Pre-Conference of the Parties 31 Australia and Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue (Pre-COP31 APYCD) is a regional platform created to ensure that children and young people have a meaningful role in climate policymaking before the official COP31 negotiations.

The dialogue serves as a bridge between youth perspectives and high-level climate negotiations. Participants will discuss climate challenges affecting their communities, develop practical recommendations, and collaborate with fellow youth leaders to shape regional priorities before they are presented during Pre-COP31 and ultimately at COP31.

Unlike many conferences where young people simply attend as observers, this dialogue is intentionally designed by young people and for young people, ensuring that their experiences, ideas, and recommendations directly influence climate discussions among governments and negotiators.

The 2026 dialogue will be held immediately before the Pacific Pre-COP31 meeting, allowing youth recommendations to feed directly into official regional and global climate negotiations.

Organizations Behind the Dialogue

The dialogue is organized through a strong regional partnership involving:

• UNICEF
• Government of Fiji
• Government of Australia
• Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change
• Pacific Islands Climate Action Network
• Pacific Youth Council

Additional supporting partners include:

• Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
• Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
• Pacific Community
• Pacific Disability Forum

This collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring that youth voices remain central to climate governance across the Pacific region.

What Participants Will Do

Successful applicants will participate in a three-day intensive regional dialogue in Fiji where they will engage in various learning, collaboration, and policy development activities.

Participants will:

• Share their experiences and perspectives on climate change affecting their communities.
• Develop youth-led recommendations for Pre-COP31 and COP31.
• Collaborate with young climate leaders from across Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Island nations, and other participating regions.
• Build regional and international professional networks.
• Participate in interactive sessions on:
  • Climate policy
  • Climate advocacy
  • Leadership
  • Climate negotiations
• Learn directly from climate experts and regional stakeholders.
• Engage with policymakers and negotiators responsible for climate decision-making.
• Strengthen long-term collaboration among youth organizations throughout the Pacific region.
• Gain practical experience that supports continued participation in regional and international climate action initiatives.

Benefits of Participating

Being selected for the dialogue offers much more than attending a conference. Participants will receive valuable leadership development while contributing to real climate policy discussions.

Some of the major benefits include:

Fully Funded Participation

UNICEF will directly cover:

• International travel
• Domestic travel where applicable
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Event participation costs
• Chaperone costs for participants under 18 years of age

Importantly, participants will not be required to pay these expenses upfront or seek reimbursement.

Leadership Development

Participants will strengthen their skills in:

• Climate leadership
• Policy advocacy
• Public speaking
• Negotiation
• Collaborative decision-making

International Networking

Participants will build relationships with:

• Youth leaders
• Climate activists
• Government representatives
• United Nations agencies
• Civil society organizations
• Regional organizations
• Development partners

These connections can lead to future collaborations, fellowships, conferences, and leadership opportunities.

Opportunity to Influence Climate Policy

One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity to ensure youth priorities are reflected in discussions leading to Pre-COP31 and COP31.

Participants will help shape recommendations that may influence future climate policies affecting the Pacific region and beyond.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The organizers are committed to ensuring broad representation from across the region.

Applications are especially encouraged from:

• Young women
• Adolescents
• Indigenous youth
• First Nations youth
• Persons with disabilities
• LGBTQI+ youth
• Young people from remote communities
• Young people from underserved communities

The organizers aim to create a dialogue that reflects the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of young people across Australia and the Pacific.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Be between 14 and 29 years old during the event (1–3 October 2026).
• Be a resident of one of the eligible participating countries.
• Be available to travel and participate in person in Nadi, Fiji.
• Be able to communicate effectively in English.

The organizers will also provide sign language interpretation where required to ensure accessibility.

Participants should note that travel schedules may require arrival before the event or departure after the event depending on available flights.

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be assessed based on several factors, including:

Commitment to Climate Action

Applicants should demonstrate genuine interest in:

• Climate change
• Environmental protection
• Sustainability
• Climate resilience

This commitment may be demonstrated through personal experiences, learning, volunteer work, or advocacy.

Active Participation

Preference will be given to applicants who have participated in climate-related activities such as:

• School initiatives
• Community projects
• National campaigns
• Regional programs
• International climate activities

Youth Representation

Applicants should be connected to youth groups, organizations, schools, or community networks and demonstrate the ability to represent broader youth perspectives rather than only personal opinions.

Leadership

The organizers are looking for young people who:

• Take initiative
• Inspire others
• Lead community projects
• Demonstrate problem-solving abilities

Leadership experience does not have to be formal.

Collaboration Skills

Successful applicants should be able to:

• Communicate effectively
• Listen respectfully
• Work with diverse groups
• Participate constructively in discussions

Travel Insurance

While UNICEF covers the major participation expenses, participants are responsible for obtaining their own travel insurance.

Travel insurance should ideally include coverage for:

• Medical emergencies
• Travel disruptions
• Accidents
• Lost belongings

Applicants are strongly encouraged to purchase suitable insurance before travelling.

Application Process

Applicants are required to complete an online application form before the applicable deadline.

The application requires:

• Personal information
• Background details
• Relevant experience
• Motivation for participating
• Responses to two video questions

Applicants may record their video responses in advance and upload them during the application process.

Reasonable adjustments are available for persons with disabilities.

Application Deadline

Applicants must submit their applications before:

• 26 July 2026 – Pacific Island nation applicants
• 30 July 2026 – Australia and New Zealand applicants

Late applications are unlikely to be considered.

Conclusion

The UNICEF Pre-Conference of the Parties 31 Australia and Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue 2026 represents an exceptional opportunity for young climate leaders to contribute directly to regional and global climate policymaking.

Beyond the fully funded travel to Fiji, participants will gain valuable leadership skills, expand their professional networks, collaborate with fellow youth advocates, and ensure that the voices of young people are reflected in discussions leading to COP31.

If you are passionate about climate action and meet the eligibility requirements, this dialogue offers an excellent platform to make your voice heard while developing the skills and connections needed to become a future climate leader.

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