3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026: Committed to the Future We Want

The third Global MAB Youth Forum represents a significant milestone in strengthening youth engagement within the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Scheduled from 18–22 May 2026 in Rosolina Mare, Italy, the Forum will convene up to 200 young leaders connected to Biosphere Reserves worldwide.

Organised under the framework of UNESCO’s MAB Programme, the Forum builds upon the momentum of the 2017 and 2019 editions and reinforces youth leadership in biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and climate action.

Event Overview

• Dates: 18 May 2026 (10:00 AM) – 22 May 2026 (6:00 PM)
• Location: Rosolina Mare, Italy
• Format: In-person (Category VIII – Symposia)
• Maximum Participants: 200
• Application Deadline: 23 March 2026 (23:59 CET)

The Forum aligns with the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), strengthening the integration of youth within global environmental governance structures.

Theme

“Committed to the Future We Want”

The 2026 Forum underscores the commitment of MAB Youth to:

• Address biodiversity loss
• Tackle climate change
• Advance sustainable development
• Strengthen intergenerational collaboration

The theme reflects a renewed emphasis on youth-led action within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Objectives

The Forum aims to:

• Enable youth engagement in implementing the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), particularly Action Target 20 on the MAB Youth Network
• Translate findings from the World MAB Youth Mapping Survey into actionable priorities
• Facilitate exchange of youth-led initiatives in Biosphere Reserves
• Strengthen coordination, leadership, and capacity-building among young actors
• Produce youth-driven recommendations to inform MAB governance
• Enhance youth integration in decision-making processes at national and global levels

Who Can Apply

The Forum is open to young people aged 18–35 who are actively engaged in or connected to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. Eligible individuals may be:

• Residents of Biosphere Reserves
• Researchers or students
• Volunteers or professionals
• Individuals supporting Biosphere Reserve initiatives

Two application pathways are available:

1. National MAB Youth Focal Points

Designated National MAB Youth Focal Points may apply as official representatives within the MAB framework. Upon submission of required documentation confirming their designation, they are eligible to participate without undergoing competitive selection.

2. MAB Youth Participants (Open Call)

Other eligible youth must apply through a competitive Expression of Interest process. Selection criteria include:

• Merit and relevant experience
• Geographical balance
• Gender parity
• Alignment with Forum objectives

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit an online Expression of Interest form and supporting documentation based on their category.

National MAB Youth Focal Points must provide:

• Official confirmation letter from the MAB Secretariat
• Description of experience and engagement in Biosphere Reserves (max. 250 words)
• Statement of contribution to the Forum (max. 250 words)
• Follow-up plan at national or regional level (max. 250 words)
• Indication of confirmed travel funding (if applicable)

Open Call Participants must provide:

• Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Description of relevant experience (max. 250 words)
• Statement of intended contributions and expected outcomes (max. 250 words)
• Post-Forum implementation plan (max. 250 words)
• Letter of endorsement from a Biosphere Reserve, MAB National Committee, or National Commission for UNESCO
• Indication of confirmed travel funding (if applicable)

Travel and Financial Arrangements

• Food and accommodation during the Forum will be covered by the organisers
• Limited travel support may be available, subject to funding availability and eligibility criteria

Participants are encouraged to indicate whether they have secured independent travel funding.

Organisers

The Forum is organised in collaboration with:

• Po Delta Biosphere Reserve
• Colli Euganei Biosphere Reserve
• Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation
• Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo
• Italian National Commission for UNESCO
• UNESCO MAB Secretariat
• UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe
• Veneto Region

Strategic Significance

The Global MAB Youth Forum serves as a platform for strengthening youth leadership within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the Forum contributes to advancing biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience at local and global levels.

The 2026 edition aims to generate concrete youth-led outputs and recommendations that will directly inform MAB governance and future strategic planning. It reinforces UNESCO’s broader commitment to multilateral cooperation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive participation.

Contact

For further information, applicants may contact the UNESCO MAB Secretariat at: mab@unesco.org

The 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026 offers a unique opportunity for emerging environmental leaders to shape the future of sustainable development through collaboration, innovation, and meaningful participation within the MAB Programme framework.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hosting the Youth Forum. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.