2026 UN Youth Townhall in Germany: Open Call for Young People Aged 18–35 to Join the UN Youth Townhall

Overview

The 2026 UN Youth Townhall is a flagship youth engagement gathering organized by the UN Youth Office, taking place in Heidelberg, Germany, from 8 to 10 December 2026. The event brings young people together with governments, the United Nations, civil society, the private sector, and other partners to develop concrete recommendations, partnerships, and opportunities for action. The UN Youth Office supports a limited number of eligible young people to participate in person.

Eligibility

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Open to individual young people as well as those affiliated with youth-led or youth-serving entities and grassroots organizations.
The selection process considers gender balance, geographical representation, and the participation of underrepresented and marginalized groups.
Preference is given to young people involved in grassroots organizations and those with limited or no prior engagement with the United Nations.
Applicants must not currently be under contract with the United Nations.

Benefits

In-person participation support provided by the UN Youth Office for selected eligible candidates to attend the gathering in Heidelberg, Germany.
Opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers, government representatives, UN officials, and civil society actors.
A platform to contribute to global youth policy frameworks and help shape concrete recommendations and future actions.

How to Apply

Applicants should carefully review the official application guidance before submitting their details. The online application form takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes to complete and requests personal background information, organizational affiliation, rights-holder community details, and any necessary accessibility or safety accommodations.

Deadline

The application deadline is 7 September 2026 at midnight ET. Successful applicants will be notified by 8 October 2026.

Overview

Eligibility

Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.

Open to individual young people as well as those affiliated with youth-led or youth-serving entities and grassroots organizations.

The selection process considers gender balance, geographical representation, and the participation of underrepresented and marginalized groups.

Preference is given to young people involved in grassroots organizations and those with limited or no prior engagement with the United Nations.

Applicants must not currently be under contract with the United Nations.

Benefits

In-person participation support provided by the UN Youth Office for selected eligible candidates to attend the gathering in Heidelberg, Germany.

Opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers, government representatives, UN officials, and civil society actors.

A platform to contribute to global youth policy frameworks and help shape concrete recommendations and future actions.

How to Apply