IRENA Youth Forum 2027 in Abu Dhabi – Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Leaders

Overview

The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is a flagship platform for youth empowerment, intergenerational dialogue, and renewable energy innovation, organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The eighth edition of the forum takes place from 6 to 13 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, alongside the IRENA Assembly and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Operating under the theme "Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems," the programme examines how young people can contribute to modernising energy grids, expanding energy storage, and creating more flexible renewable energy systems.

Benefits

Up to 40 selected participants will receive fully funded participation covering international travel, accommodation, and visa support.
No application or participation fee is required.
Additional applicants may be invited on a partially funded or self-funded basis.
Participants gain international exposure, engage with policymakers and industry leaders, and access global youth and energy networks.

Eligibility

The opportunity is open to young people aged 18 to 35 at the time of the forum.

Applicants should be actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, climate action, innovation, or related fields.

Candidates must be leading or contributing to a project, startup, research initiative, advocacy campaign, or other activity supporting the energy transition.

Applications are welcome from all nationalities and countries worldwide, and all submissions must be completed in English.

How to Apply

Interested young leaders must complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI) before the deadline. Applications should clearly demonstrate the applicant's experience, leadership, innovation, research, advocacy, or other contributions to the renewable energy and energy transition agenda.

Deadline

The application deadline is 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time. Notification of results will be provided by 15 November 2026.