About the opportunity
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 marks the eighth edition of the International Renewable Energy Agency’s flagship platform for youth empowerment, intergenerational dialogue, and renewable energy innovation. Held on the margins of the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly, the Forum centers on the theme ‘Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems.’ Participants will explore youth contributions to grid modernization, energy storage, system flexibility, and energy access, while amplifying youth voices in global policy, building technical capacity, and expanding partnerships across governments, industry, and academia.
Funding and benefits
- Up to 40 selected participants receive full funding covering travel expenses, accommodation, and visa support.
- No application or participation fee.
- Additional participants are invited on a partially funded or self-funded basis.
- Opportunity to participate in the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly and youth-led activities during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Who can apply?
- Aged 18–35 at the time of the Forum (January 2027).
- Open to applicants from all countries worldwide.
- Actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, or related fields.
- Leading or contributing to projects, startups, research, or advocacy initiatives advancing the energy transition.
- Motivated to collaborate with peers and partners to scale impact globally.
- Selection evaluates geographic and gender balance alongside demonstrated commitment to the energy transition.
- Applications must be submitted in English.
Required documents
- Completed online expression of interest (EOI) form.
When to apply
- Expression of interest deadline: September 30, 2026 (midnight, Abu Dhabi local time).
- Notification of selection results: By November 15, 2026.
- Forum dates: January 6–13, 2027.
How to apply
- Visit the official IRENA Youth Forum 2027 application page.
- Complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI) form in English.
- Submit your application before September 30, 2026 (midnight, Abu Dhabi local time).
- Await selection notifications sent by November 15, 2026.
Additional information
- Program schedule: January 6–7 (IRENA Youth Forum in Abu Dhabi), January 8 (Closing Session at the 17th IRENA Assembly at St. Regis Saadiyat Island), January 9–13 (Youth Booth, Lounge, and IRENA Pavilion at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at ADNEC).
- For inquiries, contact youth@irena.org.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Aged 18–35 with a strong focus on renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, or related fields.
- Actively leading or contributing to projects, startups, research, or advocacy initiatives advancing the energy transition.
- Eager to collaborate globally and contribute to youth voices in policy, technical capacity, and partnerships.
- Able to travel to Abu Dhabi and participate in person for the January 2027 Forum dates.
What should you think carefully about?
- The selection process evaluates geographic and gender balance, which may influence acceptance odds.
- Full funding covers travel expenses, accommodation, and visa support for up to 40 selected participants, while additional participants must join on a partially funded or self-funded basis.
- Applications must be submitted in English via the online expression of interest form before the September 30, 2026 deadline.
- Candidates should verify specific schedule details if they require flexibility outside of the designated January 6–13, 2027 program dates.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This fully funded forum offers young leaders an exceptional short-term platform to amplify their work in renewable energy, build technical capacity, and expand international networks during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly.
Our take
Young professionals, innovators, and advocates aged 18–35 actively engaged in the energy transition should seriously consider applying, especially those who qualify for full funding. Those unable to secure full funding or travel to Abu Dhabi on self-funded terms may find it less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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