Apply Now: YOUNGO Just Transition Academy — A Fully Online Global Program for Young Climate Leaders

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Application Deadline: August 12, 2025

The Just Transition Working Group of YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), has launched a groundbreaking new initiative: the Just Transition Academy. This fully online global program invites passionate young people from around the world to become part of a movement that places justice, equity, and inclusion at the center of climate solutions.

The initiative aims to empower young leaders to take on challenges within their communities and advocate for policies that are inclusive and equitable. By addressing the climate crisis with a justice-oriented approach, participants will learn to prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations while striving for sustainability.

Throughout the program, participants will engage in practical workshops designed to enhance their skills in public speaking, negotiation, and coalition-building. These are critical abilities that young activists need to influence change effectively.

Designed for young climate professionals, students, activists, and community organizers, the program offers a transformative experience that combines expert-led learning, peer collaboration, and actionable strategy development. Whether you’re already engaged in climate work or looking to deepen your advocacy in time for COP30, this opportunity is tailor-made for emerging leaders ready to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Furthermore, the curriculum will include case studies highlighting successful just transition initiatives worldwide, providing real-world examples of how determined individuals and communities have turned challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.

Participants will also be encouraged to collaborate on projects that address local environmental issues, fostering a sense of accountability and connection to their communities. This hands-on approach ensures that the learning experience is not only theoretical but also applicable in real-life scenarios.

Why Join the Just Transition Academy?

As the climate crisis intensifies and global energy systems rapidly evolve, the idea of a “just transition” has become a cornerstone in the climate justice discourse. This program equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to push for equitable transitions across sectors and regions.

Key milestones during the program will also include community engagement activities, enabling participants to connect with local stakeholders and understand the ground realities they must navigate in their advocacy efforts.

Participants in the first global cohort will benefit from interactive sessions led by experts, community dialogues, and exposure to key frameworks under the UNFCCC’s Just Transition Work Program. The academy also prepares participants to actively engage in international climate advocacy, with a focus on strategic participation in COP30.

Program Structure & Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: August 12, 2025
  • Notification of Results: Week of August 18, 2025
  • Program Dates: Week of September 1 – Week of October 17, 2025
  • Delivery Format: Entirely virtual — online sessions, collaborative group work, curated readings, and assignments

This flexible seven-week format is designed to accommodate participants’ existing academic or professional responsibilities while offering a rich and engaging learning journey.

The program will leverage technology to facilitate a rich, interactive learning environment, where participants can share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and develop strategies collaboratively, even from afar.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will explore a variety of themes that are central to climate justice and equitable transition. Core learning sessions include:

  • Foundations of Just Transition
  • Sectoral Deep-Dives: Agriculture, Energy, and Industry
  • Barriers to Equitable Transition at the Global Level
  • Understanding the UNFCCC’s Just Transition Work Program
  • Civil Society Demands for COP30
  • Strategic Advocacy Skills for COP30 Participation
  • Developing a Personal Action Plan for Climate Engagement

Each session is designed to strengthen participants’ policy literacy, advocacy confidence, and strategic thinking skills in preparation for real-world action.

Benefits of Participation

The Just Transition Academy offers much more than just a learning experience. Participants will receive:

  • A Certificate of Completion
  • Insights into key sectors and the political landscape of climate justice
  • Opportunities for future engagement through mentorship, facilitation, or advocacy roles
  • Interactive sessions with experts, policymakers, and youth leaders
  • Inclusion in an international network of like-minded climate advocates
  • Practical tools for influencing national and global climate policy
  • A platform to collaborate on intersectional and community-centered solutions

Who Can Apply?

This opportunity is open to young people aged 18 to 35 from all countries. Ideal candidates are individuals with:

To enhance the learning experience, guest speakers from various sectors, including government, NGOs, and private industry, will share their insights and experiences, providing valuable perspectives on climate action and policy-making.

  • A strong interest or involvement in climate justice, sustainability, or community development
  • A desire to engage meaningfully in the upcoming COP30 negotiations
  • Commitment of 3–4 hours weekly for seven weeks
  • Proficiency in English (program language)
  • Reliable internet access

Participants will also gain access to a resource library filled with materials on climate justice, advocacy tools, and best practices, further enriching their knowledge and preparation for future endeavors.

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Applicants from underrepresented and marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply — including individuals from LDCs, SIDS, Indigenous communities, rural areas, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and others committed to equitable climate action.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply through the official application form linked below. Seize this opportunity to become part of a global force advancing climate justice.

The application process is designed to be inclusive, encouraging applicants from all backgrounds, including those who may have been historically marginalized in climate conversations. The academy prioritizes diversity in its cohort to foster a richer learning environment.

Once accepted, participants will be invited to join an orientation session, where they will meet their peers, faculty, and mentors, setting the stage for an enriching and collaborative learning experience.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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