IOM Empowering African Youth to Lead Climate Mobility Solutions

Admin,

Application deadline: June 15, 2025

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is calling on youth-led civil society organizations (CSOs) across Africa to apply for its transformative initiative—Youth Capacity Enhancement Programme on Climate Mobility 2025–2026. This program aims to accelerate youth-led action at the intersection of climate change, human mobility, disaster risk reduction, and environmental sustainability.

Climate change continues to reshape human migration patterns across the African continent. From floods and droughts to land degradation and rising sea levels, climate-related hazards are forcing millions to move in search of safety, stability, and livelihoods. Vulnerable groups—particularly youth, women, children, and indigenous communities—bear the brunt of these overlapping crises.

Africa’s youth, however, are not just victims of climate change—they are powerful agents of change. With 31% of the world’s international migrants under the age of 30, young people are uniquely positioned to lead bold, innovative, and community-driven solutions. This is why IOM, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, is launching a dynamic program tailored to build the technical capacity, visibility, and influence of youth-led organizations across Africa.

Programme Objectives

The Youth Capacity Enhancement Programme responds directly to youth demands for resources, mentorship, and platforms to engage meaningfully in climate mobility solutions. It aims to:

  • Strengthen the capacity of youth-led CSOs through hands-on training.
  • Foster networking and collaboration with experts and peers.
  • Promote youth participation in national, regional, and global policy processes.
  • Support implementation of locally rooted climate mobility solutions.

What the Programme Offers

1. Comprehensive Capacity Building
Participants will develop skills in project development, proposal writing, monitoring and evaluation, communication, advocacy, and fundraising. Training will focus on the nexus of migration, environment, and climate change (MECC).

2. Networking and Mentorship
Connect with like-minded youth leaders, policy experts, and practitioners in the field. Benefit from direct mentorship to refine your project ideas.

3. Increased Visibility
Selected participants will have opportunities to showcase their initiatives and contribute to regional and global climate and migration dialogues.

Programme Structure

May–June 2025:

  • Open call for applications (deadline: 15 June 2025, 6 PM UTC)
  • Submission of project concept notes by eligible youth-led CSOs

August–September 2025:

  • Online training series via Zoom (4 sessions, 2 hours each) covering:
    • Introduction to climate mobility
    • Proposal and budget development
    • Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
    • Advocacy and communication

October 2025:

  • In-person 3-day workshop (location TBA) to:
    • Refine project proposals
    • Engage in peer learning
    • Pitch to an expert panel
    • Receive logistical support, including travel reimbursement

Post-Workshop:

  • Certification of completion
  • Access to IOM’s climate mobility project competition for implementation support, with potential financial or in-kind assistance for standout proposals.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

  • Be between 18 and 35 years old
  • Be a national of an African country
  • Represent a youth-led, legally registered CSO in Africa
  • Demonstrate 2–5 years of experience leading local environmental or social projects
  • Submit a project concept for a climate mobility solution
  • Hold a valid passport (valid through May 2026)
  • Commit to full participation in all programme activities
  • Be proficient in English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese

Core Values

Participants must commit to upholding IOM’s core principles of:

  • Non-discrimination
  • Zero tolerance for harassment
  • Promotion of gender equality
  • Professional and ethical integrity

Thematic Areas for Project Proposals

Applications should align with at least one of the following thematic areas:

  • Migration as adaptation (e.g., planned relocation, labor migration)
  • Early warning systems and disaster preparedness
  • Climate resilience and nature-based solutions
  • Diaspora engagement for climate action
  • Solutions for climate-induced displacement
  • Data, AI, and research to inform policy
  • Governance and policy integration
  • Storytelling and digital advocacy

Application Process

Application period: 15 May – 15 June 2025
Deadline: 15 June 2025, 6 PM UTC (9 PM EAT)
Languages available: English, French, Arabic, Portuguese
Application forms: ENG | FR | AR | PT

Required documents (upon request):

  • Proof of organization’s registration
  • Letter of representation
  • Lead applicant’s CV
  • Evidence of past project implementation (reports, media, etc.)

Ensure your submission reflects your original vision and experiences. While AI tools can support your writing, heavily AI-generated content may result in disqualification.

Why This Matters

This initiative aligns with key international policy frameworks including the Kampala Declaration (KDMECC), the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

If you’re a young leader committed to climate resilience and sustainable development in Africa, this is your chance to scale your impact. Apply now and be part of a movement that’s shaping the future of climate mobility across the continent.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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