UNESCO 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026: Committed to the Future We Want – YOA

Deadline: March 23, 2026

Applications are open for the UNESCO 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026. The third Global MAB Youth Forum marks a key milestone for strengthening youth participation in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.

Building on the 2017 and 2019 Global MAB Youth Forums, the third discussion board adopts the theme “Committed to the Future We Want.” Aligned with the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), it displays MAB Youth’s strengthened dedication to addressing biodiversity loss, local weather change, and sustainable improvement.

Objectives

The discussion board goals to: 

• Enable MAB Youth to have interaction with and contribute to the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), with specific consideration to Action Target 20 on growing the MAB Youth Network. 
• Translate findings from the World MAB Youth Mapping Survey into shared priorities, revolutionary approaches, and concrete pathways for motion. 
• Facilitate the alternate of youth-led practices and initiatives in Biosphere Reserves associated to biodiversity conservation, sustainable improvement, and neighborhood effectively-being. 
• Foster coordination, management, and capability-constructing amongst youth actors throughout the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. 
• Produce concrete youth-led outputs and suggestions that inform MAB governance and future motion at nationwide, regional, and world ranges. 
• Identify methods to strengthen the integration of youth inside MAB governance buildings and choice-making.

Costs

• Food and lodging prices in Italy throughout the Forum will generously be coated by the organizers. Limited monetary assist could also be supplied to help contributors with journey bills, relying on funding availability and eligibility standards. 

Eligibility

The Forum is meant for younger individuals aged 18–35 who’re actively engaged in or related to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (e.g., residing, working, learning, volunteering, conducting analysis, or supporting BR-associated actions). The most variety of contributors is 200.

Two distinct application pathways can be found: 

• National MAB Youth Focal Points: Designated National MAB Youth Focal Points are invited to apply as official representatives inside the framework of the MAB Programme. In view of their official nationwide designation, National MAB Youth Focal Points who submit the required documentation shall be eligible to take part in the Forum with out being topic to a aggressive choice course of.
• MAB Youth Participants (Open Call – Other than National MAB Youth Focal Points): Eligible younger individuals aged 18–35 who’re actively engaged in or related to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (e.g., residing, working, learning, volunteering, conducting analysis, or supporting BR-associated actions) could apply by way of an open Expression of Interest course of. Selection might be performed competitively based mostly on advantage, geographical stability, gender parity, and relevance to the Forum’s targets. 

Application

Applicants ought to submit a web-based expression of curiosity by way of the application type(s). The application ought to embody fundamental info and, relying on the class, supporting paperwork.  

National MAB Youth Focal Points are requested to submit the following paperwork:  

• A affirmation letter of designation issued by the MAB Secretariat, confirming their official appointment as National MAB Youth Focal Point. 
• A brief description of their expertise, initiatives, or engagement associated to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, together with their function and key outcomes.  
  (Max. 250 phrases) 
• A quick assertion of contribution (max. 250 phrases) outlining what they will deliver to the 3rd MAB Youth Forum of their function as National MAB Youth Focal Point. 
• A quick assertion (max. 250 phrases) explaining how they plan to comply with up at nationwide or regional ranges after the Forum.
• An indication of whether or not they have confirmed monetary assist to cowl their journey prices. If sure, supporting documentation could also be uploaded.  

Apply here!

MAB Youth Participants are requested to submit the following:  

• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV). 
• A brief description of their expertise, initiatives, or engagement associated to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, together with their function and key outcomes. (Max. 250 phrases) 
• A press release outlining the contributions they intend to deliver to the Forum and the outcomes they hope to obtain. (Max. 250 phrases) 
• A quick rationalization of how they plan to apply the outcomes of the Forum of their Biosphere Reserve, neighborhood, or nation after the occasion.  
  (Max. 250 phrases) 
• A letter of endorsement or assist from a Biosphere Reserve or respective MAB National Committee or National Commission for UNESCO.
• An indication of whether or not they have confirmed monetary assist to cowl their journey prices. If sure, supporting documentation could also be uploaded.

Apply here!

For extra info, go to MAB Youth Forum.