IRENA Youth Forum 2027
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IRENA Youth Forum 2027: Fully Funded Opportunity in Abu Dhabi

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Applications are now open for the IRENA Youth Forum 2027 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the forum will bring together young people working in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, research, and related fields. The event will take place from 6 to 13 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi.

Up to 40 selected participants will receive fully funded participation, including travel, accommodation, and visa support. There is no application or participation fee. Applications are open to young people from all countries, making this an international opportunity for those involved in the global energy transition.

IRENA Youth Forum 2027 in Abu Dhabi Details

Host CountryUnited Arab Emirates
OrganizerInternational Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Eligible NationalitiesAll
Age Limit18–35 years
Program Duration6–13 January 2027
Fully Funded ParticipantsUp to 40
BenefitsTravel, accommodation, visa support
Application FeeNone
Deadline30 September 2026

About the IRENA Youth Forum 2027

The 2027 edition is the eighth IRENA Youth Forum. The forum is designed to give young people a platform to participate in discussions on renewable energy and global energy policy.

The main theme for 2027 is “Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems.” Discussions will focus on how grid modernisation, energy storage, and flexible energy systems can support the wider use of renewable energy and improve reliable energy access.

IRENA has also used previous Youth Forums to connect young leaders with governments, policymakers, private-sector representatives, researchers, and international organisations.

Also Check: Young Leaders Programme 2026 in Vietnam

What Topics are Covered at the IRENA Youth Forum?

The programme will focus on several areas related to the renewable energy transition, including:

  • Renewable energy and global energy policy
  • Electricity grids and grid modernisation
  • Energy storage technologies
  • Energy system flexibility
  • Youth-led innovation and projects
  • Financing for clean energy initiatives
  • Skills development and capacity building
  • Partnerships between youth, governments, businesses, academia, and international organisations

Also Check: IATSS Forum Leadership Development Program 2027 in Japan

Who Can Apply?

The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is open to applicants who meet the following requirements:

  • Applicants must be 18 to 35 years old at the time of the forum.
  • Applicants can be from any country.
  • They should be actively involved in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, or a related area.
  • They should be leading or contributing to a project, startup, research initiative, or advocacy activity connected to the energy transition.
  • Applicants should be interested in working with other young people and partners to develop solutions for the energy transition.
  • Applications must be submitted in English.

Selection will consider applicants’ commitment to the energy transition as well as geographic and gender balance.

What Is Covered?

IRENA will select up to 40 participants for fully funded participation. The support includes:

  • International travel
  • Accommodation
  • Visa support
  • Participation in the Youth Forum programme

There is no application fee or participation fee for the opportunity.

IRENA also states that additional participants may be invited on a partially funded or self-funded basis.

IRENA Youth Forum 2027 Dates

The programme is scheduled across several activities in Abu Dhabi:

  • 6-7 January 2027: IRENA Youth Forum, including the high-level opening and interactive workshops
  • 8 January 2027: Closing session during the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly
  • 9-13 January 2027: Youth-led activities, including the Youth Booth, Youth Lounge, and IRENA Pavilion activities at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time.

Applicants can submit an expression of interest through the official application form. Results are expected to be announced by 15 November 2026.

Interested applicants should prepare information about their renewable energy or sustainability work and clearly explain their experience, projects, and interest in the energy transition.


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