The IRENA Youth Forum is the International Renewable Energy Agency’s annual platform for youth participation in the global energy transition. IRENA has hosted the forum since 2020, bringing young people together with policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and international organisations.
The 2026 edition took place in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 January and focused on youth innovation and digital solutions for renewable energy access. Participants joined policy dialogue, capacity-building activities, workshops, and collaborative work on the forum outcome statement.
Benefits & funding
- Selected participants gain access to renewable-energy policy discussions, decision makers, innovators, and an international peer network.
- The programme includes interactive workshops and opportunities to contribute to the Youth Forum Outcome Statement.
- The latest official call that states financial terms, for the 2025 forum, offered full sponsorship including travel and accommodation for up to 35 participants.
- The official 2026 event page does not state whether the same expense coverage applied to that edition.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be 18 to 35 years old.
- Applicants must be actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, or a related field.
- Applicants should lead or contribute to projects, start-ups, research, or advocacy that advances the energy transition.
- Applicants must be motivated to collaborate with peers and partners to scale impact globally.
- The official 2026 call states no degree, nationality, or residency restriction.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Age requirement
18–35 yrs
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Application process
- 1Complete the online expression-of-interest form linked from the official event page.
- 2Describe relevant work in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, research, entrepreneurship, or advocacy.
- 3If selected, follow IRENA’s participation instructions and attend the in-person forum in Abu Dhabi.
Program timeline
Expression-of-interest deadline for the 2026 forum
Sep 30, 2025
IRENA Youth Forum in Abu Dhabi
Jan 8, 2026 to Jan 9, 2026
Closing session during the Sixteenth IRENA Assembly
Jan 10, 2026
Next application opening
Not yet published by IRENA