Overview & Description
If you are a young renewable energy advocate, researcher, innovator, or climate activist looking to influence global energy policy, traveling to international summits in the United Arab Emirates can be expensive. High international airfare, hotel stays in Abu Dhabi, and event logistics often create financial barriers for youth leaders from developing nations. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) bridges that exact gap—offering a fully funded opportunity to attend the IRENA Youth Forum 2027 alongside world leaders, government ministers, and energy experts.
Quick Summary: The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is officially accepting applications for the 2027 IRENA Youth Forum taking place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Centered on the theme “Youth Powering the Future: Grids, Storage, and Resilience for Renewable Energy Systems,” this fully funded international forum brings together delegates aged 18–35 to contribute to the global energy transition.
| 📅 Application Deadline | Wednesday, 30 September 2026 (Midnight, Abu Dhabi Time) |
| 📍 Location / Host | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (IRENA) |
| 💰 Value / Perks | Fully Funded (100% Roundtrip Airfare + Hotel Accommodation + Visa Support + Event Access) |
| 🏢 Category | Fellowships / Conferences & Training |
Overview / What This Opportunity Entails
The IRENA Youth Forum is the flagship youth platform of the International Renewable Energy Agency. Held in conjunction with the 17th Session of the IRENA Assembly and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the forum provides young people with a direct platform to shape global renewable energy policies and network with key decision-makers.
The main forum activities run on January 6–7, 2027, followed by a closing session on January 8 and broader Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week youth activities continuing through January 13, 2027.
Core Details & Key Responsibilities / Benefits
Selected delegates for the IRENA Youth Forum receive comprehensive travel and logistical backing:
- Full Travel Coverage: Free roundtrip international airfare tickets to Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Accommodation & Transport: Full coverage of hotel accommodation and local transport during the official forum dates.
- Visa Processing Support: Formal invitation letters and official administrative assistance with UAE visa logistics.
- High-Level Access: Direct access to sessions at the 17th IRENA Assembly, youth activities at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, and ministerial networking platforms.
- No Fee Required: Zero application or participation fees.
Self-Qualification: Do You Match the Profile?
Review these official delegate eligibility criteria before submitting your application:
- Age Limit: Must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the forum.
- Global Openness: Open to candidates of all nationalities worldwide.
- Field Alignment: Must be actively involved or genuinely interested in renewable energy, sustainability, climate action, energy transition, or clean technology innovations.
- Action & Impact: Must be involved in or contributing to a project, startup, research initiative, advocacy campaign, or community activity that supports clean energy transition.
- Language Requirement: The application and forum proceedings are in English (IELTS/TOEFL is not required).
AI Application Prompts (Use ChatGPT / Claude)
Copy and paste these custom AI prompts to refine your submission essay:
- Prompt 1: Draft My Energy Transition Impact Statement“Act as an international conference application reviewer. I am applying for the fully funded IRENA Youth Forum 2027 in Abu Dhabi. Using my background details below, write a compelling 250-word motivation statement explaining my contribution to renewable energy, my project’s impact, and how participating in the 17th IRENA Assembly will advance my clean energy work:\n\n[PASTE YOUR RENEWABLE ENERGY / CLIMATE BACKGROUND HERE]”
- Prompt 2: Refine My Essay on Energy System Resilience“Act as a clean energy policy advisor. Using my notes below, draft a concise 200-word response addressing this year’s forum theme, ‘Youth Powering the Future: Grids, Storage, and Resilience for Renewable Energy Systems,’ detailing how young people can drive grid modernization and energy storage adoption in developing regions:\n\n[PASTE YOUR IDEAS / COUNTRY CONTEXT HERE]”
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Follow these sequential submission instructions:
- Prepare Background Details: Summarize your experience in renewable energy, current project/advocacy work, and passport details.
- Access IRENA Portal: Navigate to the official IRENA Youth Forum 2027 application form.
- Complete Application: Fill out the personal profile section, essay questions regarding your clean energy engagement, and upload your CV/resume.
- Submit Application: Complete and submit your profile before 30 September 2026 (Midnight, Abu Dhabi time).
How to Submit Your Application
Access the official platform to register your candidate profile and submit your expression of interest directly before the closing deadline.