GYBN Youth Delegation to COP17 Armenia [Funded]: Apply by June 30

Applications are open for the GYBN Youth Delegation to COP17, which will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, from October 17–31, 2026. The opportunity is offered by the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) for young people working on biodiversity issues worldwide.

Selected participants will join the international youth delegation to the 17th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), contribute to global biodiversity discussions, and strengthen youth participation in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

About GYBN

The Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) serves as the official coordination platform for youth participation in processes related to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It works to strengthen meaningful youth engagement in biodiversity policy, advocacy, and implementation efforts at local, national, and international levels.

About the Youth Delegation

GYBN is planning to organize an international youth delegation for COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia. The delegation aims to provide young biodiversity advocates from diverse backgrounds with an opportunity to engage directly in international biodiversity negotiations and policy discussions.

Through participation in COP17, delegates will gain exposure to global biodiversity governance processes and contribute to discussions surrounding the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).

GYBN is currently in an advanced stage of fundraising to support youth participation. The present call is intended to pre-select candidates for both funding and accreditation in order to facilitate preparation, visa processes, and participation planning.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years of age on October 14, 2026.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to biodiversity-related issues.
• Possess at least a basic understanding of international negotiations.
• Be willing to actively participate in preparation activities before COP17.
• Submit the application in English.

Applicants below 18 years or above 35 years of age on the specified date will not be considered.

What Selected Delegates Will Receive

Subject to funding confirmation, selected participants may receive support covering:

• Accommodation
• Food expenses
• Local transportation
• Visa costs
• Accreditation for COP17 participation

The delegation also offers opportunities to:

• Engage in international biodiversity policy discussions.
• Network with youth leaders from around the world.
• Strengthen advocacy, campaigning, and lobbying skills.
• Build knowledge of the CBD process, KMGBF, and NBSAPs.
• Participate in capacity-building and preparatory activities before COP17.

Commitment Required

Selected delegates will be expected to actively contribute to both pre-COP and on-site activities.

Responsibilities may include:

• Attending preparatory meetings and coordination calls.
• Participating in communication and outreach activities.
• Supporting delegation tasks during COP17.
• Contributing to youth engagement and advocacy efforts.

Applicants should be prepared to commit approximately 8–12 hours per week during the preparation period leading up to COP17.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: June 30, 2026 (11:59 PM UTC)
• Arrival in Yerevan: October 16, 2026 (to be confirmed)
• COP17 Youth Forum: October 17–18, 2026
• CBD COP17: October 19–30, 2026
• Post-COP Youth Follow-Up Meeting: November 1, 2026 (tentative)
• Departure from Yerevan: November 2, 2026 (to be confirmed)

Documents Required

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• CV (1–2 pages)
• Passport copy

Applicants without a passport may upload another official document showing their name and date of birth.

File names should follow the format:

• LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_CV.pdf
• LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_ID.pdf

Important Instructions

• This application is only for candidates seeking both funding and accreditation from GYBN for in-person participation.
• A separate application process will be announced for self-funded participants seeking accreditation only.
• Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
• Applications must be completed in English.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email.
• Individual feedback regarding application status will not be provided.
• Applications completed entirely with AI-generated responses may be disqualified. Applicants are expected to submit authentic responses reflecting their own experiences and motivations.

Capacity Building Opportunity

Applicants are also encouraged to register for the webinar series titled “Nurturing Collective Transformations: Learning and Unlearning in Harmony with Nature.” The series is designed to provide foundational knowledge relevant to biodiversity governance and will complement the capacity-building process for COP17 delegates.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates can submit their application through the official form.

Conclusion

The GYBN Youth Delegation to COP17 offers young biodiversity advocates an opportunity to participate directly in one of the world's most important biodiversity policy forums. Through capacity building, networking, advocacy, and international engagement, the programme seeks to strengthen youth leadership in the implementation of global biodiversity commitments.