UN Youth Townhall 2026 for Young Leaders Aged 18–35 [Travel, Visa & Daily Allowance Covered]: Apply by Sep 7

The United Nations Youth Office is offering a limited number of funded places for young people worldwide to attend the first UN Youth Townhall in Heidelberg, Germany.

Young people aged 18–35 who are involved in youth-led initiatives, organisations, projects or movements can apply. Preference will be given to grassroots youth leaders, applicants from underrepresented or marginalised groups and those with limited or no previous engagement with the United Nations.

Deadline: September 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET—approximately September 8, 9:29 AM IST

Click here to access the UN Youth Townhall application.

UN Youth Townhall 2026: Highlights

• Organiser: United Nations Youth Office
• Event: UN Youth Townhall 2026
• Target group: Young leaders and youth advocates
• Age limit: 18–35 years at the time of the event
• Eligibility: Young people engaged in youth-led initiatives or organisations
• Geographical eligibility: Applicants worldwide
• Location: Heidelberg, Germany
• Event dates: December 8–10, 2026
• Language: English
• Funding: Limited number of sponsored places
• Travel: Round-trip ticket covered
• Living support: Daily subsistence allowance
• Visa: Visa fee reimbursed after travel, subject to receipt
• Deadline: September 7, 2026, 11:59 PM ET
• Application time: Approximately 30–45 minutes

About the UN Youth Townhall

The UN Youth Townhall is a flagship event of the UN Youth Compass. It aims to connect young people with governments, United Nations representatives, civil society, private-sector organisations and other partners.

The gathering will focus on generating practical recommendations, partnerships and opportunities for continued action—not only holding discussions.

The event is hosted by Germany, held under the patronage of the City of Heidelberg and presented by the United Nations Youth Office in collaboration with young people and partners.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the Townhall.
• Be involved in a grassroots, local, national, regional or global youth-led initiative, project, group, movement or organisation.
• Be comfortable participating in English.
• Be available for all event days from December 8–10.
• Participate in preparatory meetings and experience-sharing sessions.
• Commit to follow-up action at the local or national level after the event.

A university degree or student status has not been stated as mandatory.

Who Will Receive Preference?

Selection will consider:

• Gender balance
• Geographical representation
• Representation of marginalised and underrepresented groups
• Grassroots engagement
• Limited or no previous involvement with the United Nations

Applicants who have never participated in a UN event may apply. Previous UN experience is not required and, under this call, limited prior access may strengthen the applicant’s relevance.

Who Cannot Receive Funding?

Young people who are currently under contract with the United Nations cannot be sponsored through this funding call.

What Does the Funding Cover?

Selected participants will receive:

• Round-trip travel ticket from their country of residence to Heidelberg and back
• Terminal expenses for transport to and from the airport, based on fixed UN rates
• Daily subsistence allowance based on applicable UN rates
• Reimbursement of visa fees after completing the trip and submitting receipts
• Invitation letter to support the visa process
• Reasonable accommodation support for participants with disabilities
• Preparatory information and relevant event materials
• Guidance on safe engagement in UN conferences and meetings

The exact allowance amount has not been specified. Applicants should also not assume that passport costs or every personal expense will be covered unless confirmed by the UN Youth Office.

Participant Responsibilities

Selected young people will be expected to:

• Attend every session of the Townhall.
• Participate in preparatory activities before travelling.
• Share relevant experiences and perspectives.
• Engage respectfully with participants from different backgrounds.
• Contribute to discussions, recommendations and partnerships.
• Undertake follow-up actions in their community or country after the event.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by the UN Youth Office with support from online volunteers and the Youth Advisory Group to the UN Youth Townhall.

Due to the expected volume of applications:

• Only successful applicants will be contacted.
• Unsuccessful applicants may not receive an individual rejection email.
• If an applicant has not heard from the UN Youth Office by October 8, 2026, they should understand that they were not selected for funded participation.

How to Apply?

1. Read the official application guidance.
2. Visit the UN Youth Townhall webpage.
3. Open the sponsored-youth application form.
4. Set aside approximately 30–45 minutes to complete it.
5. Describe your youth-engagement experience accurately.
6. Explain the community, group, initiative or movement with which you work.
7. Show how your participation would contribute to the Townhall.
8. Describe how you will use the experience through follow-up action.
9. Review and submit the application before the deadline.

Important Conditions

• Funding is available for only a limited number of participants.
• Meeting the age and engagement requirements does not guarantee selection.
• Preference for grassroots applicants is not an absolute restriction on other eligible youth.
• Applicants must be able to participate in English.
• Attendance at preparatory meetings and all three event days is required.
• Current UN contract holders cannot receive sponsorship.
• Visa fees are reimbursed after the trip upon submission of receipts; they may not be paid in advance.
• Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Deadline

September 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

For applicants in India, this is approximately September 8, 2026, at 9:29 AM IST. Applying earlier is advisable because the form takes approximately 30–45 minutes.

Application Link

Click here to apply for funded participation in the UN Youth Townhall 2026.

Application Guidance

Click here to read the official sponsored-participation guidance.