The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 brings young renewable-energy leaders to Abu Dhabi for the eighth edition of IRENA’s flagship youth platform. The IRENA Youth Forum focuses on grids, storage and flexibility for renewable energy systems. Young people from every country can apply if they meet the age and engagement requirements. The main forum takes place on 6–7 January 2027, followed by connected Assembly and youth activities through 13 January.
Up to 40 participants can receive fully funded participation covering travel, accommodation and visa support, while additional participants may be invited on partially funded or self-funded terms. There is no application or participation fee. Applications close on 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time. Applicants should submit the official Expression of Interest in English before the deadline.
IRENA Youth Forum Details
The IRENA Youth Forum is hosted by the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is an international youth forum connected with IRENA’s annual Assembly and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
The 2027 program runs from 6–13 January, with the main forum on 6–7 January. Up to 40 selected participants can receive full funding for travel, accommodation and visa support, and the application deadline is 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi time.
Host | International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) |
|---|---|
Location | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
Type | International youth forum |
Dates | 6–13 January 2027 |
Funding | Up to 40 fully funded places |
Deadline | 30 September 2026, midnight Abu Dhabi time |
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IRENA Youth Forum Benefits
The IRENA Youth Forum offers up to 40 fully funded places. For those selected for full funding, IRENA covers travel, accommodation and visa support, and there is no application or participation fee.
Participants join high-level discussions, interactive workshops and youth-led activities connected with the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. The program creates opportunities to engage with policymakers, energy experts, researchers, innovators and other young leaders working on the global energy transition.
Also Check: Future Action Summit Australia 2026 for another international youth leadership opportunity.
IRENA Youth Forum Eligibility
Applicants must be 18–35 years old at the time of the forum and actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation or a related field. They should be leading or contributing to projects, startups, research or advocacy initiatives that advance the energy transition.
Applications are open to all countries and must be submitted in English. Selection considers demonstrated commitment to the energy transition as well as geographic and gender balance.
Required Information
The official process uses an online Expression of Interest. Applicants should be ready to describe their education or work, renewable-energy or sustainability engagement, relevant projects or initiatives, motivation for joining, and how they can contribute to the forum.
No specific university degree or IELTS/TOEFL score is stated as a general requirement in the current program information. Applicants should follow the live official form for any additional fields or supporting information requested at submission.
How to Apply for IRENA Youth Forum
Open the official IRENA Youth Forum 2027 page and follow the Expression of Interest link. Complete the application in English, provide accurate information about your energy-transition work and explain your motivation clearly.
Review the form before submitting and keep a copy or confirmation of the submission. IRENA states that applicants should be notified of results by 15 November 2026.
IRENA Youth Forum Deadline
The application deadline is 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time. International applicants should account for the time-zone difference and submit early.
The main IRENA Youth Forum is scheduled for 6–7 January 2027, with a closing session on 8 January and youth-led activities from 9–13 January. Applicants should check the official page for any schedule updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers summarize the current application information for prospective participants. Always check the official IRENA page before submitting because program details can change.
The funding applies to up to 40 selected participants rather than automatically to every person invited. Additional participants may receive partial funding or attend on a self-funded basis.
Is the IRENA Youth Forum fully funded?
Up to 40 participants receive travel, accommodation and visa support. There is no application or participation fee.
Who can apply?
Young people aged 18–35 from all countries can apply if they are actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation or related energy-transition work.
Conclusion
The IRENA Youth Forum gives young energy leaders an opportunity to contribute to international discussions on renewable-energy systems while building practical networks. Its global eligibility and funded places make the IRENA Youth Forum especially relevant for applicants already active in sustainability, innovation, research or advocacy.
Applicants should verify the latest official details, prepare their Expression of Interest carefully and submit before 30 September 2026. The IRENA Youth Forum application should reflect genuine experience, clear motivation and a practical commitment to advancing the energy transition.
