Deadline: March 20, 2026
The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Youth Forum 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for young changemakers around the world to engage in dialogue and action for a more sustainable future. The Forum provides a platform for youth to share innovative solutions addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and community well-being — while strengthening their roles as agents of change in their respective biosphere reserves.
The 2026 edition of this global event is themed “Committed to the Future We Want”, aligning with UNESCO’s long-term vision for the planet and humanity.
About the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Youth Forum 2026
The 3rd Global UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Youth Forum 2026 will gather young people from across the globe who live in, work with, or contribute to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. The event aims to strengthen youth participation in sustainability efforts and enhance global collaboration through experience sharing and innovation.
Venue: Rosolina Mare, Po Delta Biosphere Reserve, Italy
Date: 18–22 May 2026
Organised by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, the Forum promotes harmony between people and nature — focusing on solutions that balance human activity with the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems.
Objectives of the Forum
The UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2026 is designed to:
- Build a global network of young environmental leaders
- Inspire action and partnerships for sustainable development
- Provide a space to co-create recommendations for UNESCO’s Strategic Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves (2026–2035)
- Encourage youth-driven initiatives for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to young people aged 18–35 years who are actively connected to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in one of the following ways:
- Living, working, studying, or volunteering in a biosphere reserve
- Conducting research or leading sustainability projects in a reserve
- Supporting initiatives related to environmental management, community engagement, or conservation
Applicants must demonstrate clear involvement and commitment to biosphere reserve activities. A total of 200 participants will be selected for the 2026 Forum.
Application Categories
There are two main application pathways:
1. National MAB Youth Focal Points
Applicants officially designated as National MAB Youth Focal Points should submit:
- A designation letter
- A summary of professional and voluntary experience
- Proof of involvement in MAB or biosphere reserve-related work
2. Open Call for MAB Youth Participants
Applicants under the open call category must provide:
- A current CV
- A 250-word description of their engagement in a biosphere reserve
- A 250-word statement on their intended contribution to the Forum
- A 250-word explanation of how they plan to apply Forum outcomes in their local context
- A letter of endorsement (from a biosphere reserve, National MAB Committee, or relevant institution)
- Optional documentation proving funding support for travel (if available)
Benefits of Participation
Selected participants of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Youth Forum 2026 will enjoy the following benefits:
- Free accommodation and meals during the Forum (covered by organisers)
- Partial or full financial support for travel (subject to available funding and eligibility)
- Access to an international network of youth leaders, experts, and mentors
- Opportunity to shape global environmental policy discussions
- Personal and professional development through workshops, field visits, and collaborative sessions
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 March 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Forum Dates: 18–22 May 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare all required documents early to ensure a successful submission before the deadline.
Why You Should Participate
Participating in the UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2026 offers a rare opportunity to contribute to global sustainability efforts while representing your community. It enables you to:
- Connect with peers tackling real-world environmental challenges
- Learn from global best practices in biosphere management
- Co-develop strategies to address climate change and biodiversity loss
- Strengthen your voice in UNESCO’s decision-making processes
Through this Forum, youth leaders will help shape the UNESCO Strategic Action Plan for Biosphere Reserves (2026–2035) — creating tangible impact at both local and global levels.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can:
👉 Apply Here
👉 Read More About the Programme
Application Deadline: 23 March 2026
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
