The Global Youth Climate Training Programme (GYCT) is a free, fully online capacity development programme that equips people aged 16-35 with the knowledge and confidence necessary to engage in international climate policy. Young people are increasingly being given a seat at the table in domestic and international climate policy, and therefore require appropriate capacity development to ensure their interventions are cogent and relevant.
From 2023 to 2025, GYCT was delivered as a collaboration between the Global Youth Coalition (GYC) and researchers at the University of Oxford (Oxford Net Zero, Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment). Building on that success, responsibility for programme delivery is transitioning to the Global Youth Coalition in 2026, with Oxford Net Zero continuing to provide strategic and academic support. This evolution reflects our shared commitment to youth leadership — giving young climate changemakers greater ownership over the programme’s direction, content, and long-term future, while maintaining academic rigour.
The 2026 programme continues to combine expert-led lectures, interactive peer-learning, and practical assignments — featuring Oxford academics alongside leading practitioners worldwide, elevating Global South expertise, and keeping youth speakers central. An advanced pathway is developed with the Youth Negotiators Academy for the road to COP31 in Antalya.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be 16–35 years old.
- Demonstrate an interest in climate change, sustainability, environmental policy, or climate advocacy.
- Be willing to actively participate in the online training sessions.
- Have sufficient English proficiency to engage with course materials (multilingual support is available for selected content).
The programme welcomes applicants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, including students, young professionals, researchers, activists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
Benefits
Successful participants will receive:
- Free participation in the programme
- Training from internationally recognized climate experts
- Practical understanding of UN climate negotiations
- Opportunities to network with young climate leaders worldwide
- Access to multilingual learning resources and recorded sessions
- A certificate of participation upon successful completion
- Eligibility to apply for a £3,000 bursary to support attendance at COP30 in Belém, Brazil (subject to programme requirements).
Programme Format
The programme is delivered entirely online and includes:
- Live virtual sessions
- Interactive workshops
- Expert lectures
- Question-and-answer sessions
- Peer learning and networking opportunities
- Access to recorded learning materials
Application Deadline
17 August 2026
Early applications are encouraged, as the programme is highly competitive.
Why You Should Apply
The Global Youth Climate Training Programme is one of the world’s leading capacity-building initiatives for young people interested in climate diplomacy and international climate policy. Whether you aspire to become a climate negotiator, policy advocate, researcher, or youth representative at future COPs, GYCT provides the knowledge, practical skills, and global network needed to engage confidently in climate decision-making and drive meaningful climate action in your community and beyond.
Visit their website for more information
