Applications are now open to host a YEDx (Youth Environmental Dialogue) in your community through the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG). YEDx is a global initiative that empowers young people to organize local environmental dialogues, connect communities with global environmental processes, and develop youth-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
By hosting a YEDx event, organizers become part of a global movement that amplifies youth voices and contributes to international environmental discussions leading up to major global forums, including the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). (cymgenv.net)
About YEDx
YEDx (Youth Environmental Dialogue) is a flagship initiative of the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG) that creates spaces for meaningful dialogue between young people and their communities on environmental issues.
The programme aims to:
- Empower youth to lead environmental conversations.
- Strengthen local action on global environmental challenges.
- Promote collaboration among young people, policymakers, civil society, and local stakeholders.
- Gather youth recommendations that can inform regional and global environmental discussions.
- Build a stronger network of youth environmental leaders worldwide.
Each YEDx event is designed and led by local organizers, allowing communities to address the environmental issues most relevant to their context.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcome from:
- Youth-led organizations
- Youth networks
- Student associations
- Environmental clubs
- Community-based organizations
- Civil society organizations
- Universities and educational institutions
- Groups of young environmental advocates
Applicants should have the capacity to organize a community dialogue and engage diverse stakeholders in discussions on environmental issues. Additionally, applicants should:
- Be a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation in the country where YEDx is proposed.
- Be a recognised legal entity in that country, or partner with one if the youth group is unregistered.
- Maintain an interest in environment, sustainable development, or youth inclusion in environmental processes.
- Be led by children or youth, mostly children or youth, or work for their inclusion in environmental processes.
- Have existed for at least two years at the time of application.
- Have at least one person with experience in environmental policymaking, UNEA, or YEA processes.
Suggested Dialogue Themes
Hosts are encouraged to organize discussions around topics such as:
- Climate Change
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Plastic Pollution
- Circular Economy
- Sustainable Consumption and Production
- Nature-Based Solutions
- Environmental Justice
- Water Security
- Waste Management
- Youth Participation in Environmental Governance
- Green Jobs and Sustainable Livelihoods
Organizers are also encouraged to tailor discussions to the environmental priorities of their local communities.
Benefits
Selected YEDx hosts will receive:
- Official recognition as a YEDx Host Organization.
- Access to the YEDx Host Toolkit and planning resources.
- Capacity-building and training sessions.
- Technical guidance and mentorship from the CYMG team.
- Communication and promotional support.
- Opportunities to connect with a global network of youth environmental leaders.
- A chance to contribute recommendations to international environmental dialogues and UNEP processes.
Host Responsibilities
Successful hosts will be expected to:
- Organize and facilitate a local YEDx event.
- Engage youth and relevant community stakeholders.
- Promote inclusive participation.
- Document the dialogue and submit a summary report.
- Share outcomes and recommendations with the YEDx global team.
- Follow YEDx branding and event guidelines.
Application Deadline
Applications close on the 16th of August 2026
Interested organizations are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for planning, coordination, and support before hosting their event.
Why You Should Apply
Hosting a YEDx is an opportunity to bring young people together to discuss environmental challenges, inspire local action, and influence broader environmental decision-making. Whether your community is tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, or sustainable development, a YEDx event can create meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and ensure youth perspectives contribute to shaping a more sustainable future.
By joining the global YEDx network, your organization will help bridge local environmental action with international policy processes, ensuring that youth voices remain at the heart of environmental governance.
