Call for Expressions of Interest for Funding: International Youth Delegation to COP17

Ednah Carrick June 1, 2026

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Closing Date: 30 June 2026

Call for Expressions of Interest for Funding: International Youth Delegation to COP17

Youth Delegation to COP17: Call for Expressions of Interest

The Global Youth Biodiversity Network is the coordination platform for youth participation of the CBD. The Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) is planning to organize an international youth delegation to join COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia from October 17 to 31, 2026.

GYBN has been working to secure funding to support youth participation at the 17th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (CBD COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). While some of this funding has not been confirmed yet, GYBN is in an advanced stage of the fundraising process. Due to the proximity to COP17, GYBN has decided to start the pre-selection of candidates in order to ensure greater efficiency, facilitate visa application processes and maximize youth participation at COP17.

GYBN’s primary goal is to provide young people from a wide variety of backgrounds who are working on Biodiversity issues and who are between 18 and 35 years old with an opportunity to participate and contribute at COP17. By enabling them to play an active role in the discussion of the CBD and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF), GYBN is aiming to build capacity among young people so that they can become strong partners in the implementation of the new biodiversity plan.

GYBN Selection Process

Candidates for financial support and accreditation by GYBN must demonstrate outstanding commitment to Biodiversity issues in the past and must possess at least a basic understanding of international negotiations. Before COP17, all participants of the international youth delegation will take part in a preparatory process where they will have the chance to network with other youth delegates, share information and experiences, improve their campaigning, lobbying skills and knowledge regarding Biodiversity issues and the CBD process with a particular focus on the procedures and issues around the KMGBF and NBSAPs. Applicants below the age of 18 or above the age of 35 on October 14 2026 will not be considered for this Youth Delegation to COP17 Call.

GYBN also encourages everyone interested in applying to register for the Webinar series “Nurturing Collective Transformations: Learning and Unlearning in Harmony with Nature”. This series will provide valuable foundational knowledge relevant to your participation and serve as a strong baseline for the Capacity Building session we will run for COP17.

Commitment

If selected (subject to funding confirmation), funded delegation members will be expected to actively contribute to the preparation process and support on-ground activities at COP17 by taking on assigned responsibilities and tasks. This may include participation in preparatory meetings, coordination calls, communication activities, and on-site support throughout the conference period. Applicants should ensure they can commit sufficient time before and during COP17. An estimated 8-12hr/week commitment in the lead up to COP17 can be expected.

Dates:

Arrival in Yerevan – October 16 (to be confirmed)
COP17 Youth Forum – October 17 – 18, 2026
COP17 Dates – October 19 – 30, 2026
Post-COP Youth Follow-Up Planning Meeting: – November 1, 2026 (tbc)
Departure from Yerevan – November 2, 2026 (to be confirmed)
Venue: Yerevan, Armenia

(!) THIS CALL IS ONLY FOR THOSE APPLYING FOR BOTH FUNDING & ACCREDITATION FROM GYBN FOR IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION.

If you are a young person (18-35 yrs old) who is:

– Self-funding or have another funding source but are looking to be accredited by GYBN, please note that a new call will open soon.

Application Process

Documents required:

Application form
Your CV (1-2 pages)
Passport (in case you don’t have passport, please upload a document to verify name and birthdate

Obs: the title of your document should be
LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_CV.pdf, LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_ID.pdf,

Note:

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Applications must be submitted in English, and those submitted in another language will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The funding will cover: accommodation, food, transportation, visa costs.
Only selected applicants will be informed via email. Unfortunately, GYBN is unable to provide individual feedback or respond to inquiries regarding application status.
Applications fully completed with the assistance of AI tools will not be considered. GYBN values authenticity and are looking for answers that truly reflect your own voice, experience, and motivation.