Young leaders passionate about renewable energy, sustainability, climate action and innovation have an exciting opportunity to participate in the IRENA Youth Forum 2027, an international platform bringing together young changemakers to contribute to discussions shaping the global energy transition.
Organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the eighth edition of the Youth Forum will take place from 6 to 13 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The programme will focus on how young people can help accelerate the transition towards modern, flexible and renewable energy systems.
Up to 40 participants will receive fully funded participation, including travel, accommodation and visa support. There is no application or participation fee, making the opportunity particularly valuable for young professionals, researchers, innovators and advocates from developing countries and other regions around the world.
The IRENA Youth Forum has been held since 2020 as a platform for youth empowerment, intergenerational dialogue and renewable energy innovation. Participants have the opportunity to engage with policymakers, businesses, academics, international organisations and fellow young leaders working to advance sustainable energy solutions.
The 2027 edition will be held under the theme “Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems.”
The theme reflects the growing importance of modern electricity grids, energy storage and flexible energy systems in enabling countries to integrate larger amounts of renewable energy while expanding reliable access to electricity.
The Forum will therefore provide young participants with opportunities to better understand the technical, policy, regulatory and financial dimensions of the global energy transition.
Key Objectives of the Forum
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 has several objectives designed to strengthen the role of young people in the renewable energy sector.
One major objective is to amplify youth voices in global energy and climate policy. Participants will have opportunities to contribute perspectives and ideas to conversations surrounding the future of energy.
The Forum will also build youth understanding of grid infrastructure, storage technologies and system flexibility, including the policies and regulations needed to support their development.
Another important focus is capacity building and skills development. Through workshops and interactive sessions, participants will be encouraged to develop the knowledge and skills needed to design and scale solutions that can contribute to the energy transition.
The programme will additionally explore financing opportunities for the energy transition, helping young innovators understand how they can access capital and develop initiatives capable of achieving greater impact.
Finally, the Forum seeks to strengthen partnerships between young people and governments, businesses, academia and international organisations.
Who Can Apply?
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is open to young people aged 18 to 35 years at the time of the Forum.
Applicants should be actively engaged in areas such as:
- Renewable energy
- Sustainability
- Innovation
- Energy transition
- Climate-related initiatives
- Research
- Advocacy
- Entrepreneurship and startups
Candidates should ideally be leading or contributing to projects, startups, research or advocacy initiatives that support progress towards a sustainable energy future.
Applications are open to young people from all countries around the world. Selection will consider factors including geographic and gender balance, as well as applicants’ demonstrated commitment to the energy transition.
All applications must be submitted in English.
What Does the Funding Cover?
One of the most attractive features of the IRENA Youth Forum is the fully funded participation available to selected participants.
Up to 40 young participants will be selected to receive support covering:
- International travel
- Accommodation
- Visa support
There is also no application fee or participation fee for the opportunity.
Additional applicants may be invited to attend through partial-funded or self-funded participation, depending on the selection process.
Programme Highlights
The main IRENA Youth Forum will take place on 6–7 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi, featuring a high-level opening and interactive workshops.
On 8 January, participants will take part in a closing session held during the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island.
The programme will continue with youth-led activities from 9–13 January, including a Youth Booth and Lounge and activities connected to the IRENA Pavilion at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at ADNEC.
This extended programme gives participants opportunities to engage beyond the main Forum and connect with other stakeholders involved in the global energy transition.
Why Young Professionals Should Consider Applying
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 offers more than attendance at an international event. It provides young professionals with an opportunity to connect with a global community working on some of the world’s most important energy and climate challenges.
Participants can gain exposure to international policy discussions, learn from experts and other young innovators, strengthen professional networks and showcase their own work.
For applicants working on renewable energy projects, climate initiatives, clean technology, research, sustainability advocacy or energy-access solutions, participation could provide valuable opportunities to build partnerships and take their initiatives to a wider international audience.
Application Deadline and How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications early and demonstrate their experience, motivation and commitment to the energy transition.
The application deadline is 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time.
Applicants who are selected are expected to be notified by 15 November 2026.
The expression of interest must be completed online through the official application form.
For more information and to submit an application, prospective participants should visit the official IRENA Youth Forum 2027 opportunity page and application form.
Key Opportunity Details
Opportunity: IRENA Youth Forum 2027
Organiser: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Theme: Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems
Dates: 6–13 January 2027
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Age requirement: 18–35
Funding: Fully funded participation for up to 40 participants
Funding covers: Travel, accommodation and visa support
Application fee: None
Eligible countries: All countries
Application language: English
Deadline: 30 September 2026
Results: By 15 November 2026
Young people working to create a cleaner, more sustainable and accessible energy future are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to join an international platform dedicated to putting youth at the centre of the global energy transition.
