Young people aged 18 to 30 living in Cyprus are invited to apply for the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace 2026 programme, an initiative designed to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and networks needed to develop joint environmental actions that contribute to peacebuilding and social cohesion.
Organised by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the British Council through its regional Youth Connect programme, the initiative will bring together young people from communities across Cyprus to collaborate on shared environmental challenges.
Participation is free, and no previous experience in environmental or peacebuilding issues is required.
About the UN Youth Champions Programme
The 2026 programme is the sixth edition of the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace initiative. This year’s programme focuses on environmental peacebuilding and joint action on shared environmental concerns.
Participants will take part in immersive workshops, work with other young people from across Cyprus and receive support from mentors, environmental experts, peacebuilding practitioners and youth activists.
The programme is designed to strengthen skills including confidence, adaptability, critical thinking, inclusive leadership and collaboration while encouraging intercommunal trust and environmental cooperation.
What Participants Will Do
Selected Youth Champions will participate in mandatory in-person workshops on:
- 3 October 2026
- 4 October 2026
- 10 October 2026
- 11 October 2026
The workshops will take place at Ledra Palace in the UN buffer zone in Nicosia.
Through interactive sessions, discussions and group work, participants will develop environmental action ideas with support from programme staff and experts from across the island.
Following the workshops, teams will refine their ideas and submit a simple proposal for their environmental action.
Environmental Action Grants
Each selected team will receive a small grant to implement its environmental action by February 2027.
Teams will receive mentoring and expert support during implementation. Proposed activities should reach people across the divide, with participants strongly encouraged to develop initiatives that can operate across Cyprus.
The programme will conclude with a closing event at the end of March 2027, and all participants are expected to attend.
Eligibility Requirements
The programme is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Aged 18 to 30 years.
- From any community living in Cyprus.
- Strongly motivated to contribute to a peaceful and sustainable future on the island.
- Interested in environmental issues and peacebuilding.
- Available and committed to attending all four workshop days.
- Willing to actively participate in an environmental action as part of a team.
- Able to communicate effectively in English.
- Interested in developing relationships with participants from all communities in Cyprus.
- Able to enter the UN buffer zone in Nicosia.
Applicants do not need previous experience in environmental or peacebuilding work.
The opportunity is specifically intended for people who have not previously participated in a UN Youth Champions programme.
Important Attendance Requirement
Attendance at all four workshop days is mandatory. Participants must also actively contribute to the implementation of their team’s environmental action.
Full compliance with these requirements is necessary to receive the programme certificate.
Applicants should therefore only apply if they can commit to the complete programme schedule.
Accommodation and Access to the Programme
Accommodation in Nicosia may be available during the workshop weekends for participants who cannot commute. However, accommodation is limited and subject to confirmation.
Participation also depends on the applicant’s ability to enter the UN buffer zone through the relevant crossing points. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they have the documentation required to access the buffer zone.
Is This a Paid Opportunity?
The UN Youth Champions programme is free to participate in, but it is not an employment opportunity.
Participants will not receive a salary, UN emoluments or employment benefits. Participation is honorary and does not create an employment relationship with the United Nations or the British Council.
Participants also do not receive UN privileges or immunities and are not authorised to speak on behalf of UNFICYP or the United Nations.
Why Young People Should Apply
The programme provides young people in Cyprus with an opportunity to develop practical experience in environmental action, peacebuilding, intercommunal cooperation and youth leadership.
Participants will work directly with other young people from different communities while engaging with environmental and peacebuilding organisations, practitioners and experts.
The programme can also provide valuable networking opportunities and membership in the broader Youth Champions network after completion.
How to Strengthen the Application
Applicants should clearly explain their motivation for contributing to a peaceful and sustainable future in Cyprus.
Strong applications should demonstrate genuine interest in environmental issues, willingness to work collaboratively and a readiness to engage constructively with people from different communities.
Applicants should also demonstrate that they can commit fully to the October workshops and the subsequent implementation of their team’s environmental action.
Previous environmental or peacebuilding experience is not required, so applicants should focus on their motivation, ideas, teamwork, community involvement and willingness to learn.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is:
20 September 2026
Successful applicants are expected to be notified by 23 September 2026.
How to Apply
Interested young people should complete the official online application form before the deadline.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
For questions about the programme, applicants can contact the UN Youth Champions team through the official UNFICYP contact provided in the announcement.
