Young people from around the world have an opportunity to receive travel support to attend the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC IC-1) in Geneva, Switzerland, in November 2026.
The opportunity is being coordinated by the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP) and will bring together young people to participate in international discussions on chemicals and waste management. Selected youth delegates will have opportunities to engage in negotiations, attend the Global Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste, and participate in youth-led policy and innovation initiatives.
The fully funded travel grant application deadline is 29 September 2026 at 17:00 UTC. A separate deadline of 13 October 2026 at 17:00 UTC applies to applicants seeking non-funded registration support.
The opportunity is aimed at young people interested in chemicals and waste management, environmental policy, sustainability, public health, innovation and youth participation in international decision-making.
The GFC IC-1 will take place from 16 to 20 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland, preceded by the 4th Global Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste from 14 to 16 November.
Key opportunity details include:
- Conference: First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Conference dates: 16–20 November 2026
- Youth Forum: 14–16 November 2026
- Travel period: 13–20 November 2026
- Eligibility: Children and youth aged 35 or younger
- Fully funded deadline: 29 September 2026, 17:00 UTC
- Non-funded registration support deadline: 13 October 2026, 17:00 UTC
- Prior UN experience: Not required
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to young people who are 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Applicants must be available to travel to Geneva and participate in the programme from 13 to 20 November 2026, inclusive. They are also expected to commit to participating throughout the full programme.
The fully funded travel grant is specifically available to children and youth from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and/or Indigenous youth from any region.
A partially funded travel option is available to children and youth from any country or region, while non-funded registration support is also open globally.
Importantly, applicants do not need previous experience working with the United Nations to apply.
What Does the Fully Funded Travel Grant Cover?
Applicants who select the Fully-Funded Travel Grant option can receive comprehensive travel assistance to attend the Geneva conference.
The support includes:
- Roundtrip international airfare
- Accommodation with breakfast
- Reimbursement of meals
- Transportation reimbursement
- Visa fee reimbursement
This makes the opportunity particularly valuable for eligible young people from low- and middle-income countries who may otherwise face significant financial barriers to participating in an international policy conference.
Applicants who require a Swiss visa are strongly encouraged to submit their application as early as possible so that the CWYP team can provide guidance regarding the next steps.
Partially Funded Travel Support
Applicants who are not eligible for or do not select the fully funded option may be able to request Partially-Funded Travel Grant support.
This option provides an in-country or in-region low-cost airfare or train ticket of up to CHF 150 roundtrip, together with accommodation including breakfast.
Unlike the fully funded option, the partial grant is available to children and youth from any country or region.
Applicants should carefully consider which funding category applies to their circumstances before submitting the application.
Non-Funded Registration Support
Youth who can finance their own travel and accommodation can apply for Non-Funded Registration Support.
Under this option, applicants are responsible for their own expenses while in Geneva. CWYP will support selected participants with an accreditation letter and registration for the GFC IC-1 conference.
Applicants may be asked to provide additional information explaining how they intend to finance their travel and stay.
The deadline for non-funded registration support is 13 October 2026 at 17:00 UTC.
What Will Selected Youth Do in Geneva?
Selected youth delegates will have an opportunity to participate directly in international discussions surrounding the implementation of the Global Framework on Chemicals.
Participants can be expected to contribute spoken and written interventions during negotiations, meet with country and stakeholder delegations, discuss youth priorities and participate in the three-day Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste.
The youth constituency will also develop collective policy recommendations relating to GFC IC-1.
The programme therefore provides an opportunity for young people to move beyond simply attending an international conference and actively contribute to policy discussions.
Participants should be prepared for an intensive programme and are encouraged not to take on significant competing commitments during the conference period.
What Is the Global Framework on Chemicals?
The Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste is an international policy framework adopted in September 2023.
It addresses a broad range of chemicals and waste management issues and provides strategic objectives and targets intended to guide action through the coming years.
The framework brings together governments, civil society, academia and the private sector to strengthen coordination and promote safer management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle.
The GFC IC-1 will therefore provide an important platform for stakeholders, including young people, to engage in discussions about implementation and future action.
How to Apply for the Geneva Travel Grant
Eligible applicants should complete the designated GFC IC-1 Children and Youth Delegation application and select the appropriate travel support option.
Those seeking fully funded support should submit their applications by Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 17:00 UTC.
Applicants who require a visa should apply as early as possible because additional time may be needed for visa-related processes.
Young people interested in attending without travel funding can apply for non-funded registration support until 13 October 2026 at 17:00 UTC.
The call provides an exceptional opportunity for young people to participate in a major international chemicals and waste policy process while contributing youth perspectives to global environmental decision-making.
