The Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) has opened applications for its Youth Ambassador Program 2027, offering young sustainability leaders from the Global South an opportunity to participate in international discussions on sustainable development.
The programme is designed for young community leaders who are already taking action to address sustainability challenges, mobilise communities and develop practical solutions. Selected Youth Ambassadors will engage with global leaders, participate in conference activities and connect with peers from around the world.
The opportunity includes fully funded participation, with travel and accommodation costs covered.
Key Details
- Programme: HSC Youth Ambassador Program 2027
- Organiser: Hamburg Sustainability Conference
- Location: Hamburg, Germany
- Conference dates: 31 May–1 June 2027
- Youth Roundtable Series: 7–11 December 2026
- Funding: Fully funded travel and accommodation
- Eligible applicants: Young leaders from Global South countries
- Age: 18–30 years
- Language: English
- Application deadline: 19 October 2026
What Is the HSC Youth Ambassador Program?
The HSC Youth Ambassador Program brings together young leaders who are contributing to sustainability efforts in their communities. Ambassadors become involved in the conference ahead of the main event and are expected to actively contribute to its discussions and activities.
Selected participants will have opportunities to share their perspectives, experiences and solutions with international leaders working towards a more sustainable future.
Depending on their expertise and involvement, Youth Ambassadors may participate in conference sessions as speakers or attendees.
Benefits of the Program
The programme offers selected Youth Ambassadors significant opportunities for professional development, international exposure and networking.
Key benefits include:
- Fully funded participation, including travel and accommodation costs.
- Opportunities to contribute ideas and experiences to global sustainability discussions.
- Participation in conference sessions as a speaker or attendee, depending on expertise.
- Engagement with more than 1,600 leaders, including heads of state and government.
- Networking with decision-makers, press representatives and local youth in Hamburg.
- Connections with fellow Youth Ambassadors from around the world.
- Participation in activities before, during and after the conference.
- Opportunity to contribute to the HSC Youth Roundtable Series in December 2026.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is specifically seeking young community leaders from the Global South who have demonstrated a commitment to addressing sustainability challenges.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Age: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old.
Global South residence: Applicants must come from and currently reside in a country classified as eligible under the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) List of ODA Recipients. Applicants should use the country-of-residence selection tool provided by HSC to confirm eligibility.
Leadership: Applicants should be young leaders actively driving sustainability efforts within their communities.
Demonstrated impact: Candidates should have a proven record of delivering concrete solutions to sustainability challenges and mobilising supporters. This may include founding initiatives, leading community projects or using established networks to raise awareness and drive action.
English proficiency: Applicants must be able to communicate confidently in English.
Availability: Selected participants must be able to dedicate time to the programme, including preparatory activities before the conference.
Youth Roundtable Series
As part of the programme, HSC is planning a Youth Roundtable Series from 7–11 December 2026 in one of its partner countries.
Selected Youth Ambassadors will need to be available to travel during this period if required to participate in the Roundtables. Further information about the location and arrangements will be communicated during the selection process.
HSC Conference 2027
The main Hamburg Sustainability Conference will take place in Hamburg, Germany, from 31 May to 1 June 2027.
Youth Ambassadors will have the opportunity to participate alongside international leaders and other stakeholders working on sustainable development.
The experience can provide valuable exposure to global policy discussions, sustainability initiatives and international networks.
How to Strengthen an Application
Applicants should demonstrate specific evidence of leadership and impact rather than simply describing an interest in sustainability.
A strong application should clearly explain:
- The sustainability challenge being addressed.
- The applicant’s role in addressing the challenge.
- Concrete results achieved.
- Communities or groups reached.
- How the applicant has mobilised others.
- Why the applicant’s experience is relevant to the HSC.
- How the applicant intends to contribute to the Youth Ambassador community.
Applicants should also ensure that their examples demonstrate genuine community-level action and practical solutions.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should complete the HSC Youth Ambassador Program 2027 application form through the official Hamburg Sustainability Conference website.
Applicants experiencing difficulties with the application process can contact the programme team by email.
Application Deadline
19 October 2026
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required information is complete and accurate.
