The Conference of Youth (COY) is the world’s largest and most significant gathering of children and young people focused on climate change. It is organised by YOUNGO, the official Children and Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and serves as an important preparatory platform for young people ahead of the annual UN Climate Conference (COP).
The 21st Conference of Children and Youth, known as COY21, will take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 5–7 November 2026, immediately before COP31. The event will bring together young people from diverse backgrounds and regions to strengthen their knowledge, leadership, advocacy and engagement in international climate processes.
COY21 will provide participants with opportunities to build their capacity, participate in practical training, engage in negotiation-aligned sessions and contribute to the development of the global youth climate agenda. It will also support young people in becoming better prepared to participate meaningfully in COP31 and the wider UNFCCC process.
Call for Young Delegates
Applications are invited from motivated and committed young leaders who wish to join the COY21 Delegation.
Selected delegates will have the opportunity to represent their communities, countries or regions while engaging with young climate leaders from around the world. They will contribute local and regional perspectives to international discussions and help shape collective youth priorities ahead of COP31.
Delegates will also be expected to participate actively in preparations before COY21 and follow-up activities after the conference. This engagement is intended to ensure that knowledge, experiences and commitments gained through COY21 are translated into meaningful climate action within their communities and regions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be under 35 years of age at the time of COY21.
- Demonstrate an interest in or experience with climate action, youth leadership or policy advocacy at local, regional or international level.
- Be willing to participate actively in pre-COY21 and post-COY21 delegation preparations, meetings and follow-up activities.
- Have the ability to self-fund travel to the event venue in Antalya, Türkiye.
Who the Organisers Are Looking For
COY21 seeks diverse, committed and passionate young people who can contribute meaningful perspectives to the global youth climate movement.
Strong candidates should be able to:
- Represent their community, country or region in an international setting.
- Bring strong local and regional perspectives to COY21 discussions and outcomes.
- Demonstrate engagement in climate justice, climate policy or grassroots climate action.
- Share knowledge and experiences gained at COY21 with their communities.
- Translate lessons, commitments and connections from the conference into stronger climate action at home.
Diversity and Representation
The final selection process will seek to ensure broad and meaningful representation across gender, geographical regions and areas of thematic expertise. Applicants from diverse backgrounds and with different experiences in climate action are therefore encouraged to demonstrate how their work, community and perspectives can contribute to the wider youth climate agenda.
Important Application Requirement
Applicants should carefully note that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to complete or assist with the application is prohibited. Applications found to have used AI assistance may be disqualified.
Applicants are encouraged to respond to application questions in their own words and voice. The organisers have stated that there will be no penalty for English-language or grammatical errors because the application is intended to reflect the applicant’s genuine experiences, perspectives and ideas.
Applicants should therefore ensure that all information submitted is authentic and accurately represents their own background, experiences and views.
Data Protection and Code of Conduct
Applicants will be required to acknowledge the applicable data-protection statement under Türkiye’s Law on the Protection of Personal Data No. 6698, commonly known as the KVKK or PDPL.
Applicants must also confirm that they have read, understood and agreed to abide by the COY21 Code of Conduct before, during and after the event.
Deadline
The deadline for submitting the COY21 Delegate Expression of Interest is 5 September 2026.
Interested young leaders should review the eligibility requirements carefully and ensure that their application is submitted before the deadline.
Contact Information
For questions concerning the COY21 Delegate Expression of Interest, applicants can contact the organisers at:
liaisons@climatecoy.com or admin@climatecoy.com
Key Takeaway
COY21 will provide young climate leaders with a platform to strengthen their capacity, engage in international climate diplomacy and contribute to youth priorities ahead of COP31. The opportunity is particularly relevant to young people already involved in climate action, policy advocacy, youth leadership, climate justice or grassroots initiatives who can bring their communities’ perspectives to an international forum and apply their learning locally.
