Australian Youth for International Climate Engagement (AYFICE) is inviting applications for its COP31 Youth Delegate Program, which will support young Australians to participate in the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9–20 November 2026.
The program is designed to increase the participation of young Australians in international climate discussions while providing selected delegates with financial assistance, mentorship, networking opportunities and capacity-building support. AYFICE particularly encourages applications from First Nations and Pasifika youth, frontline communities and other underrepresented groups.
AYFICE expects to select approximately 2–3 young Australians, with one position reserved for a young Australian from a First Nations or Pasifika diaspora background.
Program Details
Program: AYFICE COP31 Youth Delegate Program
Host organisation: Australian Youth for International Climate Engagement (AYFICE)
Event: UNFCCC COP31
Location: Antalya, Türkiye
COP31 dates: 9–20 November 2026
Eligibility: Australian citizens aged 18–35
Number of delegates: Approximately 2–3
Funding: Financial support provided
Application deadline: 5 October 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be Australian citizens aged between 18 and 35 and demonstrate a strong interest in addressing climate change. Previous climate-related work, volunteering or advocacy experience is desirable but is not mandatory.
Applicants must hold an Australian passport with at least six months of validity and be able to attend COP31 for at least one week, although commitment to attending both weeks is preferred.
Successful applicants must also participate in two online briefing and upskilling workshops before COP31. Workshop dates will be announced by AYFICE.
Delegates are expected to develop and deliver a small project connected to their COP31 experience. They will also represent AYFICE during the conference and are expected to maintain professional standards of conduct.
Financial Support
Selected youth delegates will receive financial assistance to attend COP31 in Antalya. Support includes a return airfare from a major Australian city to Antalya, accommodation and travel insurance for the duration of COP31.
Delegates will also receive a daily stipend for food and transport during the conference. AYFICE notes that the stipend may not cover every personal expense.
Applicants who have already secured some financial assistance may request partial funding, while applicants with sufficient external funding may indicate that they do not require financial support.
Mentorship and Professional Development
In addition to financial assistance, participants will receive mentorship and professional development opportunities. Each delegate will have access to on-the-ground mentoring from an AYFICE mentor during COP31.
Selected delegates will receive a badge providing access to the COP31 Blue Zone and become part of a diverse delegation of young Australians participating in international climate discussions.
The program also provides capacity-building sessions before COP31, briefings and potential shadowing opportunities with Australian negotiators, government officials and other climate leaders.
Delegates may also have opportunities to speak at COP events, subject to successful applications for available event slots.
Youth-Led COP31 Project
An important component of the program is the development of a small project connected to the delegate’s COP31 experience. AYFICE will support selected participants in designing and implementing their project before, during and after the conference.
This provides delegates with an opportunity to translate their participation at COP31 into practical engagement beyond the conference itself.
COY21 Opportunity
AYFICE is also co-hosting COY21, the Global Conference of Children and Youth, in Antalya from 5–7 November 2026.
Successful Youth Delegate Program participants who wish to attend COY21 may have their flights arranged to allow them to arrive in Antalya earlier. However, AYFICE will not cover accommodation outside the COP31 period, meaning delegates attending COY21 will need to meet accommodation costs for the additional 2–3 days.
Interest in attending COY21 does not affect the Youth Delegate Program selection process.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the AYFICE application form and provide accurate personal, travel and eligibility information. The application includes several long-answer questions requiring responses of approximately 200–500 words, so applicants are advised to prepare and save their responses before submitting the form.
Applicants should clearly explain their interest in climate action, relevant experiences, perspectives and what they hope to contribute through participation at COP31. Strong applications should demonstrate a clear understanding of international climate engagement and provide practical ideas for the required COP-related project.
Applicants should also ensure that their passport information, travel availability and funding requirements are accurately provided.
Selection Process
Applications close at 11:59pm AEDT on Monday, 5 October 2026. Shortlisted applicants will progress to an interview round expected to take place around 9–11 October 2026, with final outcomes released shortly afterwards.
Because the program has limited funding and only approximately 2–3 positions are available, applicants should submit complete and carefully prepared applications before the deadline.
How to Strengthen the Application
Applicants can strengthen their submissions by providing specific examples of climate engagement, community involvement, research, advocacy or volunteering where applicable. The long-answer responses should directly address each question and demonstrate clear communication.
Applicants should also explain how their background and perspective could contribute to youth participation in international climate discussions and outline a realistic idea for a COP31-related project.
Application Deadline and Official Source
The deadline for the AYFICE COP31 Youth Delegate Program is 5 October 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT.
