The United Nations Youth Office is inviting young people from around the world to apply for a limited number of funding opportunities to attend the inaugural UN Youth Townhall, taking place in Heidelberg, Germany, from 8–10 December 2026.
The Townhall will bring together more than 1,000 participants from different generations and sectors to strengthen youth participation, build partnerships and create practical pathways for young people to influence decision-making.
The deadline to apply for the available youth funding opportunities is 7 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
About the UN Youth Townhall
The first-ever UN Youth Townhall has been designed as a global platform for meaningful youth participation.
Young people are already contributing to change across areas such as climate action, peacebuilding, technology, education, human rights and entrepreneurship. However, many continue to face barriers to participating in international decision-making processes.
The Townhall seeks to help address these barriers by bringing young people together with governments, United Nations representatives, civil society, academia, the private sector and other stakeholders.
The event will focus on three central objectives:
1. Strengthening inclusion and diversity
The Townhall aims to broaden participation in global youth engagement, particularly by reaching young people and communities that are frequently underrepresented in international spaces and decision-making processes.
2. Reducing fragmentation
There are numerous organizations, institutions and movements working on youth-related issues around the world. The Townhall will provide an opportunity for these actors to connect, exchange experiences and develop stronger collaborations.
3. Creating a collective path forward
The event will move beyond discussion by encouraging participants to transform dialogue into commitments, partnerships and actionable measures that can accelerate progress on youth priorities and meaningful participation.
When and Where Will the UN Youth Townhall Take Place?
Event: UN Youth Townhall
Dates: 8–10 December 2026
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
Expected participation: More than 1,000 people
The event is expected to feature young leaders alongside representatives of governments, the United Nations, civil society, academia, philanthropy and the private sector.
What Will Happen at the Townhall?
The programme will place intergenerational dialogue and co-creation at the centre of the event.
Rather than relying exclusively on traditional conference sessions, participants can expect a range of interactive formats, including:
- Fireside chats
- Roundtable discussions
- Small-group conversations
- Interactive sessions
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
- Opportunities to showcase youth-led initiatives
- Discussions between young people and decision-makers
These formats are intended to create meaningful exchanges between participants from different generations, sectors and geographical backgrounds.
The event will also provide organizations and partners with structured opportunities to showcase their work, initiatives and opportunities directly to young people.
Who Is Expected to Participate in the UN Youth Townhall?
The Townhall is designed to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders.
Participants are expected to include:
- Young leaders
- Representatives of youth-led organizations and movements
- Entrepreneurs and innovators
- Researchers
- Government representatives
- United Nations representatives
- Civil society organizations
- Academics
- Philanthropic organizations
- Private-sector representatives
- Public-sector leaders
The UN Youth Office is seeking broad geographical representation, gender balance and inclusion of young people who are often underrepresented in international policy and decision-making spaces.
UN Youth Townhall: Funding Opportunities for Young People
One of the most important components of the announcement is the availability of a limited number of funding opportunities for young people.
The funding is being offered through an open call for applications, providing eligible young people with an opportunity to seek support to participate in the UN Youth Townhall in Heidelberg.
Because the number of funded opportunities is limited, interested applicants should carefully review the official application guidance and submit their applications before the deadline.
Applicants should not assume that simply applying guarantees funding. The opportunity is competitive, and applicants should carefully demonstrate how their experience, work or engagement connects with the objectives of the Townhall.
UN Youth Townhall: Why Should Young People Apply?
Participation in the UN Youth Townhall could provide young leaders with an opportunity to engage directly with a broad international network of policymakers, organizations and fellow young changemakers.
The event is particularly relevant to young people working or interested in areas such as:
- Youth participation
- Sustainable development
- Climate action
- Peacebuilding
- Human rights
- Education
- Technology
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Social inclusion
- Global development
Beyond attending sessions, participants will have opportunities to build relationships, exchange knowledge and explore potential collaborations with people working on youth priorities across different countries and sectors.
The UN Youth Compass Connection
The Youth Townhall is anchored in the UN Youth Compass, the flagship initiative of the UN Youth Office designed to strengthen meaningful youth participation within the United Nations and beyond.
The Townhall is envisioned as more than a one-time event. It is intended to contribute to a recurring platform that supports collaboration, learning and partnerships over time.
This approach reflects the wider push for young people to have a meaningful role in decisions affecting their lives and futures.
How to Apply
Young people interested in seeking one of the limited funding opportunities should begin by reviewing the official Sponsored Youth Engagement Application Guidance.
The application deadline is:
7 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Applicants should ensure that their submissions are completed and submitted before the deadline. Given the limited number of funded places, prospective applicants are encouraged not to wait until the final hours to apply.
Key Opportunity Details
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | UN Youth Townhall |
| Organizer | United Nations Youth Office |
| Location | Heidelberg, Germany |
| Dates | 8–10 December 2026 |
| Expected participants | 1,000+ |
| Funding | Limited funding opportunities available |
| Target group | Young people |
| Application type | Open call |
| Deadline | 7 September 2026, 11:59 ET |
A Platform for Young People to Shape the Future
The UN Youth Townhall represents an opportunity for young people to take part in a global conversation about the future of youth participation and international cooperation.
By bringing together young leaders, decision-makers and organizations from different sectors, the event aims to strengthen connections and turn dialogue into meaningful action.
Young people interested in participating in the 8–10 December 2026 Townhall in Heidelberg should review the official guidance and apply for the limited funding opportunities before 7 September 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
