The United Nations (UN) has announced applications for the 2026 Youth Townhall program for young individuals worldwide.
The United Nations Youth Townhall Program is a fully funded opportunity to Heidelberg, Germany to meet and network with other people, governments, the United Nations, civil society, the private sector and others.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the UN Youth Townhall Program 2026, you must be:
- Between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the event
- Engaged in grassroots, local, national, regional or global youth-led initiatives, projects, groups, movements or organizations
- Comfortable to engage in the English language
- Available to actively engage in all the days of the event and in preparatory meetings.
Scope of the engagement
- Participate in all sessions of the 2026 UN Youth Townhall, taking place between 8-10 December 2026 in Heidelberg, Germany.
- Engage in preparatory sessions and experience sharing opportunities ahead of the event, ensuring safe and meaningful participation.
- Commit to follow-up actions at local or national level after attending the event
Benefits
- Roundtrip travel ticket from the country of residence to the venue of the event and back.
- Terminal Expenses (transportation to/from the airport, based on fixed UN rates).
- Daily subsistence allowance based on fixed UN rates at the time of the travel.
- Reimbursement of visa fee(s) after trip completion, upon submission of receipt.
- Support with reasonable accommodations for young persons with disabilities.
- Letter of invitation to support visa-related processes.
- Provision of information on safe engagement in UN conferences and meetings.
- Preparatory information, including relevant event materials and reading sources ahead of the event.
Selection Criteria
Final selection of youth participants will be made by the UN Youth Office, with support from online volunteers and the Youth Advisory Group to the UN Youth Townhall. Selection will consider gender balance, geographical representation and youth from underrepresented and marginalized groups.
The following criteria will be used for the selection of participants:
- Motivation to actively participate in the event, preparation sessions and follow-up actions after the event.
- Experience in engaging/working with grassroot organizations/networks and/or volunteer work related to sustainable development, human rights and/or peace and security across a range of themes.
- Experience and expertise in youth leadership, youth-led advocacy and/or intergenerational collaboration
Method of Application
Application Deadline: September 7, 2026.