Deadline: March 23, 2026
Applications are open for the UNESCO 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026. The third Global MAB Youth Forum marks a key milestone for strengthening youth participation in UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
Building on the 2017 and 2019 Global MAB Youth Forums, the third forum adopts the theme “Committed to the Future We Want.” Aligned with the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), it reflects MAB Youth’s strengthened commitment to addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development.
Objectives
The forum aims to:
- Enable MAB Youth to engage with and contribute to the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035), with particular attention to Action Target 20 on developing the MAB Youth Network.
- Translate findings from the World MAB Youth Mapping Survey into shared priorities, innovative approaches, and concrete pathways for action.
- Facilitate the exchange of youth-led practices and initiatives in Biosphere Reserves related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and community well-being.
- Foster coordination, leadership, and capacity-building among youth actors across the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
- Produce concrete youth-led outputs and recommendations that inform MAB governance and future action at national, regional, and global levels.
- Identify strategies to strengthen the integration of youth within MAB governance structures and decision-making.
Costs
- Food and accommodation costs in Italy during the Forum will generously be covered by the organizers. Limited financial support may be provided to assist participants with travel expenses, depending on funding availability and eligibility criteria.
Eligibility
The Forum is intended for young people aged 18–35 who are actively engaged in or connected to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (e.g., living, working, studying, volunteering, conducting research, or supporting BR-related activities). The maximum number of participants is 200.
Two distinct application pathways are available:
- National MAB Youth Focal Points: Designated National MAB Youth Focal Points are invited to apply as official representatives within the framework of the MAB Programme. In view of their official national designation, National MAB Youth Focal Points who submit the required documentation shall be eligible to participate in the Forum without being subject to a competitive selection process.
- MAB Youth Participants (Open Call – Other than National MAB Youth Focal Points): Eligible young people aged 18–35 who are actively engaged in or connected to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves (e.g., living, working, studying, volunteering, conducting research, or supporting BR-related activities) may apply through an open Expression of Interest process. Selection will be conducted competitively based on merit, geographical balance, gender parity, and relevance to the Forum’s objectives.
Application
Applicants should submit an online expression of interest through the application form(s). The application should include basic information and, depending on the category, supporting documents.
National MAB Youth Focal Points are requested to submit the following documents:
- A confirmation letter of designation issued by the MAB Secretariat, confirming their official appointment as National MAB Youth Focal Point.
- A short description of their experience, initiatives, or engagement related to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, including their role and key outcomes.
(Max. 250 words) - A brief statement of contribution (max. 250 words) outlining what they can bring to the 3rd MAB Youth Forum in their role as National MAB Youth Focal Point.
- A brief statement (max. 250 words) explaining how they plan to follow up at national or regional levels after the Forum.
- An indication of whether they have confirmed financial support to cover their travel costs. If yes, supporting documentation may be uploaded.
MAB Youth Participants are requested to submit the following:
- A recent Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- A short description of their experience, initiatives, or engagement related to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, including their role and key outcomes. (Max. 250 words)
- A statement outlining the contributions they intend to bring to the Forum and the outcomes they hope to achieve. (Max. 250 words)
- A brief explanation of how they plan to apply the outcomes of the Forum in their Biosphere Reserve, community, or country after the event.
(Max. 250 words) - A letter of endorsement or support from a Biosphere Reserve or respective MAB National Committee or National Commission for UNESCO.
- An indication of whether they have confirmed financial support to cover their travel costs. If yes, supporting documentation may be uploaded.
For more information, visit MAB Youth Forum.
