How can I apply for the United Nations Youth Townhall fully funded opportunity for young people from around the world in Germany 2026
Applications are open for the 2026 United Nations (UN) Youth Townhall Program, a fully funded opportunity for young people from around the world to participate in a global youth event in Heidelberg, Germany.
The first-ever UN Youth Townhall will bring together more than 1,000 participants to build intergenerational trust, strengthen connections and create new opportunities for collaboration among young people, governments, the United Nations, civil society, the private sector and other stakeholders.
Opportunity Snapshot
- Host Country: Germany
- Location: Heidelberg, Germany
- Category: Training | Fellowship
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Age Range: 18–35 years
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Event Dates: 8–10 December 2026
- Application Deadline: September 7, 2026
- IELTS: Not Required
What Is the UN Youth Townhall Program?
The 2026 UN Youth Townhall is a global youth event taking place from 8–10 December 2026 in Heidelberg, Germany.
Convened by the United Nations Youth Office together with its partners, the event will provide a platform for young people to connect with governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders.
Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, engage in discussions and contribute to conversations on issues affecting young people and communities around the world.
Is the UN Youth Townhall Program Right for You?
This opportunity may be suitable for young people who:
- Are actively engaged in youth-led initiatives, projects, groups, movements or organizations.
- Have experience working at the grassroots, local, national, regional or global level.
- Are interested in youth leadership, advocacy, sustainable development, human rights, peace and security or intergenerational collaboration.
- Can participate actively in the Townhall, preparatory sessions and follow-up activities.
Who Can Apply for the UN Youth Townhall Program?
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the event.
- Be engaged in grassroots, local, national, regional or global youth-led initiatives, projects, groups, movements or organizations.
- Be comfortable communicating and participating in English.
- Be available to actively participate throughout the event and in preparatory meetings.
What Will the UN Youth Townhall Program Selected Participants Do?
Selected participants are expected to:
- Participate in all sessions of the UN Youth Townhall from 8–10 December 2026.
- Participate in preparatory sessions and experience-sharing activities before the event.
- Commit to follow-up actions at the local or national level after attending the Townhall.
What Does the UN Youth Townhall Program Cover?
Selected participants will receive support including:
- Round-trip travel from their country of residence to Heidelberg, Germany.
- Terminal expenses, including transportation to and from the airport, based on fixed UN rates.
- Daily subsistence allowance based on applicable UN rates at the time of travel.
- Reimbursement of visa fees after completion of the trip upon submission of receipts.
- Support with reasonable accommodation arrangements for young persons with disabilities.
- An official letter of invitation to support visa-related processes.
- Information on safe participation in UN conferences and meetings.
- Preparatory information, including relevant event materials and reading resources.
How Competitive Is the UN Youth Townhall Program?
The selection process will consider factors including:
- Gender balance.
- Geographical representation.
- Participation of young people from underrepresented and marginalized groups.
Applicants will also be assessed based on:
- Motivation to actively participate in the Townhall, preparation sessions and follow-up activities.
- Experience working with or engaging in grassroots organizations, networks or volunteer activities related to sustainable development, human rights, peace and security or other relevant areas.
- Experience and expertise in youth leadership, youth-led advocacy and/or intergenerational collaboration.
The final participants will be selected by the UN Youth Office, with support from online volunteers and the Youth Advisory Group to the UN Youth Townhall.
Application Requirements for the UN Youth Townhall Program
Applicants should meet the stated eligibility requirements and demonstrate relevant experience in areas such as:
- Youth leadership.
- Youth-led advocacy.
- Intergenerational collaboration.
- Grassroots organizations, networks or volunteer activities.
- Sustainable development.
- Human rights.
- Peace and security.
Applicants must also be comfortable communicating and participating in English and be available for the required event and preparatory activities.
How to Apply for the UN Youth Townhall Program 2026
Interested applicants should submit their application for the 2026 UN Youth Townhall Program before the stated deadline.
Applicants with questions about the program can contact the UN Youth Office at youthparticipation@un.org.
Apply here
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the United Nations Youth Townhall 2026 is September 7, 2026.
Application Tips
Applicants should:
- Clearly demonstrate their experience in youth leadership, advocacy or intergenerational collaboration.
- Highlight relevant grassroots, volunteer or youth-led activities.
- Explain their motivation to participate in the Townhall.
- Ensure they can commit to the Townhall, preparatory sessions and follow-up activities.
- Review their application carefully before submission.
Also Apply: Federal Ministry of Education Opportunity for Non-Professional Teachers and Fresh Graduates
Important Considerations
- Applicants must be 18–35 years old at the time of the event.
- Participants are expected to participate throughout the Townhall and preparatory activities.
- Visa fee reimbursement is provided after completion of the trip upon submission of receipts.
- Daily subsistence allowance is based on applicable UN rates at the time of travel.
- Terminal expenses are based on fixed UN rates.
- Support with reasonable accommodation arrangements is specifically stated for young persons with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UN Youth Townhall 2026 fully funded?
Yes. Selected participants will receive travel and other forms of support, including daily subsistence allowance and visa fee reimbursement subject to the stated conditions.
Who is eligible for the UN Youth Townhall?
Young people aged 18–35 years who are engaged in grassroots, local, national, regional or global youth-led initiatives, projects, groups, movements or organizations can apply, provided they meet the other stated requirements.
Where will the UN Youth Townhall take place?
The event will take place in Heidelberg, Germany.
When will the UN Youth Townhall take place?
The Townhall is scheduled for 8–10 December 2026.
Is IELTS required?
No. IELTS is listed as not required.
Will visa fees be covered?
Visa fees will be reimbursed after completion of the trip upon submission of receipts.
What travel support is provided?
Selected participants will receive round-trip travel support from their country of residence to Heidelberg, Germany, as well as terminal expenses based on fixed UN rates.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is September 7, 2026.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is intended for young people who are actively involved in youth-led initiatives, projects, groups, movements or organizations and have relevant experience in youth leadership, advocacy, grassroots engagement, sustainable development, human rights, peace and security or intergenerational collaboration.
Conclusion
The United Nations Youth Townhall 2026 offers young people from around the world an opportunity to participate in a global youth event in Heidelberg, Germany. Selected participants will receive travel-related and other support while contributing to discussions and activities focused on youth engagement and collaboration.
Eligible applicants should submit their applications by September 7, 2026.
