The 8th IRENA Youth Forum 2026 in Abu Dhabi, UAE is an outstanding fully funded opportunity for young innovators, activists, researchers and leaders who are passionate about renewable energy, digital solutions, sustainability and climate action. The IRENA Youth Forum 2026 will mark the eighth edition of the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) flagship platform for youth empowerment, intergenerational dialogue, and renewable energy innovation.
Below you’ll find all you need to know: eligibility, benefits, timeline, how to apply, tips, FAQs and more.
Basic Information & Application Deadline
- Event: IRENA Youth Forum 2026
- Organizer: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Dates: 8-10 January 2026 (some sessions tied to the IRENA Assembly on 10 January, at St Regis Saadiyat Island)
- Theme: “Youth Innovation and Digital Solutions: From AI to Access in Renewable Energy”
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2025 (midnight, Abu Dhabi local time)
- Notification of Results: Approx by 15 November 2025
Institution Details
The IRENA Youth Forum is a fully funded forum / conference / training event organized by IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency).
Programme Highlights
- 8–9 Jan: Youth Forum in Abu Dhabi – Opening & interactive workshops
- 10 Jan: Closing at the Sixteenth IRENA Assembly (St. Regis Saadiyat Island)
- Youth-led activities: Youth Booth & Lounge (St. Regis) + IRENA Pavilion at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADNEC)
Objectives
- Amplify youth voices in global energy and climate policy
- Build skills and capacity to design & scale impactful solutions
- Highlight youth role in financing the energy transition
- Strengthen partnerships with governments, private sector, academia & international organizations
Study Areas / Program Focus
Since it isn’t a degree scholarship, the “programs” are thematic rather than academic courses. Key focus areas include:
- Renewable Energy Innovation — exploring new technologies and business models in renewables
- Digital Solutions & AI — how artificial intelligence, digitalization, new tech can expand access to energy and improve sustainability.
- Energy Access — especially for underserved communities, developing countries, etc.
- Sustainability, Climate Action & Policy — how youth can engage in climate policy, sustainable development, advocacy.
- Entrepreneurship / Innovation Models – startups, projects, business models related to energy transition and digital innovation.
IRENA Youth Forum Benefits
For selected participants, the IRENA Youth Forum 2026 offers fully funded participation. Key benefits include:
- Travel Tickets (round-trip airfare)
- Accommodation during the forum and associated events
- Meals provided during the event days
- Access to the full program, including workshops, seminars, plenaries, interactive sessions, youth circles, expert panels, etc.
- Networking opportunities with global thought leaders, policymakers, industry stakeholders and youth from around the world.
- A voice in global policy / outcome statement – participants will co-create a Youth Forum Outcome Statement which feeds into the IRENA Assembly
- Access to follow-on IRENA youth initiatives, like the NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator and the Energy Transition Education Network.
Benefits Not Included
To be realistic, here are things that the sponsorship does not typically cover, or areas where you should check:
- Study lessons, academic degrees or university tuition — This isn’t a degree program scholarship.
- Living expenses outside the event period — e.g. after or before travel, if you stay longer in the UAE for personal purposes.
- Visa fees or immigration costs may or may not be includedApplicants should check the official site.
- Spending money / personal expenses
Eligibility Criteria for IRENA Youth Forum
To apply, you must meet these key eligibility criteria:
- Age between 18-35 years at the time of the Forum.
- Active in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, or related fields
- Leading or contributing to projects, startups, research, or advocacy
- Motivated to collaborate and scale global impact
- Valid passport for international travel for the duration of the forum.
- Ability to communicate in English (since the forum material & application are in English).
- All nationalities are eligible; there is no restriction by country. Special encouragement for applicants from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and developing countries.
Required Documents for the Application
- Application form / Expression of Interest (EOI) — online submission via IRENA’s forum application portal.
- Personal statement / Motivation letter — describing why you want to participate, your relevant experience, and how you plan to contribute.
- CV / Résumé — detailing prior work, projects, or advocacy or innovation experience.
- Details of project(s), startup, research or involvement — if applicable, a short description or portfolio of what you have done in renewable energy, digital innovation, sustainability.
- Passport copy — valid, to show travel eligibility.
- Proof of nationality or identification.
- Any other supporting documents — e.g. references or recommendation letters (if asked), certifications or evidence for your claimed experience.
- The application must be in English, so your submission must reflect good command of English
IRENA Youth Forum Application Process – Step-by-Step Guide
Apply online by completing the Expression of Interest (EOI) form
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Read all official information | Visit the official IRENA website or the dedicated Youth Forum page. Download any guidelines, terms & conditions. |
| 2. Ensure eligibility | Check your age, involvement in relevant fields, nationality, passport validity, language ability, etc. |
| 3. Prepare all required documents | Write a clear, compelling motivation letter; update your CV; gather project evidence; ensure your passport details are correct. |
| 4. Register / fill out the online application | Complete the Expression of Interest or application form before the deadline (30 September 2025). Do not wait for the last minute to avoid technical issues. |
| 5. Review and proofread submission | Check grammar, clarity, spelling; ensure you answered all required questions. Have someone else review if possible. |
| 6. Submit on time | Make sure submission is done before midnight, Abu Dhabi time. |
| 7. Wait for notification | Selected candidates will be informed (by approx 15 November 2025) whether they are accepted. |
| 8. Once selected, prepare for travel | Arrange travel documents, visa, packing, possibly pre-reading or orientation materials as provided by IRENA. |
Tips for a Successful Application
To stand out among applicants, consider these tips:
- Show real impact — Don’t just say you care about sustainability; show what you have done (projects, initiatives, startup ideas, advocacy, research). Concrete examples carry more weight.
- Align with the theme — The current theme is “Youth Innovation and Digital Solutions: From AI to Access in Renewable Energy.” Show how your work or idea ties in: perhaps AI, digital tools, business models, policy, energy access etc.
- Demonstrate collaboration & leadership — IRENA values youth who can work across disciplines and with others (teams, communities, governments).
- Clarity & conciseness — Since many people will apply, writing clearly, avoiding jargon, but showing your vision matters.
- Originality & feasibility — If proposing an idea or project, showing innovation and that it can be realistically implemented or scaled is helpful.
- Diversity & personal story — If you come from a developing country, or have overcome challenges, or have unique perspectives, that can help make your application memorable.
- Proofread & follow instructions strictly — Ensure you obey all formatting, word limits, and required sections. Mistakes or omissions can disqualify.
- Submit early — Avoid last-minute glitches or system overloads.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
While participants will have travel, accommodation and meals covered during the event days, if you plan to stay longer, or have other days beyond the forum, these are rough estimates for living in Abu Dhabi, UAE:
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Shared Accommodation / moderate hostel / guesthouse | $800 – $1,200 |
| Local Transportation (bus, metro, shared taxi) | $100 – $200 |
| Food & Groceries (outside provided meals) | $300 – $500 |
| Utilities (electricity, water, internet) | $100 – $200 |
| Miscellaneous (phone, social, laundry, etc.) | $100 – $200 |
| Visa / Insurance etc. (varies widely) | $100 – $300 |
Note: These are only estimates and depend heavily on lifestyle, type of lodging, and duration. Since this forum covers meals, accommodation and travel during its days, most of these costs may be minimal or zero for the covered period.
Why Choose This Scholarship / Forum?
Here are compelling reasons why you should apply:
- Exposure to global renewable energy policy arena
- Network with decision-makers, innovators & peers worldwide
- Co-develop Youth Forum Outcome Statement (presented at 17th IRENA Assembly)
- Access future IRENA youth initiatives (NewGen Accelerator, Energy Transition Education Network)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the IRENA Youth Forum a degree program or university scholarship?
A: No. It is a fully funded forum / conference / training event organized by IRENA. It does not confer academic credits or degrees. It is an opportunity for policy dialogue, innovation, networking.
Q2: What is the age eligibility?
A: Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the forum.
Q3: Is proficiency in English required (e.g. IELTS)?
A: No, IELTS or formal language test is not required. But the application must be in English, and communication will be in English.
Q4: Are participants responsible for visa / insurance / additional costs?
A: Travel, accommodation, and meals for the event are covered. But visa costs, insurance, personal expenses or extended stay costs may not be included. Check the official IRENA forum documents for your specific case.
Q5: How many participants will be selected?
A: About 35 participants will be chosen.
Q6: Can people from any country apply?
A: Yes, applicants from any nationality can apply. Special encouragement is given to those from developing countries, LDCs (Least Developed Countries) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Q7: What happens after selection?
A: Once selected, you’ll get travel and accommodation arrangements and be part of the full forum program. You’ll be involved in workshops, networking, youth-led discussions, and co-creation of policy outcome statements. Also, connections to IRENA’s youth initiatives.
Q8: What are the timeline & deadlines?
A: Application closes on 30 September 2025. Results likely by about 15 November 2025. Forum is from 8-10 January 2026.