IRENA Youth Forum 2027 (Fully Funded Global Youth Forum on Renewable Energy)

Applications are now open for the IRENA Youth Forum 2027, the eighth edition of the International Renewable Energy Agency's flagship global platform dedicated to empowering young people to shape the future of renewable energy. Since its launch in 2020, the Youth Forum has brought together outstanding young professionals, entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators, students, and climate advocates from around the world to engage in meaningful dialogue with governments, international organizations, industry leaders, and policymakers on accelerating the global clean energy transition.

The 2027 edition will be held alongside the IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi under the theme "Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems." Discussions will focus on one of the most important challenges facing renewable energy today: ensuring that electricity grids, energy storage technologies, and system flexibility can support the rapid expansion of clean energy while improving energy security and access worldwide.

Through interactive discussions, expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative activities, participants will explore innovative solutions for integrating renewable energy into modern power systems. The Forum also serves as a platform for young leaders to share successful initiatives, build international partnerships, and influence global conversations on sustainable energy and climate action.

About the Forum

The IRENA Youth Forum was established to ensure that young people play an active role in designing and implementing the global energy transition. Recognizing that today's youth will inherit tomorrow's energy systems, IRENA created the Forum to provide opportunities for emerging leaders to exchange ideas, strengthen technical knowledge, and collaborate across sectors.

Each edition brings together participants from diverse backgrounds, including engineering, renewable energy, public policy, environmental science, finance, entrepreneurship, academia, civil society, and youth organizations. Throughout the programme, attendees engage with senior government officials, renewable energy experts, development partners, private-sector representatives, and fellow young innovators working to accelerate sustainable energy solutions.

Forum Benefits

Selected participants will receive:

• Fully funded participation in the IRENA Youth Forum 2027.
• Round-trip international airfare.
• Hotel accommodation for the duration of the Forum.
• Visa support where required.
• Access to all official Forum sessions and networking events.
• Opportunities to interact with global policymakers, renewable energy experts, and industry leaders.
• Exposure to international discussions on clean energy policy and innovation.
• Opportunities to collaborate with youth leaders from around the world.
• Enhanced professional visibility within the global renewable energy community.

IRENA will select up to 40 fully funded participants. Additional applicants may be invited to attend on either a partially funded or self-funded basis. There is no application or participation fee.

Forum Objectives

The 2027 Forum seeks to:

• Amplify youth voices in international energy and climate policy.
• Increase understanding of renewable energy grids, storage technologies, and system flexibility.
• Strengthen participants' knowledge of policy and regulatory frameworks supporting renewable energy integration.
• Build technical and leadership capacity among young professionals.
• Encourage innovative solutions for accelerating the global energy transition.
• Highlight opportunities for financing youth-led renewable energy initiatives.
• Strengthen partnerships between youth, governments, academia, the private sector, and international organizations.

These objectives align with IRENA's broader mission of promoting a sustainable, secure, and inclusive global energy future.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the Forum.
• Be actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, climate action, innovation, or closely related fields.
• Demonstrate involvement in projects, startups, research, advocacy, or initiatives that contribute to the energy transition.
• Show motivation to collaborate with international peers and partners.
• Submit their application in English.

Required Application Information

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Personal information.
• Educational and professional background.
• Details of renewable energy, climate, or sustainability projects and achievements.
• Responses to application questions demonstrating motivation and leadership.
• Any additional information requested through the online application portal.

Applicants should clearly explain how their experience aligns with the Forum theme and how participation will strengthen their contribution to the global energy transition.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Demonstrated commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
• Leadership experience.
• Quality and impact of previous projects or initiatives.
• Motivation for participating in the Forum.
• Potential to contribute to discussions and collaborative activities.
• Geographic and gender balance within the final cohort.

How to Apply

To apply for the IRENA Youth Forum 2027:

1. Visit the official IRENA Youth Forum application page.
2. Carefully review the eligibility requirements and programme information.
3. Complete the online Expression of Interest (EOI) form in English.
4. Provide accurate personal, academic, and professional details.
5. Highlight your experience in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, or climate action.
6. Review your application thoroughly before submission.