- Organizing organization: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
- Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Duration: The program and related activities run from January 6 to 13, 2027.
- Main forum: January 6–7, 2027, including a high-level opening and interactive youth workshops.
- Closing session: January 8, 2027, as part of the 17th IRENA Assembly.
- Youth activities: January 9–13, 2027, including activities connected with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
- Forum theme: Youth and their role in developing energy grids, energy storage, and the resilience of renewable energy systems.
- Funding: Up to 40 participants will be fully funded, including travel costs, accommodation, and visa support. Additional participants may be invited on a partially funded or self-funded basis.
- Application and participation fees: There are no application or participation fees.
- Application process: Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the IRENA platform.
- Application language: Applications must be submitted in English.
- Expected notification date: Applicants are expected to be notified of the selection results by November 15, 2026.
- Additional activities: Participants may engage in activities associated with the 17th IRENA Assembly and youth activities connected with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is the eighth edition of the youth platform of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). It brings together young people from around the world to participate in discussions on renewable energy and the global energy transition.
The forum is held under the theme “Youth Shaping the Energy Future: Grids, Storage and Resilience for Renewable Energy Systems.” It focuses on the role of young people in modernizing electricity grids, developing energy-storage solutions, increasing the resilience of energy systems, and expanding access to reliable energy.
The forum also aims to strengthen youth participation in global energy and climate policy, develop participants’ skills, support youth innovation, projects and initiatives, and connect participants with governments, the private sector, academia and international organizations.
- Applicants must be 18 to 35 years old at the time of the forum in January 2027.
- The opportunity is open to applicants from all countries worldwide.
- Applicants should be active or involved in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, or related fields.
- Applicants may be leaders or contributors to:
- Energy-transition projects.
- Startups.
- Research.
- Advocacy initiatives or activities.
- Applicants should demonstrate an interest in and motivation to collaborate with other young people and partners to scale solutions related to the energy transition.
- The application form must be completed in English.
- The selection process considers geographical balance and gender balance, in addition to the applicant’s commitment to energy-transition issues.
- The published eligibility criteria do not appear to require a specific academic degree or a minimum number of years of professional experience.
- Full funding for up to 40 selected participants.
- Coverage of travel expenses for fully funded participants.
- Accommodation for fully funded participants.
- Visa support for fully funded participants.
- No application or participation fees.
- Participation in an international forum bringing together young people and key stakeholders in the energy sector.
- Networking opportunities with representatives of governments, the private sector, academia, and international organizations.
- Participation in discussions and workshops focused on energy grids, energy storage, and renewable-energy-system resilience.
- Opportunities to present and discuss youth ideas, projects, and initiatives related to the energy transition.
- Opportunities to develop skills and capacities related to renewable energy and the transformation of the energy sector.
- Participation in youth activities associated with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
- Some additional applicants may participate on a partially funded or self-funded basis, depending on selection and organizational arrangements.