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UN Youth Townhall 2026
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Publish Date 9/3/2026 Application Deadline 9/7/2026 Opportunity Type Conferences Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries All World, The Arab World, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

The UN Youth Townhall is the first gathering of its kind organized by the United Nations Youth Office. It aims to bring together more than 1,000 participants in Heidelberg, Germany, to build trust across generations, strengthen communication and cooperation, and create new opportunities for joint action between young people and decision-makers.

The event will bring together young people, youth leaders, and representatives of youth-led organizations and movements with governments, the United Nations, civil society, the private sector, academics, researchers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders.

The event focuses on three main objectives: promoting inclusive and diverse youth participation, reducing fragmentation among actors working on youth issues by building stronger connections and partnerships, and turning dialogue into recommendations, commitments, partnerships, and practical action that accelerate progress on youth issues, youth participation in decision-making, and international cooperation.

The event will include plenary sessions, intergenerational dialogues, roundtables, small-group discussions, and other interactive formats. Participants will have opportunities to engage directly with decision-makers, organizations, and institutions working on youth issues at the international level.
Details
  • Location: Heidelberg, Germany.
  • Dates: 8–10 December 2026.
  • Organizer: United Nations Youth Office, in cooperation with partners.
  • Expected number of participants: More than 1,000 participants.
  • Target audience: Young people engaged in youth-led initiatives, projects, movements, and organizations.
  • Funding: A limited number of funding opportunities are available for young people to participate in person.
  • Travel ticket: For participants who receive funding, round-trip travel from their country of residence to the event venue and back is provided.
  • Terminal expenses: An allowance is provided for terminal expenses, such as transportation to and from the airport, according to United Nations standard rates.
  • Daily subsistence allowance: A daily allowance is provided according to the applicable United Nations rates at the time of travel.
  • Visa: Visa fees may be reimbursed after the trip upon submission of the required receipts.
  • Accommodation: The funding covers travel arrangements and daily expenses, with appropriate support potentially available for persons with disabilities.
  • Visa support: Participants receive an invitation letter to support their visa application process.
  • Preparation: Participants receive preparatory information and materials, including event-related materials and recommended reading resources before the event.
  • Safety: Information is provided on safe participation in United Nations conferences and meetings.
Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the event.
  • Applicants must be engaged in a youth-led initiative, project, group, movement, or organization.
  • Applicants must be able to communicate and participate in English.
  • Applicants must be prepared to participate actively in all days of the event.
  • Geographic representation will be taken into consideration.
  • Particular importance will be given to the participation of young people from marginalized or underrepresented communities and groups.
  • Preference will be given to applicants involved in grassroots organizations or initiatives.
  • Preference will be given to young people who have had limited or no previous engagement with the United Nations.
  • The announcement does not require a specific university degree.
  • The announcement does not require specific professional experience.
  • Applicants are not required to be employees of an international organization.
Opportunity Benefits
  • Limited funding for a number of young people to participate in person in Germany.
  • Round-trip travel from the participant’s country of residence to Germany and back.
  • Coverage of transportation expenses to and from the airport according to United Nations rates.
  • A daily subsistence allowance according to the applicable United Nations rates at the time of travel.
  • Reimbursement of visa fees after the trip upon submission of the required receipts.
  • An invitation letter to support the visa application process.
  • Appropriate support for young people with disabilities when needed.
  • Preparatory information and materials before the event.
  • The opportunity to meet and connect with more than 1,000 young people and international stakeholders.
  • Opportunities to network with governments, the United Nations, civil society, the private sector, academics, and researchers.
  • Participation in plenary sessions, roundtables, and interactive intergenerational discussions.
  • The opportunity to contribute to recommendations, partnerships, and practical opportunities related to youth issues.
  • The opportunity to build an international network with young people and decision-makers.
  • The opportunity to participate in one of the key initiatives of the United Nations Youth Office aimed at strengthening meaningful youth participation in decision-making.