The Youth-led Climate Forum (YLCF) is an annual forum under the UNFCCC process, referenced in paragraph 65 of the Glasgow Climate Pact and Article 57 of the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan. It brings children and young people into dialogue with Parties, climate negotiators, policymakers and experts, and contributes to implementing the Glasgow work programme on Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE).

The Forum is facilitated by the COP Presidency with support from the UNFCCC Secretariat, in collaboration with YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC, and other youth organisations.

YLCF programme at COP31:

• Session 1 (10 Nov 2026): Advancing a Whole-of-Economy Just Transition to Empower Youth Through Food Systems, Ocean Stewardship and a People-Centered Mechanism.
• Session 2 (11 Nov 2026): Advancing ACE to Empower Children and Youth Through Culture and Locally Led Climate Resilience.
• Session 3 (13 Nov 2026): Delivering on Adaptation and Loss and Damage: What Actions Should Be Implemented to Deliver on the Decisions.
• Headline Event (14 Nov 2026): World Café and a High-Level Segment.

Please refer to the official COP31 schedule for updates. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged, and only selected applicants will be contacted. Selected participants may be asked to prepare their contributions or questions in advance.

Deadline: 6 November 2026, 23:59 CEST.

• Applicants must be children or young people; applications are welcome from YOUNGO members, other youth organisations and networks, representatives of other UNFCCC constituencies, civil society organisations and independent applicants. Affiliation with YOUNGO is not required.
• Relevant knowledge, experience or lived experience related to the chosen thematic session.
• Willingness to engage constructively with young people, negotiators and experts.
• For moderators: interest in or experience facilitating discussions and bringing diverse perspectives together.
• Availability to participate in person at the assigned session during COP31 (Week 1).
• Necessary COP31 accreditation and access to the Blue Zone in Week 1.

The announcement does not mention any financial benefits or cost coverage. The opportunity is to take part as a speaker or moderator in the Forum's sessions and engage directly with negotiators and experts. Travel, accommodation and funding details: not specified in the announcement.