The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is a fully funded international opportunity for young leaders interested in renewable energy, sustainability, climate action and innovation. Organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency, the programme will bring selected participants from around the world to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- IRENA Youth Forum 2027 Details
- About the International Renewable Energy Agency
- Theme of the IRENA Youth Forum 2027
- Objectives of the Forum
- Financial Benefits
- Who Can Apply?
- IRENA Youth Forum 2027 Eligibility Criteria
- Is IELTS Required?
- Required Application Information
- Programme Activities
- Selection Process
- Tips for a Successful Application
- Why Attend the Forum?
- Application Deadline
- How to Apply for IRENA Youth Forum 2027
- Final Thoughts
The eighth edition of the Youth Forum will explore how young people can contribute to modern, flexible and renewable energy systems. Participants will connect with energy experts, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and other young leaders working to accelerate the global energy transition.
Up to 40 participants may receive funded support covering travel, accommodation and visa assistance. There is no application or participation fee. Applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026 at midnight, Abu Dhabi local time.
IRENA Youth Forum 2027 Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Host country | United Arab Emirates |
| Host city | Abu Dhabi |
| Organiser | International Renewable Energy Agency |
| Opportunity type | International youth forum |
| Forum edition | Eighth edition |
| Forum dates | 6–13 January 2027 |
| Main forum dates | 6–7 January 2027 |
| Eligible age | 18–35 years |
| Eligible countries | All countries |
| Funded places | Up to 40 participants |
| Funding coverage | Travel, accommodation and visa support |
| Application fee | No application fee |
| Application language | English |
| Application deadline | 30 September 2026 at midnight, Abu Dhabi time |
| Expected notification | By 15 November 2026 |
About the International Renewable Energy Agency
The International Renewable Energy Agency, commonly known as IRENA, is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition towards sustainable and renewable energy.
IRENA promotes the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal energy and modern bioenergy. It also provides policy advice, research, data and international cooperation to help governments and other stakeholders develop sustainable energy systems.
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is part of the organisation’s effort to involve young people in global energy discussions. It provides a platform where youth can share ideas, learn from experts and contribute to solutions for a cleaner and more inclusive energy future.
Students interested in gaining practical experience in an international organisation can also explore the CERN Administrative Programme 2027.
Theme of the IRENA Youth Forum 2027
The official theme is:
Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems
The theme focuses on the importance of electricity grids, energy-storage technologies and flexible systems in supporting the global transition to renewable energy.
Renewable energy production can change according to weather and other environmental conditions. Modern grids and storage systems are therefore necessary to manage electricity effectively, maintain reliable power supplies and integrate more renewable energy into national systems.
Participants will explore how young professionals, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs can help develop practical solutions in these areas.
Objectives of the Forum
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 aims to:
- Increase youth participation in global energy discussions
- Strengthen young people’s knowledge of renewable energy systems
- Explore modern electricity grids and energy-storage technologies
- Discuss policies and regulations supporting the energy transition
- Help youth understand financing opportunities for renewable-energy projects
- Support innovation and youth-led climate solutions
- Create connections between young people and energy-sector leaders
- Encourage cooperation among governments, businesses, universities and international organisations
- Amplify youth perspectives within international policy discussions
- Build the skills of young renewable-energy professionals
The forum allows selected participants to contribute their experiences while learning about emerging technologies, policies and financing models.
Financial Benefits
Up to 40 applicants may be selected for funded participation. The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 support package includes:
- International travel support
- Accommodation during the funded programme
- Visa-related support
- Access to official forum sessions
- Participation in workshops and interactive discussions
- Networking with international energy experts
- Opportunities to meet policymakers, researchers and business representatives
- No application fee
- No participation fee
Applicants should understand that fully funded places are limited and competitive. Additional candidates may be considered under different participation arrangements, subject to IRENA’s final decision.
Candidates looking for a funded international research opportunity may also check the USTC Research Internship Program 2027.
Who Can Apply?
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 welcomes young applicants from all countries. It is especially relevant to people actively involved in renewable energy, climate action, sustainability, research, advocacy or innovation.
Suitable applicants may include:
- University students
- Recent graduates
- Young professionals
- Renewable-energy researchers
- Climate advocates
- Social entrepreneurs
- Startup founders
- Engineers and technical specialists
- Sustainability professionals
- Community project leaders
- Policy researchers
- Youth organisation representatives
Applicants do not need to belong to only one professional category. However, they should provide clear evidence of their interest, experience or involvement in the energy transition.
IRENA Youth Forum 2027 Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the forum.
- Be a national of any country.
- Be actively involved in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation or a related field.
- Lead or contribute to a project, startup, research activity or advocacy initiative.
- Demonstrate commitment to advancing the global energy transition.
- Show interest in grids, energy storage, flexibility or renewable-energy systems.
- Be willing to exchange knowledge and collaborate with other participants.
- Be available to attend the programme in Abu Dhabi.
- Complete the application in English.
- Submit the application before the official deadline.
- Provide accurate and complete information in the application form.
Selection may also consider geographic representation, gender balance, professional diversity and the applicant’s potential to contribute meaningfully to the programme.
Is IELTS Required?
IELTS is not listed as a requirement for the IRENA Youth Forum 2027. This is not a university degree or academic scholarship, so applicants are not required to submit an IELTS certificate.
However, the application must be completed in English, and participants should have sufficient English ability to communicate during discussions, workshops and networking sessions.
Required Application Information
The exact questions are provided in the official online form. Applicants should be prepared to provide information such as:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Contact information
- Educational background
- Current organisation or professional position
- Curriculum Vitae
- Experience related to renewable energy or sustainability
- Information about projects, research, startups or advocacy activities
- Motivation for joining the forum
- Expected contribution to the programme
- Potential impact after returning to the applicant’s community
- Passport or travel information if requested
- Any additional supporting information required by IRENA
Candidates should prepare clear and accurate answers before beginning the application.
Young technology enthusiasts may also explore the Google Summer of Code 2027 for remote open-source experience.
Programme Activities
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 will take place from 6 to 13 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi.
The main Youth Forum is scheduled for 6–7 January and is expected to include:
- A high-level opening session
- Expert presentations
- Interactive workshops
- Group discussions
- Youth-led activities
- Networking sessions
- Knowledge-sharing exercises
- Discussions about energy policy and technology
- Conversations about financing the energy transition
A closing session is expected to take place on 8 January during the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly.
Youth-related activities are scheduled to continue from 9–13 January. These may include participation in the Youth Booth and Lounge and activities connected to the IRENA Pavilion during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
Selection Process
IRENA will review eligible applications after the deadline. Selection is expected to consider:
- Relevance of the applicant’s experience
- Commitment to renewable energy and sustainability
- Leadership ability
- Quality of the motivation statement
- Contribution to projects, research or advocacy
- Potential to create positive impact
- Geographic diversity
- Gender balance
- Professional and academic diversity
Selected applicants are expected to receive notification by 15 November 2026.
Because only up to 40 funded places may be available, applicants should provide specific examples of their work instead of making general statements about their passion for climate action.
Tips for a Successful Application
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is competitive. Applicants can strengthen their submissions by following these tips:
- Describe a real renewable-energy or climate-related activity.
- Explain your personal contribution to the project.
- Include measurable results whenever possible.
- Connect your experience with the official forum theme.
- Explain how grids, storage or flexibility relate to your interests.
- Demonstrate leadership using a specific example.
- Describe what you hope to learn during the programme.
- Explain how you will share the knowledge after the forum.
- Use clear and professional English.
- Avoid generic statements that are not supported by evidence.
- Review the complete application before submitting it.
- Apply early to avoid technical problems near the deadline.
A strong application should clearly show what the candidate has already achieved and how participation will help increase their future impact.
Applicants seeking funding for scientific research may also read about the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program 2027.
Why Attend the Forum?
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 provides more than an opportunity to travel to Abu Dhabi. Participants can learn directly from people working on important global energy challenges.
Young leaders can expand their professional networks, develop new ideas, identify possible partners and gain exposure to international policy discussions. The experience may also help participants improve their leadership, communication and project-development skills.
Applicants working on energy access, clean technologies, community climate projects, academic research or sustainable businesses can use the forum to share their work with an international audience.
Application Deadline
The official deadline is:
30 September 2026 at midnight, Abu Dhabi local time
Abu Dhabi follows Gulf Standard Time, which is UTC+4. International applicants should convert the deadline carefully into their local time and submit the application early.
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
How to Apply for IRENA Youth Forum 2027
The application process is completed online.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official IRENA Youth Forum webpage.
- Read the programme description and eligibility conditions.
- Open the official expression-of-interest form.
- Enter your personal and contact information.
- Provide details about your education and current work.
- Describe your renewable-energy, climate or sustainability experience.
- Explain why you want to attend the forum.
- Describe how you can contribute to the programme.
- Upload any requested supporting documents.
- Review all information carefully.
- Submit the application before 30 September 2026.
- Save the submission confirmation for your records.
- Monitor your email for an update from IRENA.
Here are some other great opportunities you can also apply for.
World Forum for Democracy 2026 in France | Fully Funded Youth Delegation
Future Diplomats Forum 2027 in Switzerland
Final Thoughts
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is an excellent fully funded opportunity for young people committed to renewable energy, sustainability and climate action. Up to 40 participants may receive travel, accommodation and visa support to attend the programme in Abu Dhabi.
Applicants between 18 and 35 years old from all countries can apply. Strong candidates should demonstrate real involvement in renewable-energy projects, climate advocacy, research, innovation or entrepreneurship.
Prepare a clear application, connect your experience with the forum theme and submit the form before 30 September 2026 at midnight, Abu Dhabi time.
