At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this forum so you know exactly what it covers, who it's for, and what "fully funded" actually includes before the 30 September 2026 expression-of-interest deadline. The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is the eighth edition of the International Renewable Energy Agency's flagship platform for youth empowerment, intergenerational dialogue and renewable energy innovation, held on the margins of the IRENA Assembly in Abu Dhabi, with up to 40 participants selected for fully funded participation.
What the Forum Is
⚡ Since 2020, the IRENA Youth Forum has convened young leaders from around the world on the margins of the IRENA Assembly to shape the global energy transition agenda; 2027 marks its eighth edition.
🔌 Under the theme "Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems", this edition explores how young people are advancing grid modernisation, energy storage and system flexibility to integrate higher shares of renewables and expand reliable energy access worldwide.
The Forum's Objectives
📢 Amplify youth voices in global energy and climate policy.
🔋 Build youth understanding of grid infrastructure, storage technologies and system flexibility, and the policy and regulatory frameworks that enable them.
🛠️ Foster capacity building and skills development, enabling youth to design and scale impactful solutions.
💰 Highlight youth roles in financing the energy transition, exploring how young innovators can access capital.
🤝 Strengthen partnerships between youth, governments, the private sector, academia and international organisations.
The Programme
🗓️ 6-7 January: the IRENA Youth Forum in Abu Dhabi, including a High-Level Opening and interactive workshops.
🏛️ 8 January: a Closing Session during the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly (St. Regis Saadiyat Island).
🌍 9-13 January: youth-led activities, including a Youth Booth and Lounge (St. Regis) and the IRENA Pavilion at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADNEC).
🌱 Passionate about climate action on the ground? Take a look at Climate Justice and Territory, an ESC project in 🇨🇴 Colombia → https://youthworkshub.org/21548
Who Can Apply
🎂 Young people aged 18 to 35 at the time of the Forum, who are actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation or related fields.
🚀 Applicants should be leading or contributing to projects, startups, research or advocacy initiatives that advance the energy transition, and be motivated to collaborate with peers and partners to scale impact globally.
🌍 Applications are welcome from all countries; selection takes into account geographic and gender balance as well as demonstrated commitment to the energy transition, and all applications must be submitted in English.
What "Fully Funded" Covers
✈️ Up to 40 participants are selected for fully funded participation, covering travel, accommodation and visa support, with no application or participation fee.
💡 According to Youth Works Hub's review, the funding covers logistics (travel, accommodation, visa) rather than a separate cash stipend. Additional participants may be invited on a partially funded or self-funded basis.
🌲 Interested in environmental advocacy roles too? See Communication for an Alpine Environmental NGO in 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein → https://youthworkshub.org/21193
How to Apply
📝 Interested youth apply online by completing the expression of interest (EOI) form.
📅 The EOI deadline is 30 September 2026 (midnight, Abu Dhabi local time), and notification of results is by 15 November 2026. Enquiries go to youth@irena.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it really free to attend? For up to 40 selected participants, yes: travel, accommodation and visa support are covered, with no participation fee.
❓ Who can apply? Anyone aged 18-35 at the time of the Forum, actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability or innovation, from any country.
❓ When and where is it? Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 6 to 13 January 2027.
❓ What's the theme? Youth energising the future through grids, storage and flexibility for renewable energy systems.
❓ When is the deadline? 30 September 2026, midnight Abu Dhabi local time.
Deadline
⏳ 30 September 2026 (midnight, Abu Dhabi local time)
Links
🔗 Apply here (EOI): https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/JTXJ8m3FpF
🔗 Official page: https://www.irena.org/Events/2027/Jan/IRENA-Youth-Forum-2027
You'll find more fully funded forums and opportunities for young leaders, explained in plain language, on Youth Works Hub.
⚠️ Important Notice
Youth Works Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the listed projects. This listing is shared for information only, based on details from the source. Deadlines, eligible countries, dates, and other details may change or be withdrawn at any time, and all funding, reimbursements, and allowances are set by the project coordinator or National Agency. Applications go directly to the coordinator or hosting organisation through the official link. Listings may include third-party links (ESC Portal, infopacks, forms) that Youth Works Hub does not control. Always verify the details on the official project page before applying
