UNESCO 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026 in Italy
Country: Italy
Location: Rosolina Mare, Italy
Organization: UNESCO
Program: 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum
Category: Forum
Deadline: 23 March 2026 at 23:59 CET
The 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026 is a UNESCO event scheduled to take place in Rosolina Mare, Italy, from 18 May 2026 to 22 May 2026. The official event listing describes it as an in-person forum.
Theme
The forum is held under the theme “Committed to the Future We Want.” UNESCO states that the event builds on the 2017 and 2019 Global MAB Youth Forums and is aligned with the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035). The theme reflects MAB Youth’s strengthened commitment to biodiversity loss, climate change, and sustainable development.
Objectives
According to UNESCO, the forum aims to support youth engagement in the implementation of the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan, translate findings from the World MAB Youth Mapping Survey into shared priorities and pathways for action, facilitate exchange on youth-led practices in Biosphere Reserves, strengthen coordination and leadership among youth actors, produce youth-led outputs and recommendations for MAB governance, and identify strategies to improve youth integration in governance and decision-making.
Who Can Apply
The forum is intended for young people aged 18–35 who are actively engaged in or connected to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, including through living, working, studying, volunteering, conducting research, or supporting related activities. UNESCO also states that the maximum number of participants is 200.
Application Pathways
The official page lists two application routes. The first is for National MAB Youth Focal Points, who are invited to apply as official representatives within the framework of the MAB Programme. UNESCO notes that National MAB Youth Focal Points who submit the required documentation are eligible to participate without a competitive selection process.
The second route is for MAB Youth Participants through an open call. UNESCO states that eligible young people aged 18–35 who are actively engaged in or connected to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves may apply through an open Expression of Interest process. Selection for this category is conducted competitively based on merit, geographical balance, gender parity, and relevance to the forum’s objectives.
Deadline
The Call for Expression of Interest closes on 23 March 2026 at 23:59 CET.
How to Apply
Applicants are asked to submit an online expression of interest through the application form. UNESCO states that the application includes basic information and, depending on the category, supporting documents. The Indico event page also states that registration for the event is currently open.
Required Documents
For National MAB Youth Focal Points, the required documents are a confirmation letter of designation issued by the MAB Secretariat, a short description of their experience, initiatives, or engagement related to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves with a maximum of 250 words, a brief statement of contribution of up to 250 words, a brief statement of follow-up plans at national or regional levels after the Forum with a maximum of 250 words, and an indication of whether travel funding has already been secured, with supporting documentation if applicable.
For MAB Youth Participants applying through the open call, UNESCO requires a recent CV, a short description of experience or engagement related to UNESCO Biosphere Reserves with a maximum of 250 words, a statement on the contributions they intend to bring to the Forum and the outcomes they hope to achieve with a maximum of 250 words, a brief explanation of how they plan to apply the outcomes of the Forum after the event with a maximum of 250 words, a letter of endorsement or support from a Biosphere Reserve or the respective MAB National Committee or National Commission for UNESCO, and an indication of confirmed travel funding if available.
Travel and Financial Arrangements
UNESCO states that food and accommodation costs in Italy during the Forum will be covered by the organizers. The page also notes that limited financial support may be provided to help participants with travel expenses, depending on funding availability and eligibility criteria.
Organisers
The organizers listed on the official page are Po Delta Biosphere Reserve, Colli Euganei Biosphere Reserve, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, the Italian National Commission for UNESCO, the UNESCO MAB Secretariat, the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, and the Veneto Region.
Contact
The contact listed for the forum is the UNESCO MAB Secretariat at mab@unesco.org.
