Pre-COP31 Australia & Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue 2026 in Fiji
The Pre-COP31 Australia & Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue 2026 will bring together more than 60 young people for a three-day climate dialogue in Nadi, Fiji. Participants will exchange perspectives, develop recommendations and strengthen youth engagement ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. Different application deadlines apply to Pacific Island applicants and residents of Australia or New Zealand.
Quick Overview
Programme: Pre-COP31 Australia & Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue
Opportunity Type: Regional youth climate dialogue
Organizer: UNICEF, the Governments of Fiji and Australia
Location: Nadi, Fiji
Programme Format: In-person
Duration: Three days
Programme Dates: 1–3 October 2026
Eligibility: Eligible residents aged 14–29
Deadlines: 26 July 2026 or 30 July 2026, depending on residency
About the Pre-COP31 Youth Climate Dialogue
The Pre-COP31 Australia & Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue is a regional platform for adolescents and young people. It will create space for participants to discuss climate issues affecting their communities and share solutions.
The dialogue is designed by and for young people. Participants’ experiences, ideas and priorities will help shape youth messages for regional and international climate discussions ahead of COP31.
The programme is organized by UNICEF, the Governments of Fiji and Australia in partnership with:
• Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change
• Pacific Islands Climate Action Network
• Pacific Youth Council
Additional partners include the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Pacific Community and Pacific Disability Forum.
What Participants Will Do
Selected participants will take part in discussions, learning activities and collaborative sessions during the three-day programme.
Participants will:
• Share perspectives, experiences and recommendations on climate action.
• Help shape youth messages intended to inform Pre-COP31 and COP31 discussions.
• Collaborate with young people from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
• Strengthen their knowledge of climate policy and advocacy.
• Develop leadership and negotiation skills.
• Build connections with youth leaders, networks and partner organizations.
• Engage with decision-makers, negotiators and other stakeholders.
• Work with United Nations agencies, civil society and regional organizations.
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Benefits and Financial Coverage
UNICEF will directly cover the principal costs associated with participation.
Confirmed coverage includes:
✓ Travel
✓ Accommodation
✓ Meals
✓ Other participation-related costs
✓ Participation costs for chaperones accompanying selected participants under 18
Participants will not need to pay these covered costs upfront and later request reimbursement. UNICEF will arrange and cover them directly.
Travel insurance, including medical coverage, is not provided. Participants must arrange and pay for their own travel insurance. The organizers strongly recommend obtaining suitable coverage for the full travel and programme period.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
• Be between 14 and 29 years old at the time of the event.
• Be available to participate in person in Nadi from 1–3 October 2026.
• Be able to communicate and understand English or use a form of sign language.
• Be a resident of an eligible country or territory.
Sign-language interpretation will be included to support active participation in discussions and group work. Some participants may need to arrive earlier or leave later because of flight schedules and limited connectivity from certain locations.
Eligible Countries and Territories
Applicants must be residents of one of the following:
• Australia
• Cook Islands
• Fiji
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Kiribati
• Republic of the Marshall Islands
• Nauru
• Niue
• New Zealand
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
Diversity and Inclusion
The organizers aim to create a dialogue reflecting the cultural, geographic and social diversity of Australia and the Pacific.
Applications are particularly encouraged from:
• Adolescents
• Young women
• Indigenous youth and First Nations
• People with disabilities
• LGBTQI+ youth
• Young people from remote and underserved communities
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Selection Criteria
Applicants will be assessed according to their involvement, motivation and ability to contribute to the dialogue.
The selection criteria include:
• Commitment to climate and environmental action
• Interest demonstrated through action, learning or lived experience
• Involvement in climate-related activities or initiatives
• Connection to a youth group, organization, school initiative, community platform or network
• Ability to represent wider children’s and youth perspectives
• Leadership and willingness to take initiative
• Ability to communicate clearly and listen to others
• Ability to collaborate with people holding different perspectives
Climate-related experience may come from activities at school, community, provincial, national, regional or international level.
Application Requirements
The online application asks candidates to provide:
• Basic personal information
• Information about who they are
• Details of relevant experience
• Reasons for wanting to participate in the dialogue
• Responses to two video questions
Applicants must record simple video responses to the two questions. The videos may be recorded in advance and uploaded to the application form.
Reasonable adjustments are available for applicants with disabilities.
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Application Process
Applicants should:
• Confirm that they meet the age, residency and availability requirements.
• Select the correct application route for their place of residence.
• Complete all requested personal and experience information.
• Record and upload responses to the two video questions.
• Review the application carefully.
• Submit the complete form before the relevant deadline.
Pacific Island nation applicants and residents of Australia or New Zealand must use separate application forms. Both forms are available through the official UNICEF programme page.
Participant Safeguarding and Conduct
Selected participants will be required to agree to and sign the programme’s Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct applies during the event and to relevant online communications and social media use. Participants must also attend a mandatory safeguarding briefing and Code of Conduct orientation before the programme.
Application Deadlines
The deadline depends on the applicant’s place of residence.
Pacific Island Nation Applicants
26 July 2026
Australia and New Zealand Applicants
30 July 2026
Applicants must submit all requested information through the appropriate online application form before their applicable deadline.
Official Link
Review the official programme details and select the application form provided for your place of residence.
View the Official Pre-COP31 Australia & Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue Application Page
