INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE (IUCN)
IUCN Leaders Forum Youth Programme
full · bachelors, masters, phd
- ~EUR 1,500-3,000 (est.)Funded package value
- Geneva, SwitzerlandHost city
- 23 biodiversity targetsKunming-Montreal framework focus
- Round-trip travelTravel coverage
- Accommodation + mealsOn-site coverage
- Global leader accessProject pitch platform
At a glance
full
Funding
€3k
Max amount
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
Open to applicants worldwide
Country
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Provider
The IUCN Leaders Forum Youth Programme is run by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and selects young changemakers to take part in the IUCN Leaders Forum, hosted in Geneva, Switzerland. The 2023 edition carried the theme "Global goals for nature: Tracking progress, financing success," focused on monitoring progress and securing funding for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which sets 23 targets for 2030. Selected youth participants pitch their conservation or biodiversity projects to leaders from the private sector, government, and civil society, and contribute to nature-positive solutions. The programme is fully funded: it provides a round-trip travel ticket, hotel accommodation, and meals for the forum period, which typically runs about 2 to 3 days, so the package is worth roughly EUR 1,500 to EUR 3,000 (est.) per participant. The focus is on individuals creating or implementing innovative community projects in nature conservation or biodiversity, rather than on a specific degree. Selection looks at the originality and impact of each project and the applicant's ability to present it to a global audience. Because the host city, theme, dates, and travel coverage are set for each edition, confirm the current-cycle details and the 2026/2027 deadline on the official IUCN page before you apply.
What's covered
- Round-trip travel — A round-trip travel ticket between the participant's home country and the host city of the IUCN Leaders Forum.
- Accommodation — Hotel accommodation for the duration of the forum, valued at roughly ~EUR 900 (est.) for the event.
- Meals — Complimentary meals throughout the forum, with an estimated value of ~EUR 300 (est.).
- Forum participation — Full access to the IUCN Leaders Forum sessions, panels, and networking events.
- Project pitch opportunity — A platform to present your conservation or biodiversity project to global leaders from the private sector, government, and civil society.
- Networking and mentorship — Connections with conservation changemakers and feedback on your project from experienced leaders.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the IUCN call for the youth programme during the published window, before the deadline.
- Visit the official IUCN page — Go to the IUCN Leaders Forum page and read the current-edition theme, eligibility, and youth programme details.
- Prepare your project summary — Write a clear summary of your conservation or biodiversity project, its impact, and how it supports nature-positive goals.
- Complete the application form — Fill in the online application with your personal details, project description, and motivation.
- Attach supporting material — Add your CV and any evidence of your project, such as photos, reports, or links.
- Submit before the deadline — Review and submit your application before the closing date; late applications are not accepted.
Eligibility
ProfileA young changemaker creating or implementing an innovative project for nature conservation or biodiversity in their community.
ProjectAn active or planned project that contributes to nature-positive solutions and aligns with global biodiversity goals.
PresentationAbility to present the project clearly to leaders from the private sector, government, and civil society.
CommitmentWillingness to attend the full forum in person and contribute to the discussions.
LanguageWorking proficiency in English, the main language of the forum.
No specific degree is required, but study or work experience in conservation, environmental science, or sustainability strengthens an application. Confirm any age limits for the current edition on the official page.
Eligible countries
Open to applicants worldwide
Deadlines
2026 forum edition~30 April 2026 (est.)
Selection
A review panel assesses the originality, impact, and feasibility of each applicant's conservation or biodiversity project and how clearly it supports nature-positive solutions and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Shortlisted applicants are evaluated on their ability to present to a global audience, and a balanced cohort of youth changemakers is chosen for the forum.
Verified sources
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (official)iucn.orgofficial
About the provider
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership union of governments and civil-society organisations, founded in 1948 and headquartered in Gland, Switzerland. It is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who organises the IUCN Leaders Forum?
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It is organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the global authority on the status of the natural world and measures to protect it.
Where is the forum held?
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The forum is hosted in Geneva, Switzerland. Confirm the exact venue and host city for the current edition on the official IUCN page.
What was the 2023 theme?
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The 2023 theme was "Global goals for nature: Tracking progress, financing success," focused on monitoring progress and financing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Is the youth programme fully funded?
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Yes. It provides a round-trip travel ticket, hotel accommodation, and meals for the forum, an estimated value of around EUR 1,500 to EUR 3,000 (est.) per participant.
Who can apply?
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Young changemakers who are creating or implementing innovative projects for nature conservation or biodiversity action in their communities can apply.
Do I need a specific degree?
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No specific degree is required, but study or work experience in conservation, environmental science, or sustainability strengthens your application.
What will I do at the forum?
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You will pitch your conservation or biodiversity project to global leaders, take part in sessions, and contribute to nature-positive solutions and the global biodiversity goals.
Which language is used?
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The forum is run mainly in English, so working proficiency in English is expected.
Are travel and accommodation included?
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Yes. A round-trip travel ticket, hotel accommodation, and complimentary meals are provided to selected participants.
How are participants selected?
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A panel reviews the originality, impact, and feasibility of your project and your ability to present it to a global audience, then selects a balanced cohort.
When is the application deadline?
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Applications usually close around ~30 April 2026 (est.); confirm the exact date for the current edition on the official IUCN page.
How do I apply?
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You apply online through the IUCN call for the youth programme, submitting a project summary, CV, and motivation statement before the deadline.