The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) has opened applications for the Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM) 2026, a free international climate change and sustainability training programme designed to empower undergraduate students to become future environmental leaders.
Delivered entirely online, the programme brings together talented students from around the world to learn from international experts on climate change, biodiversity conservation, circular economy, and sustainable development. Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive an official United Nations University certificate of participation, while the top performers will earn a fully funded study visit to Tokyo, Japan.
About the Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM)
The Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM) was launched in 2024 by UNU-IAS in partnership with the AEON Environmental Foundation to strengthen youth leadership in addressing global environmental challenges.
The programme equips young leaders with practical knowledge, leadership skills, networking opportunities, and a deeper understanding of international environmental governance while encouraging long-term engagement in sustainability initiatives.
UNU Opens Free Climate Change Training Programme for Students Worldwide 2026 | Earn a UN Certificate Online
Programme Highlights
Successful participants will receive:
- Free online training delivered by United Nations University experts
- Official UN University Certificate of Participation
- Interactive discussions with international specialists
- Training on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability
- Networking with students from around the world
- Leadership development opportunities
- Speech presentation experience
- Ongoing participation in the Global Youth MIDORI Platform
Outstanding participants will also receive:
- Fully funded study programme in Tokyo, Japan
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Accommodation
- Meals during the official programme
- Participation in the MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity Award Ceremony
- Site visits focused on circular economy initiatives
- Dialogue sessions with international experts at UNU Headquarters in Tokyo
Programme Structure
The programme consists of three major components.
1. Online Training Programme
The online training runs from 4–7 August 2026 and includes four intensive days of expert-led learning.
Participants will study topics including:
- Climate change science
- Biodiversity conservation
- Circular economy
- Sustainable development
- Food systems
- Youth participation in environmental governance
- International environmental negotiations
- Communication and public speaking
Participants must attend all sessions to remain eligible for certification.
2. Speech Contest
On the final day, participants deliver a speech summarizing their learning experiences and ideas for environmental action.
The highest-scoring participants receive:
- Best Performance Award
- Runner-up Award
- Second Runner-up Award
These three awardees are invited to participate in the fully funded Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo.
3. Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo
The top three participants will travel to Tokyo from 26–29 August 2026 to:
- Attend the 9th MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity Award Ceremony.
- Visit leading circular economy projects.
- Meet climate and biodiversity experts.
- Participate in discussions at United Nations University Headquarters.
- Build international professional networks.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate programme at a recognized university.
- Demonstrate good English language proficiency.
- Have reliable internet access and a computer with a camera and microphone.
- Be available to attend all online training sessions.
- Be available for travel to Tokyo if selected as an award recipient.
- Hold a valid passport extending to at least February 2027.
- Have a strong interest or experience in climate change, biodiversity, environmental conservation, or sustainability.
- Not have previously participated in the GYM programme.
What You Will Learn
Participants will gain knowledge in areas such as:
- Climate change adaptation
- Biodiversity conservation
- Circular economy
- Environmental governance
- Sustainable development
- Youth leadership
- Science-policy engagement
- International environmental negotiations
- Public speaking
- Global sustainability challenges
Certificate Requirements
To receive the official programme certificate, participants must:
- Attend every training session.
- Participate actively in discussions and programme activities.
- Deliver the required speech presentation.
- Maintain professional conduct throughout the programme.
- Complete all required assignments and documentation.
Programme Fees
Participation in the online programme is completely free of charge.
Participants only need to cover:
- Internet connection costs
- Computer and required equipment
For award recipients travelling to Japan, the programme covers:
- Round-trip economy airfare
- Accommodation
- Meals during the official programme
Awardees are responsible for:
- Passport costs
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: 10 April 2026
- Application Deadline: 10 May 2026
- Successful Applicants Notified: 21 July 2026
- Orientation Sessions: 27 & 30 July 2026
- Online Training: 4–7 August 2026
- Tokyo Study Programme: 26–29 August 2026
- Follow-up Activities: August 2026 onwards
Note: The 2026 application cycle has already closed. UNU-IAS advises interested students to monitor its website for announcements regarding the GYM 2027 programme and future application opportunities.
Why Apply?
The Global Youth MIDORI Platform offers an exceptional opportunity to develop practical knowledge of climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development while learning directly from international experts. Participants also become part of a growing global network of young environmental leaders committed to creating innovative solutions for local and global sustainability challenges.
Conclusion
The UNU Global Youth MIDORI Platform is an outstanding opportunity for undergraduate students passionate about climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Through expert-led training, international networking, leadership development, and the opportunity to earn a United Nations University certificate, participants gain valuable skills to help shape a more sustainable future while preparing for careers in environmental policy, research, and international development.
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