Building upon the legacy of COP26 and The Climate Connection, our goal is uniting young people to confront the challenges posed by climate change. We work with young activists, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists and journalists on initiatives inspired by the recommendations of young people’s call for action and the Global Youth Letter.
Our Climate Change activities will remain aligned with the recommendations outlined in the Global Youth Letter, ensuring that the dialogue remains active.
Apply now to become a UN Youth Champion for Environment and Peace!
Together with the UN in Cyprus, we are pleased to invite you to join the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace programme that will focus on environmental peacebuilding and implementing joint actions to address common environmental concerns.
The programme will include a long immersive in-person workshop that will take place over two weekends on 5–6 and 12–13 October 2024. The workshop will equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to develop their own environmental peacebuilding actions in teams. The environmental actions need to be implemented by February 2025.
The programme is taking place at a time when climate action – the defining issue of our time – is more urgent than ever, with the effects of climate change increasingly exacerbating insecurity and inequality around the world. Acting together globally and locally is both challenging and vital in the face of conflict.
We seek to engage with dynamic young people from all communities in Cyprus to undertake an exciting learning and collaborative journey with us. Together with experts and trainers, along with environmental, peacebuilding and youth activists from Cyprus and abroad, participants will learn about environmental peacebuilding, get to know other participants and form teams to work together on environmental actions which are relevant to you.
The activity is specifically designed to engage and empower young people in Cyprus to take an active role in peacebuilding to foster dialogue, build trust and promote joint actions by addressing common environmental concerns. By the end of the programme, participants will be connected with local and international organisations, activists and an inspiring network of Youth Champions.
What to expect
1. Workshop
The in-person workshop will take place in the buffer zone in Nicosia. It will focus on joint learning and will include taught sessions, discussions and workshops with experts from the UN and UN agencies in Cyprus and abroad, the British Council, young climate and peacebuilding activists from Cyprus and abroad, as well as group work. In the group work sessions, you will get to know the other participants, form teams and work together to develop environmental actions with the support of our team and environmental organisations from across Cyprus.
2. Implementation of environmental actions
On completion of the workshop, participants are expected to finalise their project idea and apply for funding.
Each selected team will receive a small grant to implement its action by February 2025 with the support of our team and environmental organisations.
The actions will need to reach people across the divide and can take place throughout Cyprus.
Participation on all days of the programme is necessary.
Certificates of participation will be provided to those who attend all days of the workshop.
The deadline for applications is 18 September. Participation is free.
Eligibility criteria
Participants should:
- be aged 18–30 from any community in Cyprus
- be willing to make a significant contribution towards a peaceful and sustainable future on the island
- have an interest in the environment and peace and becoming active in these issues
- be committed and motivated to actively participate during all the days of the workshop (5–6 and 12–13 October 2024) and implement an environmental action as part of a team
- have a good knowledge of English
- have a wish to develop interpersonal relations with participants from all communities in Cyprus and to work together for a common cause
- have a desire to find out more about the work of the UN and the British Council related to youth action on climate crisis and what the UN does in Cyprus.
The call is open only to people who have not benefited from previous UN Youth Champions programmes.
No previous experience in environmental peacebuilding or activism is required.
We strive for gender diversity and equal representation among youth from all communities in Cyprus.
Accommodation in Nicosia during the workshop taking place over two weekends will be available based on demand for those unable to commute to Nicosia. Please note that limited spots are available.
Participation is contingent to your ability to enter the UN buffer zone in Nicosia as all activities will be held at the Ledra Palace Hotel. Please note that the respective sides have the authority over entry from the crossing points, and not the UN. Please ensure you have the required documentation to enter the buffer zone.
Please note that being part of the Youth Champions initiative does not imply a full-time role or any form of employment by the UN or British Council. Participation in the initiative is honorary, non-remunerated (no UN emoluments nor entitlements) and does not entail speaking on behalf of the UN, UNFICYP or the British Council. Nor does it entail UN privileges or immunities for participants.
How to apply
To take part in the programme, complete the online application form by Wednesday 18 September 2024:
Participation is free.
Applicants may be contacted to provide further information. We aim to notify selected applicants by Friday 20 September 2024. Selected applicants will receive a detailed programme for the workshop taking place over two weekends.
For further information about the programme, please contact UNFICYP at unficyp-youthchampions@un.org.