In 2021 our global programme The Climate Connection reached 235 million young people across the world and gathered youth voices to support recommendations for policy makers. This year our climate change activities in EU Europe will continue to bring young people together to share ideas and reflect on how to meet the challenges of the climate crisis.
We work with young activists, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists and journalists on activities inspired by the recommendations of young people’s call for action and the Global Youth Letter in the run-up to COP27, which is taking place in Egypt in November 2022.
Upcoming activities in Cyprus
Apply now to become a UN Youth Champion for Environment and Peace!
Together with the UN in Cyprus, we are pleased to offer, for the third consecutive year, the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace programme that will focus on environmental peacebuilding and climate activism on 26 and 27 November, and 3 and 4 December 2022 (both online and in person in Nicosia).
The programme will take place against the backdrop of the COP27 UN Climate Conference and will echo the UN Secretary’s General’s urgent call for action to confront the climate crisis – the defining issue of our time – and aims to nurture climate and peace activists, as well as young people who are demanding change and a more peaceful future with no inequalities.
We seek to engage with dynamic young people from all communities living in Cyprus to undertake an exciting online and in-person learning journey with us over two weekends. Together with experts, youth activists and trainers from Cyprus and abroad, you will learn about environmental peacebuilding and the climate crisis, climate advocacy and work with the other participants.
By the end of the programme, you will be able to participate in custom-made workshops and sessions open to Youth Champions alumni, learn about other opportunities to receive support to develop initiatives as groups and become connected with local and international organisations, activists and the inspiring network of Youth Champions.
If you live in Cyprus, are aged 18–30 and like the sound of this, we would like to hear from you!
The programme will run online and in person in the Nicosia buffer zone over two weekends:
- Saturday 26 November
- Sunday 27 November
- Saturday 3 December
- Sunday 4 December
We will announce which dates the programme will be in person and online soon.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 13 November 2022.
Eligibility criteria
Participants should:
- be aged 18–30 from any community living in Cyprus
- be willing to make a significant contribution towards a peaceful and sustainable future on the island
- have an interest in the climate crisis and climate advocacy and becoming active in these issues
- be committed and motivated to actively participate throughout the two weekends
- be fluent in English
- have a wish to develop interpersonal relations with participants from all communities living in Cyprus and 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 that did not benefit from previous UN Youth Champions programmes. Opportunities for UN Youth Champions alumni to develop their skills and develop actions in teams will be offered in 2023.
No previous experience in environmental peacebuilding, the climate crisis, climate advocacy or activism is required.
We strive for gender diversity and equal representation among youth from all communities living in Cyprus. Based on availability and relevant interest, places may be available for participants over the age of 30.
Local transportation options to Nicosia and accommodation in Nicosia during the in-person days of the programme will be available based on demand for those unable to commute to Nicosia.
What to expect
A full day-long online and in-person programme that will focus on joint learning. It will include taught sessions, discussions and workshops with experts from the UN and UN agencies in Cyprus and abroad, the British Council, young climate activists from Cyprus and abroad, and group work. In the group work sessions, you will get to know the other participants more closely and work together on different challenges with the support of our team.
Participation on all days of the programme is necessary and we will request that all participants keep their cameras turned on during the online sessions.
Certificates of participation to those who attend all days of the programme will be provided.
After the end of the programme, additional activities that will be open to all Youth Champions alumni and other youth will be organised. These will include climate advocacy related workshop(s), networking sessions with environmental activists and organisations and others. Participation in these activities is encouraged but not obligatory. Furthermore, we will provide opportunities through other programmes for teams to implement and develop actions, receive mentoring, request seed funding, etc.
Please note that being a part of the Youth Champions initiative does not imply a full-time role nor any form of employment by the UN. Participation in the initiative is honorary, non-remunerated (no UN emoluments nor entitlements) and does not entail speaking on behalf of the British Council, UN or UNFICYP, nor UN privileges and immunities for participants.
How to apply
To take part in the programme, complete the online application form by Sunday 13 November 2022.
Participation is free.
Applicants may be contacted for an interview. We aim to notify successful applicants by Wednesday 16 November. Selected participants will receive a detailed programme for the two weekends.
More information about additional workshops and opportunities will be announced later. Please note that some programme details may be subject to change, but not the dates.
For further information about the programme, please contact UNFICYP at unficyp-youthchampions@un.org