IRENA Youth Forum 2027
The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 will mark the eighth edition of the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) flagship platform for youth empowerment, intergenerational dialogue, and renewable energy innovation. Since 2020, the Forum has convened young leaders from around the world on the margins of the IRENA Assembly to shape the global energy transition agenda.
Under the theme “Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems”, this year’s Forum will explore how young people are advancing grid modernisation, energy storage and system flexibility to integrate higher shares of renewables and expand reliable energy access worldwide.
Objectives
The Forum aims to:
- Amplify youth voices in global energy and climate policy.
- Build youth understanding of grid infrastructure, storage technologies and system flexibility, and the policy and regulatory frameworks that enable them.
- Foster capacity building and skills development, enabling youth to design and scale impactful solutions.
- Highlight youth roles in financing the energy transition, exploring how young innovators can access capital.
- Strengthen partnerships between youth, governments, the private sector, academia, and international organisations.
Programme Highlights
- 6-7 January: IRENA Youth Forum (Abu Dhabi) – including High-Level Opening and interactive workshops.
- 8 January: Closing Session during the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly (St. Regis Saadiyat Island).
- 9-13 January Youth-led Activities: Youth Booth and Lounge (St. Regis) and IRENA Pavilion at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADNEC).
Who Can Apply?
The Forum is open to young people aged 18–35 at the time of the Forum who are:
- Actively engaged in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, or related fields.
- Leading or contributing to projects, startups, research, or advocacy initiatives that advance the energy transition.
- Motivated to collaborate with peers and partners to scale impact globally.
Applications are welcome from all countries around the world. Selection will take into account geographic and gender balance, as well as demonstrated commitment to the energy transition. All applications must be submitted in English.
Support for Selected Participants
Up to 40 participants will be selected for fully funded participation, covering travel, accommodation and visa support. There is no application or participation fee.
Additional participants will be invited to participate on partial funded or self funded basis.
Application Process
Interested youth are invited to apply online by completing the expression of interest below.
- EOI Deadline: 30 September 2026 (midnight, Abu Dhabi local time)
- Notification of results: by 15 November 2026