Application deadline is 29th september 2026
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has opened applications for youth travel grants to enable young people to participate in the first International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC IC-1), scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland.
The conference is set for November 16–20, 2026, and will be preceded by the 4th Global Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste, which will hold from November 14–16. The programme provides young people with an opportunity to contribute directly to international discussions on chemicals and waste management.
The travel grants are being offered through the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP), which coordinates youth participation in the Global Framework on Chemicals.
Selected youth delegates are expected to take part in policy discussions, present spoken and written contributions during negotiations, engage with government and stakeholder delegations, and contribute youth perspectives to the conference.
What the grants cover
The fully funded travel grant provides successful applicants with round-trip international airfare, accommodation with breakfast, reimbursement for meals, transportation and visa costs.
A partially funded option is also available. It covers low-cost airfare or train travel within the applicant’s country or Europe, up to CHF 150 for a round trip, as well as accommodation with breakfast.
Applicants who do not require financial assistance can apply for non-funded registration support. Successful applicants under this category will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses, while CWYP will assist with conference registration and provide an accreditation letter.
Who is eligible?
The opportunity is open to children and young people aged 35 or below at the time of application.
The fully funded grant is specifically available to youth from low- and middle-income countries and Indigenous youth from any region. The partially funded and registration-support options are open to young people from any country or region.
Applicants must be available to travel to and remain in Geneva from November 13 to 20, 2026 and must commit to participating throughout the programme.
Previous experience working with the United Nations or in policymaking is not required. Young people involved in advocacy, research, science, journalism, storytelling, education or other areas related to chemicals and waste are encouraged to apply.
Applicants under the age of 18 must provide details of a parent or legal guardian who will accompany them throughout the programme.
About the Global Framework on Chemicals
The Global Framework on Chemicals, formally known as “For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste,” was adopted in 2023 as a global policy framework for improving the management of chemicals and waste.
The framework addresses issues including hazardous pesticides, endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pharmaceutical pollutants. It contains five strategic objectives and 28 targets aimed at strengthening international action on safer chemicals management.
The deadline for applications for the youth travel grants is September 29, 2026.
Interested applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.
