IRENA Youth Forum 2027: Fully Funded Youth Opportunity in the UAE

The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is an international youth opportunity organized by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The forum will take place from 6 to 13 January 2027 and will bring young people together to discuss renewable energy, energy transition, innovation, grids, storage and system flexibility.

The opportunity is open to young people aged 18–35 from all countries who are actively involved in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation or related areas. Up to 40 selected participants will receive fully funded participation, including travel, accommodation and visa support. There is no application or participation fee.

The application deadline is 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time.

Opportunity Overview

Detail	Information
Opportunity Name	IRENA Youth Forum 2027
Organizer	International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Host Country	United Arab Emirates
Host City	Abu Dhabi
Opportunity Type	International Youth Forum
Study Level	Non-degree youth opportunity
Eligible Age	18–35
Eligible Countries	All countries
Main Areas	Renewable energy, sustainability, innovation, energy transition
Forum Dates	6–13 January 2027
Fully Funded Seats	Up to 40 participants
Application Fee	No fee
Application Language	English
Application Deadline	30 September 2026
Results	By 15 November 2026

What Is the IRENA Youth Forum 2027?

The IRENA Youth Forum is a global platform designed to give young people a stronger role in discussions about the renewable energy transition.

IRENA has organized its Youth Forum annually since 2020. The forum connects young leaders with policymakers, experts, organizations, businesses and other stakeholders working on the energy transition.

The 2027 edition will focus on:

“Youth Energising the Future: Grids, Storage and Flexibility for Renewable Energy Systems.”

The theme reflects the growing importance of modern electricity grids, energy storage and flexible energy systems as countries increase their use of renewable energy.

For applicants, this means the forum is particularly relevant to people working or studying in areas connected to clean energy, climate action, engineering, technology, sustainability, policy, innovation and energy access.

Benefits and Funding

The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 offers two main participation routes.

Fully Funded Participation

Up to 40 participants will be selected for fully funded participation.

According to the 2027 announcement, the fully funded support includes:

• Travel support
• Accommodation
• Visa support
• Participation in the forum and related activities

There is also no application or participation fee.

However, applicants should understand that the fully funded places are limited. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically mean an applicant will receive a funded place.

Other Participation Options

IRENA states that additional participants may be invited on a partially funded or self-funded basis.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that everyone who applies will receive full financial support.

What Will Participants Do?

The 2027 programme includes several activities in Abu Dhabi.

6–7 January 2027

The main IRENA Youth Forum will take place in Abu Dhabi. Activities will include the high-level opening and interactive workshops.

8 January 2027

Participants will take part in the Closing Session during the Seventeenth IRENA Assembly.

9–13 January 2027

Youth-led activities will continue through the Youth Booth and Lounge at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island and the IRENA Pavilion at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at ADNEC.

These activities can give selected participants opportunities to exchange ideas, meet other young leaders and engage with people working in the renewable energy sector.

IRENA’s previous Youth Forums have focused on youth leadership, capacity building, innovation, energy policy and the role of young people in accelerating the energy transition.

Who Can Apply?

The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is designed for young people who meet the following main criteria:

• 18–35 years old at the time of the Forum
• From any country
• Active in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation or related fields
• Leading or contributing to a project, startup, research activity or advocacy initiative related to the energy transition
• Interested in working with other young people and international partners
• Able to submit the application in English

Applicants can come from different academic and professional backgrounds as long as their work, studies, projects or activities have a meaningful connection to the forum’s themes.

Who Is a Good Fit for This Opportunity?

This opportunity may be particularly suitable for:

• Renewable energy students and graduates
• Environmental and sustainability students
• Engineers working on energy systems
• Young climate activists
• Clean-energy entrepreneurs
• Researchers working on energy or climate issues
• Young professionals in energy-related organizations
• Students developing renewable energy projects
• Youth leaders working on energy access or sustainability

Practical Advice

The official criteria focus on engagement and contribution rather than simply being a university student.

Therefore, applicants should not rely only on academic qualifications. If you have worked on a renewable-energy project, conducted relevant research, participated in an environmental initiative, founded a startup, volunteered in climate activities or contributed to energy advocacy, explain this clearly in your application.

This is editorial advice, not an additional official requirement.

Eligible Fields and Areas

The forum is not a university degree program, so it does not provide a fixed list of academic majors.

Relevant areas can include:

• Renewable energy
• Solar energy
• Wind energy
• Energy engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Energy systems
• Energy storage
• Power grids
• Climate change
• Environmental science
• Sustainability
• Clean technology
• Energy policy
• Energy economics
• Sustainable development
• Innovation and entrepreneurship
• Energy access
• Green technology

Applicants from other backgrounds may also be suitable if their activities are connected to the energy transition.

IRENA’s education work also emphasizes the importance of developing skills for renewable-energy and energy-transition careers.

Can Afghan Students Apply?

Yes. Based on the published 2027 announcement, applications are welcome from all countries.

Afghan applicants can therefore apply if they meet the age and activity requirements.

There is no separate Afghanistan-specific requirement listed in the announcement. Applicants should nevertheless check the official application form carefully and provide accurate information about their background, activities and projects.

Is IELTS Required?

The announcement states that all applications must be submitted in English.

However, it does not specify an IELTS, TOEFL or other English-language certificate requirement.

Therefore, applicants should not claim that IELTS is required unless the official application instructions specifically request it.

For the purposes of this application, applicants should be able to communicate their experience, motivation and ideas clearly in English.

Required Documents

The 2027 announcement does not provide a complete separate document checklist in the information available.

Applicants should therefore avoid preparing documents that are not requested by the official application form.

As practical preparation, applicants may want to have the following information ready:

• Personal and contact information
• Education details
• Work or project experience
• Renewable-energy or sustainability activities
• Leadership or community activities
• Information about projects, research or initiatives
• A clear explanation of their motivation

Important: These are preparation suggestions, not a confirmed official document checklist. Follow the requirements shown in the official application form.

How to Apply for IRENA Youth Forum 2027

The application process is online.

Step 1: Check the Eligibility Requirements

Make sure you will be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the Forum and have relevant involvement in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation or a related field.

Step 2: Prepare Your Information

Collect information about your education, work, projects, research, leadership activities and involvement in the energy transition.

Step 3: Complete the Online Expression of Interest

Use the official IRENA application form and answer the questions carefully.

Step 4: Explain Your Impact Clearly

Do not simply list activities. Explain what you did, why it mattered and what you learned.

For example, if you worked on a solar-energy project, explain your role and the problem the project attempted to solve.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

The official deadline is 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time.

Do not wait until the final hours because technical or internet problems can prevent a successful submission.

Step 6: Wait for the Selection Result

IRENA states that applicants will be notified of the results by 15 November 2026.

Application Deadline

The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 application deadline is:

30 September 2026 — midnight, Abu Dhabi local time

The forum itself will take place from 6 to 13 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi.

Applicants should submit their expression of interest before the deadline rather than relying on a last-minute submission.

Important Tips for Applicants

1. Show Real Involvement

The selection process is not simply about saying that you are interested in renewable energy. Show what you have actually done.

2. Explain Your Contribution

If you participated in a project, explain your specific role instead of only naming the project.

3. Connect Your Experience to the Theme

The 2027 theme focuses on grids, storage and flexibility for renewable energy systems. Applicants whose experience connects naturally to these issues should explain that connection.

4. Keep Your Answers Clear

The application is in English. Use simple, direct English and avoid unnecessary complicated language.

5. Submit Early

An early application gives you more time to check your answers and correct mistakes.

6. Do Not Exaggerate

Only include genuine projects, achievements and activities. False or exaggerated information can damage your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the IRENA Youth Forum 2027 fully funded?

Up to 40 participants will receive fully funded participation covering travel, accommodation and visa support. Additional participants may participate on a partially funded or self-funded basis.

Who can apply for the IRENA Youth Forum?

Young people aged 18–35 from all countries can apply if they are actively involved in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation or related areas.

Can Afghan students apply?

Yes. The announcement says applications are welcome from all countries, so Afghan applicants can apply if they meet the other requirements.

Is this a university scholarship?

No. The IRENA Youth Forum is an international youth forum and leadership opportunity. It is not a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD scholarship.

Do I need IELTS?

The announcement requires applications to be submitted in English, but it does not specify an IELTS or TOEFL certificate requirement.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 30 September 2026 at midnight Abu Dhabi local time.

When will the forum take place?

The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 will take place from 6 to 13 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Is there an application fee?

No. The announcement states that there is no application or participation fee.

Final Thoughts

The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 is a valuable international opportunity for young people who are actively working toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Its strongest feature is the opportunity to engage directly with an international community working on renewable energy and energy transition issues. Up to 40 participants will receive full support for travel, accommodation and visa support, although other selected participants may receive partial or self-funded participation.

Applicants should focus on demonstrating genuine involvement, clear motivation and practical contributions to renewable energy, sustainability or innovation.

With the application deadline set for 30 September 2026, eligible applicants should prepare their information early and submit their expression of interest through the official IRENA application form.

Official Application

Application: IRENA Youth Forum 2027 – Official Application Form

Official IRENA Youth Forum information: IRENA Youth Forum – Official Website

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