The GYBN Transformative Futures Fellowships 2026 for young changemakers (Fully Funded)

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Application Deadline: April 7, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 GYBN Transformative Futures Fellowships. Since 2022, GYBN’s fellowship programs have been a seedbed for youth-led action—nurturing ideas, strengthening local leadership, and creating space for young people in their own communities. 
The spirit and impact of these fellowships have travelled far, reaching global stages like COP15 and COP16, where young leaders shared how their work is transforming the places they call home.


Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the GYBN Fellowship 2026, applicants must:

• Be young individuals passionate about biodiversity and environmental action
• Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to community impact
• Be actively engaged or interested in environmental, social, or youth-led initiatives
• Be willing to collaborate in a global network
• Have the ability to contribute to one of the fellowship tracks

Benefits

Participants in the program will gain:

• Access to a global network of youth leaders
• Opportunities to engage in international environmental platforms (e.g., COP events)
• Hands-on experience in leadership, advocacy, and project implementation
• Capacity-building through mentorship and collaborative learning
• Exposure to global biodiversity and sustainability initiatives
• Opportunity to lead impactful, community-based environmental projects

Available Opportunities

Youth Communications & Storytelling Fellowship

• Focuses on amplifying youth voices and narratives
• Supports creative storytelling, media, and communication strategies
• Strengthens global youth engagement through impactful content creation

Apply Now for the Youth Communications & Storytelling Fellowship

Youth Policy Support Fellowship

• Engages fellows in biodiversity policy processes
• Supports youth participation in regional and global advocacy spaces
• Provides hands-on experience in policy coordination and systems change

Apply Now for the Youth Policy Support Fellowship

Youth Community Building Fellowship

• Focuses on strengthening grassroots youth networks
• Encourages collaboration across cultures and regions
• Builds solidarity and collective action within the GYBN network

Apply Now for the Youth Community Building Fellowship

Youth Capacity Building Fellowship

• Develops learning spaces for youth leadership
• Encourages peer-to-peer learning and knowledge sharing
• Focuses on long-term leadership development in biodiversity conservation

Apply Now for the Youth Capacity Building Fellowship

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the GYBN Transformative Futures Fellowships