Youth Environment Assembly 2025: Youth Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 2, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 3, 2025
If you are a young climate or environment advocate, the call is now open for Youth Environment Assembly 2025—a global gathering that brings youth voices into the heart of UN environmental decision-making. Scheduled for November 29–30 & December 7, 2025, YEA 2025 will be hosted at UNEP Headquarters, Nairobi, Kenya (UN Office in Nairobi, UNON).
With 3 event days, participation expected from 500+ youth participants across 70+ countries, this is positioned as the largest youth-led forum feeding into UNEA (United Nations Environment Assembly).
🌍 YEA 2025 at a Glance
Location: Nairobi, Kenya (UNEP Headquarters / UNON)
Organizer: Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG) to UNEP in partnership with UNEP and related stakeholders
Dates: November 29–30 & December 7, 2025
Expected participants: ~500+ youth
Representation: ~70+ countries
Target / age group: Youth under 35 years, engaging in environmental advocacy, governance, activism
Why YEA 2025 Matters
YEA serves as the official youth forum that channels youth perspectives and demands into UNEA and OECPR (Open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives) processes.
It is particularly aligned with the theme of UNEA-7: “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet”, aiming to:
Enhance youth advocacy & engagement in UNEA negotiations and policy processes.
Build capacity — training youth in policy, negotiation, environmental governance, and advocacy tools.
Strengthen networks and collaboration among youth, institutions, governments, and stakeholders.
The outputs of YEA, notably the Global Youth Declaration, are intended to feed into UNEA decision-making, and influence environment policy agendas.
🎁 What YEA 2025 Covers / Offers
Funded participation (for selected delegates): travel, accommodation, subsistence, transport (depending on region)
Local stipends / support for Kenya-based delegates, including accommodation or daily subsistence.
Self-funded participation option: attend in person (if covering your own costs) or virtually.
Accreditation support to participate in UNEA / OECPR processes for youth delegates.
Training, sessions, workshops, networking, dialogue with decision-makers as part of the event programme.
✅ Eligibility & Selection Criteria
Applicants must be under 35 years as of December 2025.
Must be a member of CYMG (Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP) — often required for selection.
Demonstrated commitment to environmental action / advocacy and/or experience in environmental governance is an asset.
Ability to commit to the full event duration, and to contribute actively (facilitation, interventions, drafting, etc.).
Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously received funding, or from underrepresented regions.
Application & Registration
Funded participation applications (international & Kenya-based): typically Oct 1–3, 2025, by 23:59 UTC / EAT.
Self-funded participation registration: deadline by Oct 30, 2025, 23:59 EAT for YEA involvement.
Registration for UNEA / OECPR must also be done via INDICO system (with required credentials and documents) by Oct 31, 2025, 23:59 EAT.
🗂️ Documents & Process
Fill out online application / registration form via CYMG portal
Submit motivation letter / statement of interest, CV / resume, proof of engagement or environmental work
Proof of CYMG membership or registration
For funded travel: passport bio page, travel itinerary, etc. (if applicable)
Agree to attend full event, participate actively, sign codes of conduct etc.
ℹ️ Tips & Useful Information
Attend pre-briefing webinars such as “Briefing on Youth Engagement at UNEA-7 & YEA 2025” to gain insight into processes.
Because YEA is tied to UNEA and OECPR, accredited youth delegates may gain access to side events and high-level sessions — making this a rare bridge into policy influence.
Be sure to stay updated via CYMG’s announcements, official newsletters, and social media for speaker calls, schedule releases, travel support updates.
As Kenya is the host country, internal delegates may have a bit more access to logistical support (but still competitive).
