Youth Travel Grants for GFC IC-1 Conference 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is offering youth travel grants to attend the first International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC IC-1) in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 16-20, 2026. This is a chance for young people to participate in global discussions on chemicals and waste management. The conference will be preceded by the 4th Global Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste.

Application Closing Date: September 29, 2026
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Programme Duration: 16-20 November 2026 (Conference), 14-16 November 2026 (Youth Forum)
Stipend: Varies based on grant type (Fully-funded, Partially-funded, Non-funded)
Minimum Qualification: Not specified (Youth aged 35 or younger)
Opportunity Type: Travel Grants for Conference Attendance

About the GFC IC-1 Conference

The GFC IC-1 conference is a significant event focused on global chemicals and waste governance. It provides a platform for young people to voice their perspectives and contribute to policy recommendations. The conference follows the adoption of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) in September 2023, which aims to address a wide range of chemical safety issues. The GFC offers strategic objectives and targets to enhance global coordination and drive action on safer chemicals management.

About the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP)

The Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP) is coordinating youth engagement for the Global Framework on Chemicals. CWYP plays a role in collective policy recommendations and supports youth participation in global events like the GFC IC-1. They facilitate youth involvement in negotiations and discussions with country delegations and stakeholders.

Available Grant Opportunities

UNEP, through CWYP, is inviting applications for travel grants to support youth participation. There are three types of support available:

• Fully-Funded Travel Grant: Covers roundtrip international airfare, accommodations with breakfast, and reimbursement of meals and transportation, including visa fees.
• Partially-Funded Travel Grant: Covers in-country/in-region (Europe) low-cost airfare or train tickets (up to 150 CHF roundtrip) and accommodations with breakfast.
• Non-Funded Registration Support: Provides an accreditation letter and registration to the GFC IC-1 conference only. Applicants are responsible for their own travel expenses.

What the Grants Offer

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to:

• Represent the children and youth constituency at a major international conference.
• Participate directly in global chemicals and waste governance.
• Deliver spoken and written interventions during negotiations.
• Meet with country and stakeholder delegations to discuss youth priorities.
• Engage in the 3-day Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste.
• Gain valuable experience in international policy and advocacy.

Programme Duration and Location

The GFC IC-1 conference will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 16-20, 2026. The 4th Global Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste will be held from November 14-16, 2026. Participants are expected to be present in Geneva for the entire duration of the programme, from November 13-20, 2026.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants for the travel grants and registration support must meet the following criteria:

• Be 35 years of age or younger at the time of application.
• Be available to travel and attend the conference in Geneva from November 13-20, 2026.
• Commit to participating in the full duration of the programme.
• Submit a completed application form by the deadline.
• Minors (under 18) must confirm a parent or legal guardian who will accompany them. The grant will cover travel expenses for the minor only.

No prior UN or policy experience is required. Youth with experience or interest in chemicals and waste through advocacy, science, research, journalism, storytelling, education, or other avenues are encouraged to apply.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, the following competencies would be beneficial for applicants:

• Interest in chemicals and waste management issues.
• Ability to articulate youth perspectives and priorities.
• Willingness to engage in policy discussions and negotiations.
• Commitment to representing the youth constituency.
• Good communication skills.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for young individuals aged 35 and under who are passionate about environmental issues, specifically chemicals and waste management. It is particularly suited for those who wish to gain international exposure and contribute to global policy-making. Youth from low- and middle-income countries, and Indigenous youth from any region, are especially encouraged to apply for the fully-funded grants. All youth are welcome to apply for partially-funded or non-funded support.

Required Documents

Applicants will need to prepare the following for their application:

• A completed application form.
• For minors, the name and contact information of a parent or legal guardian.
• Applicants for non-funded support may be asked for details on how they plan to finance their travel and stay.

Specific document requirements will be detailed in the application form.

How to Apply

Interested youth can apply for the GFC IC-1 Travel Grant by clicking the provided application link:

Click here to apply

For those interested in joining the Selection Team to evaluate and select youth candidates, please email [email protected] with the subject line “Selection Team Volunteer – GFC IC-1.” Include your name, date of birth, and contact information in the email body.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applicants must be available for the full duration of the programme in Geneva.
• Ensure all information provided in the application is accurate.
• Minors require accompanying parent or legal guardian.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is September 29, 2026.

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