About the Program
The Just Transition Academy is an initiative of the Just Transition Working Group under YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This program is designed for youth changemakers, climate advocates, early-career professionals, students, and community leaders who are eager to deepen their knowledge and engagement in the global movement for a just, equitable, and inclusive transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient world.
In a time of rapid climate, energy, and social transformation, just transition is not just a buzzword, it is a guiding principle for climate justice. The Academy aims to equip youth with critical skills and knowledge, to advocate for policies that center people, equity, and justice in the transition process.
This will be the first global cohort, creating a strong peer-learning space for capacity building, intersectional dialogue, and collective action.
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🔸 Eligibility Criteria
This program is open to all nationalities who meet the following criteria:
- Aged between 18–35 years
- Passionate or actively involved in climate justice, just transition, sustainability, or community empowerment, with plans to be engaged at COP30
- Able to commit approx. 3–4 hours per week during the program period
- Conversational proficiency in English required (program will be conducted ONLY in English)
- Access to stable internet to participate in online sessions
- Prior engagement with climate (esp. UNFCCC), environmental, or social justice movements (local, national, or global) is preferred but not mandatory
- Youth from underrepresented groups including those from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Indigenous, rural, persons of disability and other marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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🔸 What to Expect in This Academy
Over a structured 7 week virtual learning journey, participants will:
- Gain a strong understanding of Just Transition concepts, frameworks, and global processes
- Learn about just transition within various sectors such as energy and agriculture and global challenges for these transitions including financial and trade barriers
- Learn about the Just Transition Work Program under the UNFCCC: current debates and civil society demands for COP30
- Engage in peer learning, cross-regional collaboration, and intersectional discussions
- Build advocacy to influence climate and development policies particularly within the UNFCCC
- Interact with experts, negotiators, civil society leaders, and youth advocates from around the world
- Receive a Certificate of Completion and opportunities for further mentorship, advocacy, or facilitation roles
- Become part of an active global network of youth for climate justice and just transition
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🗓️ Timeline
- Application Deadline: 12th August 2025
- Selection Results : Week of 18th August 2025
- Academy Duration: Week of 1st September to week of 17 October 2025 (7 weeks, virtual)
- Format: Online sessions, readings, collaborative activities, and assignments
For more information: click here