Are you a young person already involved in youth leadership, advocacy, community work, innovation, policy or social impact?
The United Nations Youth Office is accepting applications from young people interested in attending the first-ever UN Youth Townhall 2026 in Heidelberg, Germany.
The event will take place from 8–10 December 2026 and will bring together young people, governments, United Nations representatives, civil society, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators and other partners to discuss how youth participation can become more meaningful and influential in global decision-making.
A limited number of selected young people will receive funding support to attend the event in person.
Opportunity at a Glance
Programme: UN Youth Townhall 2026
Organiser: United Nations Youth Office
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
Dates: 8–10 December 2026
Format: In-person global youth convening
Funding: Limited funded participation available for selected applicants
Age range for funded applicants: 18–35 years
Deadline: 7 September 2026, 11:59 PM ET
What Is the UN Youth Townhall?
The UN Youth Townhall is a new global platform created to strengthen meaningful youth participation within the United Nations system and beyond.
The first edition will bring together more than 1,000 participants in Heidelberg.
The aim is not simply to hold another international youth conference.
The Townhall is intended to create stronger connections between young people and decision-makers, reduce fragmentation across the youth-development space and turn dialogue into practical commitments and collaboration.
The event is anchored in the UN Youth Compass, the UN Youth Office's flagship initiative focused on strengthening meaningful youth participation.
Who Can Apply for Funded Participation?
The current funded-participation call is aimed at young people aged 18–35.
Applicants should be engaged in youth-related work or initiatives at grassroots, local, national, regional or global level.
Current promotional information also indicates that applicants should be comfortable participating in English.
This may include young people involved in areas such as:
- Youth-led organisations and movements
- Community development
- Advocacy
- Climate action
- Peacebuilding
- Education
- Technology
- Human rights
- Entrepreneurship
- Research and innovation
- Public policy
The Townhall is also specifically seeking broad geographic representation and participation from communities that are often underrepresented in international policy spaces.
What Will Happen at the Townhall?
The programme will combine larger sessions with more interactive formats.
These are expected to include:
- Fireside chats
- Roundtable discussions
- Small-group conversations
- Intergenerational dialogue
- Partner-led sessions
- Networking and collaboration opportunities
The focus is on building relationships between young people and decision-makers while also giving organisations and participants opportunities to showcase their work and connect with others.
Is It Fully Funded?
The United Nations Youth Office says that a limited number of funding opportunities are available for young people through the open call.
That means:
“Funded participation available for selected young applicants
What Is the UN Looking For?
The Townhall is designed for young people who are already contributing to their communities or wider youth agenda.
So your application should show more than:
“I am passionate about youth development.”
Explain what you actually do.
What project have you worked on?
What problem have you tried to solve?
Who have you worked with?
What have you learned?
What would you contribute to conversations at the Townhall?
Specific examples usually say much more than broad motivational language.
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Townhall is meant to create a recurring platform for youth participation rather than a one-off event.
The UN Youth Office says it wants the gathering to help build partnerships, strengthen collaboration and create actionable commitments around youth priorities.
So if you are already active in youth leadership, policy, advocacy, innovation or community development, this could give you access to a much broader international network.
But go there with something to contribute.
Not just something to collect for LinkedIn.
How to Apply
Applications for funded participation are currently open.
Deadline: 7 September 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
You can use this application form:
Apply for the UN Youth Townhall 2026
For the official programme page and application guidance:
UN Youth Townhall — Official UN Youth Office Page
The UN Youth Office also notes that, because it expects a high volume of applications, only successful funded applicants may be contacted.
Final Word
If you are between 18 and 35 and already contributing to youth-focused work, this is worth considering.
The opportunity gives selected young people the chance to participate in a major United Nations youth platform and engage directly with people working across government, civil society, international organisations, research and the private sector.
Just remember one thing:
This is not “everyone who applies gets a free trip to Germany.”
Funding is limited.
So make your application specific, evidence-based and clear about the work you have already done and the perspective you would bring.
Deadline: 7 September 2026, 11:59 PM ET.
— BityTech Scholarship Hub
Opportunities Today. Impact Tomorrow.
Disclaimer: BityTech Scholarship Hub is an independent opportunity-information platform. BityTech does not organise or administer the UN Youth Townhall and is not affiliated with the United Nations Youth Office. Applicants should verify current details through the official UN Youth Office page before applying.