The UNESCO 3rd Global MAB Youth Forum 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded international gathering organized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. It brings together up to 200 young leaders from around the world to strengthen youth involvement in biosphere reserves, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable development.
Hosted in the beautiful Po Delta Biosphere Reserve (Rosolina Mare, Italy), this in-person event runs from 18 to 22 May 2026. Under the inspiring theme “Committed to the Future We Want”, it builds on previous forums (2017 and 2019) and aligns with the Hangzhou Strategic Action Plan (2026–2035). The forum views biosphere reserves as unique “living labs” where people and nature thrive together—balancing human well-being with environmental protection, unlike strict no-entry protected areas.
This is a transformative opportunity to network, share youth-led innovations, develop action plans, build leadership skills, and influence MAB governance for greater youth inclusion.
Key Details
- Organized by: UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme
- Location: Rosolina Mare, Po Delta Biosphere Reserve, Italy
- Dates: 18–22 May 2026 (5 days)
- Participants: Up to 200 young people
- Format: Fully in-person
- Coverage: Fully funded — no application fee; includes accommodation, meals, and limited travel support/expenses (priority for those in need)
- Eligible nationalities: All nationalities worldwide
- Theme: Committed to the Future We Want
Financial & Support Benefits
UNESCO covers:
- Accommodation during the event
- Meals
- Partial or full travel expenses (limited support available, often prioritized based on need/geography)
This makes participation accessible regardless of financial background.
Objectives
- Expand and strengthen the global MAB Youth Network in line with the Hangzhou Action Plan (2026–2035)
- Develop concrete local and international action plans based on Youth Mapping Survey insights
- Share and celebrate youth-led successes in sustainability, biodiversity, and biosphere reserve initiatives
- Enhance leadership capacities and foster global collaboration among young changemakers
- Create recommendations for permanent youth roles in MAB decision-making and governance
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18–35 years old
- Active connection to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (BR), such as:
- Living or working in a BR
- Studying or conducting research related to a BR
- Volunteering, supporting, or sponsoring BR-related projects/initiatives
- Passion for biodiversity, climate change solutions, and sustainable development
- Two application pathways:
- National MAB Youth Focal Points (official designated representatives from countries)
- Open Call for MAB Youth Participants (competitive selection based on merit, geographical balance, gender parity, and relevance)
Application Deadline
23 March 2026 at 23:59 CET (Central European Time). Apply early—selection is competitive!
How to Apply
- Visit the official UNESCO Indico event page: https://indico.un.org/event/1022458/
- Choose the appropriate pathway:
- Expression of Interest – MAB Youth Participants (Open Call): For general applicants → https://indico.un.org/event/1022458/registrations/25065/
- Expression of Interest – National MAB Youth Focal Points: For official reps → https://indico.un.org/event/1022458/registrations/25066/
- Submit your online expression of interest (may include personal details, motivation, BR connection proof, and supporting documents).
- For questions, contact the MAB Secretariat: mab@unesco.org
Selected participants will be notified after review. This forum is a powerful platform to contribute to global sustainability—don’t miss your chance to represent youth voices in UNESCO’s MAB network!
For the latest official details: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/3rd-global-mab-youth-forum-2026-committed-future-we-want or the Indico registration site.
