The first-ever United Nations Youth Townhall will take place in Heidelberg, Germany, from 8 to 10 December 2026. Convened by the UN Youth Office with partners. The gathering aims to bring more than 1,000 participants together. Young people, governments, UN representatives, civil society, researchers, the private sector and others.
A limited number of young people aged 18–35 will receive support to attend in person. Preference goes to those active in grassroots organisations who have little or no prior experience with the United Nations.
UN Youth Townhall Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | United Nations Youth Townhall 2026 |
| Organiser | United Nations Youth Office |
| Dates | 8–10 December 2026 |
| Location | Heidelberg, Germany |
| Expected participants | Over 1,000 |
| Age range | 18–35 years |
| Support | Limited number of sponsored places for selected youth |
| Deadline | 7 September 2026 (midnight ET) |
| Application | Online form (approx. 30–45 minutes) |
Purpose of the Townhall
The event responds to the growing need for more inclusive and meaningful youth participation in UN decision-making. It builds on the Secretary-General’s Policy Brief on Meaningful Youth Engagement and forms part of the UN Youth Compass programme.
The Townhall is designed to move beyond networking and speeches. Participants will work toward concrete recommendations, partnerships and actionable steps on meaningful youth involvement across the UN’s pillars of sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights.
Also See: UK Government Defra Fellowship 2027/28 (£44,500 Salary)
What to Expect
The programme centres on intergenerational dialogue and co-creation. Formats are expected to include:
- Roundtables
- Fireside chats
- Small-group discussions
- Direct interactions between young people and decision-makers
Discussions will explore thematic issues such as education and future-ready skills, AI and technology, mental health and well-being, and socioeconomic opportunities.
Who Should Apply
Eligibility focuses on young people who:
- Are between 18 and 35 years old at the time of the event
- Are engaged in grassroots, local, national, regional or global youth-led initiatives, projects, groups, movements or organisations
- Are comfortable participating in English
Preference is given to applicants with limited or no prior engagement with the United Nations. Selection will also consider geographical representation, gender balance, and the inclusion of youth from marginalised and underrepresented groups.
Current UN staff or those under contract with the United Nations cannot be sponsored.
Support Available
The UN Youth Office will support a limited number of selected young people to participate in person. Details of what the support covers (such as travel or other costs) are provided in the official application guidance. Applicants should review that document carefully.
Application Process
The online application takes approximately 30–45 minutes. Candidates should be prepared to provide:
- Personal details, nationality and place of residence
- Whether they are applying on behalf of a youth-led organisation, a youth-serving organisation, or as an individual
- Description of their organisation or community involvement (if applicable)
- Confirmation of working knowledge of English
- Any interpretation, accessibility or reasonable accommodation needs
- Any relevant safety requirements
Applicants are advised to read the official UN application guidance before starting the form. The process is not a standard conference registration.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 7 September 2026 (midnight ET)
- Notification: Successful applicants only (if no response by 8 October 2026, assume unsuccessful)
- Event dates: 8–10 December 2026
How to Apply
Submit the official online application form through the United Nations Youth Office channels. Review the application guidance and the main Townhall page before applying.
Official information and the application link are available at:
https://www.un.org/youthaffairs/en/youth-townhall
Key Takeaways
- First UN Youth Townhall, 8–10 December 2026 in Heidelberg, Germany
- Limited number of sponsored places for young people aged 18–35
- Strong preference for grassroots participants with little or no prior UN experience
- Focus on meaningful dialogue, recommendations and intergenerational collaboration
- Application deadline: 7 September 2026 (midnight ET)
- Online form takes 30–45 minutes; read the official guidance first
- Selection prioritises diversity, geography, gender balance and underrepresented voices
- Current UN contractors are not eligible for sponsorship