The IRENA Youth Forum 2027 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates could be an opportunity worth watching.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has established the Youth Forum as a platform where young people can engage in discussions about the global energy transition, share ideas, develop connections, and contribute their perspectives to international energy discussions.
The next IRENA Assembly is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 11 January 2027, with related meetings taking place on 8 January. The Youth Forum is expected to be part of the youth engagement activities surrounding the Assembly, following previous editions.
Important: At the time of writing, IRENA has not yet published the official 2027 Youth Forum application call with final eligibility requirements, benefits, application deadline, or confirmed funding details. Applicants should check the official IRENA website for the 2027 announcement before relying on information from third-party websites.
What Is the IRENA Youth Forum?
The IRENA Youth Forum is an initiative designed to bring young people into conversations surrounding renewable energy and the global energy transition.
IRENA has been organising Youth Forum activities since 2020. Previous editions have included young participants from different countries and backgrounds, with discussions covering renewable energy, innovation, policy, youth leadership, climate action, energy access, and sustainable development.
The 2026 edition, for example, brought together 140 young leaders from 62 countries and focused on youth innovation and digital solutions, including the role of artificial intelligence in renewable energy and energy access.
IRENA Youth Forum 2027 — Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Forum | IRENA Youth Forum 2027 |
| Organisation | International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) |
| Location | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Year | 2027 |
| Related event | 17th IRENA Assembly |
| Assembly dates | 9–11 January 2027 |
| Field | Renewable Energy, Climate, Sustainability, Energy Transition |
| Eligibility | 2027 requirements to be announced |
| Application deadline | Not officially announced yet |
| Funding | 2027 funding details not yet officially announced |
| Official information | IRENA website |
Why Consider the IRENA Youth Forum?
The Youth Forum can be particularly relevant for young people who are building an interest or career in renewable energy and sustainable development.
Previous IRENA Youth Forum activities have provided opportunities for participants to:
- Exchange ideas with young people from different countries
- Discuss renewable energy and the global energy transition
- Engage with experts and decision-makers
- Learn about emerging energy technologies and solutions
- Explore youth-led innovation
- Build international networks
- Share youth perspectives on energy policy
- Discuss climate and sustainable development challenges
The 2025 Youth Forum, for example, focused on empowering young leaders to contribute to a just, renewables-based energy future and included capacity building, policy discussions, financing, innovation, and networking.
Who Can Apply?
The official 2027 eligibility requirements have not yet been published.
For comparison, the official IRENA Youth Forum 2026 announcement stated that the forum was open to young people aged 18–35 and required interested applicants to complete an expression of interest form. The deadline for that edition was 30 September 2025.
However, applicants should not assume that the 2026 requirements will automatically apply to the 2027 edition.
When the 2027 call opens, applicants should carefully check:
- Age requirement
- Nationality requirements, if any
- Academic or professional background
- Interest or experience in renewable energy
- English-language requirements
- Required documents
- Application questions
- Deadline
- Selection criteria
- Travel and accommodation arrangements
Is the IRENA Youth Forum 2027 Fully Funded?
You may see the opportunity described online as “Fully Funded IRENA Youth Forum 2027.”
However, the official IRENA website has not yet published the final 2027 funding details at the time of writing.
Previous Youth Forum editions have had specific arrangements for participants, but applicants should wait for the official 2027 call before assuming that international airfare, accommodation, meals, visa costs, insurance, or other expenses will be covered.
Once IRENA publishes the 2027 application announcement, applicants should check the official funding section carefully.
How to Apply for IRENA Youth Forum 2027
The official 2027 application procedure has not yet been released.
When applications open, the process is expected to be announced through IRENA’s official Youth Forum and event pages.
Step 1: Visit the Official IRENA Youth Forum Page
Go to the official IRENA Youth Forum webpage and look for the 2027 application announcement.
Step 2: Read the Eligibility Requirements
Before starting an application, carefully check the age, nationality, experience, education, and other requirements published by IRENA.
Step 3: Prepare Your Information
Applicants may need information about their education, professional experience, youth activities, renewable-energy interests, community work, projects, or other relevant experience.
Step 4: Complete the Official Application
Submit the application through the official IRENA application system or form provided in the 2027 announcement.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
Make sure the application is submitted before the official deadline. Do not rely on deadlines published by unofficial scholarship websites unless they match the IRENA announcement.
What Should You Prepare Now?
Although the 2027 application has not been officially announced, interested applicants can start preparing.
Consider preparing:
- An updated CV
- A short professional or academic biography
- Information about your renewable-energy interests
- Details of relevant volunteer or leadership activities
- Information about climate or sustainability projects
- Examples of community involvement
- A clear explanation of why you want to participate
- A valid passport, if required later
- Academic or professional documents that may be requested
Starting early can make the application process easier once the official call is released.
Important Dates
The 17th IRENA Assembly is officially scheduled for 9–11 January 2027 in Abu Dhabi, with related meetings on 8 January 2027.
However, the IRENA Youth Forum 2027 application opening date and deadline have not yet been officially announced.
Applicants should therefore monitor the official IRENA website for updates.
Official Application and Information
For the most reliable information, always use the official IRENA website rather than unofficial application links.
Official IRENA Youth Forum page:
IRENA Youth Forum – Official Website
Official IRENA website:
International Renewable Energy Agency https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=sOvdzLvS0ESYSo5CpcBis49yaxgHrO9NtrzcCiIEhmxUOVY5VzFKTlJQMVpCMFBIVDIxQjhDTUtCUC4u&route=shorturl(IRENA)
Important: If IRENA publishes a dedicated 2027 application form, use the application link provided directly on its official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IRENA Youth Forum 2027 open for applications?
The official 2027 application call has not yet been published. The IRENA Assembly itself is confirmed for January 2027 in Abu Dhabi.
Where will the IRENA Youth Forum 2027 be held?
The related IRENA Assembly will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
What is the age limit?
The 2027 age requirement has not yet been announced. For the 2026 Youth Forum, IRENA stated that applicants should be 18–35 years old.
Do I need an IELTS certificate?
No IELTS requirement for the 2027 Youth Forum has been officially announced. Applicants should check the official 2027 call when it becomes available.
Is the IRENA Youth Forum fully funded?
The funding arrangements for the 2027 edition have not yet been officially published. Check the official IRENA announcement for the exact benefits.
Can international students apply?
The 2027 eligibility requirements have not yet been announced. Previous IRENA Youth Forum editions have involved young participants from countries around the world.
When is the deadline?
The official 2027 application deadline has not yet been announced.
Final Thoughts
The IRENA Youth Forum is an important platform for young people interested in renewable energy, climate action, innovation, and sustainable development. The upcoming 2027 IRENA Assembly is scheduled for January in Abu Dhabi, making it worthwhile for interested applicants to start preparing now.
Because the official 2027 Youth Forum application details are still pending, applicants should avoid paying anyone for an “application slot” or relying on unverified deadlines. Always check the official IRENA website for the final announcement and application instructions.
Bookmark the official IRENA Youth Forum page and check it regularly for the 2027 application announcement.