Are you a young African passionate about climate action and international diplomacy? The Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship (AYNF) is now accepting applications for its 4th Cohort—a unique opportunity to build your capacity as a future climate leader on the global stage.
About the Fellowship
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of climate diplomacy, Africa can no longer be a passive participant—especially its youth.
The AYNF Fellowship offers a transformative platform for young Africans to gain the technical knowledge, strategic insights, and diplomatic skills needed to actively shape national and international climate negotiations.
Whether it’s participating in closed-door sessions at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP), co-authoring impactful policy briefs, or advising government delegations, AYNF Fellows are not just in the room—they are shaping the future of climate governance.
Now entering its fourth edition, the Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship has become a continental leadership program dedicated to equipping emerging African climate champions with the tools to influence decision-making processes at all levels—from national policies to UNFCCC negotiations.
Program Overview
The 2025 fellowship is organized by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ghana, UNICEF Ghana, and the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN).
This edition will run in two dynamic phases over four weeks:
Phase 1 – Station 1: In-Person/Virtual Training
- Duration: 1 week
- Format: Residential (in Ghana) and Virtual option
- Content: Foundational modules on climate diplomacy, negotiation strategies, the UNFCCC system, and regional climate policy intersections.
Phase 2 – Station 2: Virtual Working Groups
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Format: Online mentorship & collaboration
- Content: Deep-dive mentorship, policy simulations, and collaborative assignments designed to align with Africa’s priorities ahead of COP30 in Brazil.
Why Join AYNF?
- Gain in-depth knowledge of international climate policy frameworks
- Receive mentorship from global climate experts
- Engage in real-world policy simulations
- Strengthen your profile as a youth negotiator and climate advocate
- Become part of a pan-African network of like-minded changemakers
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2025 cohort, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of any African country, aged 15–35
- Show a strong passion for climate justice and diplomacy
- Have a background or interest in climate policy (national or international)
- Be able to fully commit to both phases of the program
- Have proficiency in English, the primary language of instruction
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: July 28, 2025, by 11:59 PM GMT
