Arab Youth Center Global Youth Water Envoys Programme 2026 (Fully Funded) | Apply Now

Young leaders passionate about water security, climate action, sustainability, and global development are invited to apply for the Global Youth Water Envoys Programme (GYWEP) 2026, an international leadership initiative established in preparation for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.

Launched by the Arab Youth Center (AYC) in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with support from the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and in collaboration with Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) and WaterAid, the programme aims to equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and global platform needed to contribute to international water policy and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

The programme will select 100 young leaders from around the world to receive specialized training, mentorship, and the opportunity to actively participate in the 2026 UN Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Senegal in Abu Dhabi from 8–10 December 2026.

Programme: Global Youth Water Envoys Programme (GYWEP) 2026

Host Organization: Arab Youth Center (AYC)

Category: Leadership | Climate Action | Water Governance | Sustainability

Programme Type: Global Leadership & Capacity Building Programme

Location: Global (with participation in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, subject to programme arrangements)

Eligible Countries: Worldwide

Number of Participants: 100 Young Leaders

Programme Period: September – December 2026

Weekly Commitment: Approximately 3–4 hours

Application Deadline: 13 August 2026

The Global Youth Water Envoys Programme (GYWEP) is a capacity-building and leadership engagement initiative created to prepare young leaders to contribute meaningfully to the 2026 UN Water Conference, the first United Nations conference dedicated to implementing Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Through the programme, selected participants will deepen their understanding of global water challenges while building expertise in water governance, sustainability, climate resilience, innovation, and public policy.

Participants will specialize in one of the six Interactive Dialogue tracks linked to the UN Water Conference before taking an active role during the conference, where they will engage directly with government delegations, international organizations, policymakers, and technical experts working on global water issues.

Selected participants will receive:

• Capacity-building training on global water governance and SDG 6.
• Mentorship from experienced professionals and international experts.
• The opportunity to participate in the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi (subject to programme arrangements).
• Specialization in one of the conference's Interactive Dialogue tracks.
• The opportunity to contribute to the Global Youth Water Statement.
• Networking opportunities with government representatives, policymakers, international organizations, and water sector experts.
• Membership in the Global Youth Water Envoys alumni network.
• Exposure to international discussions on water security, sustainability, and climate action.

Applicants must:

• Be 18–35 years old at the time of application.
• Be from any country worldwide.
• Demonstrate working proficiency in English, which is the programme's official working language.
• Have an interest or relevant experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Water governance
• Public policy
• Climate action
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Finance
• Other water-related fields
• Be willing to commit approximately 3–4 hours per week throughout the active programme period between September and December 2026.

All applications must be completed in English.

The programme runs from September to December 2026 and combines leadership development with practical engagement in global water policy.

Selected envoys will:

• Build expertise in water issues and Sustainable Development Goal 6.
• Participate in specialized learning and mentorship activities.
• Join one of six Interactive Dialogue tracks connected to the UN Water Conference.
• Engage directly with government delegations, experts, and international organizations during the conference.
• Contribute to youth-led discussions and recommendations on global water policy.

Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 3–4 hours each week during the programme.

Interested applicants should complete the official online application form in English.

Applicants are advised to provide accurate and detailed information, as their responses will serve as the basis for the selection process.

Ensure that all sections of the application form are completed before submitting your application.

The deadline to apply for the Global Youth Water Envoys Programme 2026 is:

13 August 2026