Re-Earth Initiative Climate Policy Fellowship 2026: Empowering Indigenous Youth in Global Climate Negotiations
Applications open 2–16 March 2026 for the Re-Earth Initiative Climate Policy Fellowship for Indigenous Youth. A year-long programme supporting Indigenous youth engagement in UNFCCC climate negotiations.
The Re-Earth Initiative has announced the launch of its 2026 Climate Policy Fellowship for Indigenous Youth, a year-long capacity-building and policy engagement programme designed to strengthen Indigenous youth participation in international climate negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
This fellowship seeks to address a long-standing gap in global climate governance: the underrepresentation of Indigenous youth voices in high-level decision-making processes that directly affect their lands, cultures, and futures.
Applications for the 2026 cohort open on 2 March 2026 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 16 March 2026.
Programme Overview
The Climate Policy Fellowship is structured as a comprehensive one-year engagement that blends:
- Policy education and negotiation training
- Capacity-building workshops
- Virtual coordination meetings
- Direct participation in UN climate negotiations
The fellowship is specifically designed to prepare Indigenous youth to engage meaningfully and strategically within the UNFCCC framework. Rather than serving as observers, selected fellows are supported to actively participate in negotiation tracks and policy discussions.
Purpose and Vision
Re-Earth Initiative positions this fellowship as both an educational and political intervention. The programme recognises that Indigenous Peoples are often at the frontlines of climate change impacts while also holding critical knowledge systems related to biodiversity protection, land stewardship, and climate resilience.
By investing in Indigenous youth leadership, the fellowship aims to:
- Strengthen Indigenous representation in international climate policy
- Support climate justice advocacy grounded in lived experience
- Build long-term negotiation capacity within Indigenous communities
- Ensure intergenerational continuity in climate leadership
The initiative reflects a broader commitment to equity, environmental justice, and the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty in climate governance.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship is open to Indigenous youth aged 18 to 30 at the time of application.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A meaningful connection and accountability to their People, Nation, or community
- Active engagement in climate justice, Indigenous rights, territorial defense, policy, or related work
- A clear motivation to participate in international climate negotiations
Importantly, Indigenous identity is understood through self-identification and community belonging. No formal documentation is required, reinforcing an inclusive and community-based understanding of identity.
Thematic Negotiation Tracks
As part of the application process, candidates must indicate their preferred thematic focus. The 2026 cohort will engage in the following negotiation tracks:
- Mitigation
- Article 6 (carbon markets and cooperative approaches)
- Climate adaptation
- Climate finance
Each thematic area plays a critical role within UNFCCC processes, and fellows will receive targeted preparation aligned with their selected focus.
Fellowship Commitments
Selected fellows are expected to demonstrate consistent participation throughout the programme.
Mandatory commitments include:
- Regular virtual trainings and coordination meetings
- Active engagement in policy preparation sessions
- Participation in SB 64 (June 2026)
- Participation in COP 31 (November 2026)
These international gatherings are central to global climate negotiations and provide fellows with direct exposure to diplomatic processes, policy drafting, and multilateral engagement.
Attendance and active contribution are considered core responsibilities of the fellowship.
Application Requirements
Applicants will be required to complete an official application form once it opens. The form will request:
- Details of relevant experience in climate justice, Indigenous rights, or policy work
- A statement of motivation explaining why the applicant seeks to engage in international climate negotiations
- Selection of a preferred thematic negotiation track
Additionally, candidates must submit a letter of recommendation from a community, movement, or organizational reference.
Key details regarding the letter:
- Maximum of two pages
- PDF format
- Must be emailed as indicated
- Deadline for submission: 21 March 2026
The recommendation letter is intended to affirm the applicant’s accountability to their community and leadership potential.
Application Timeline
- Applications open: 2 March 2026
- Rolling review begins immediately
- Applications close: 16 March 2026
- Recommendation letter deadline: 21 March 2026
Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission may strengthen consideration.
Why This Fellowship Matters
International climate negotiations significantly influence global funding flows, emissions reduction commitments, and adaptation frameworks. However, Indigenous communities are often excluded from direct decision-making power.
The Re-Earth Initiative Climate Policy Fellowship seeks to disrupt this imbalance by equipping Indigenous youth with:
- Technical knowledge of UNFCCC processes
- Strategic negotiation skills
- Policy drafting competencies
- International advocacy exposure
The fellowship also reinforces the role of Indigenous knowledge systems in shaping climate solutions, moving beyond tokenistic representation toward substantive participation.
Contact Information
For questions regarding eligibility, application requirements, or the submission process, applicants may contact:
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Climate Policy Fellowship for Indigenous Youth represents a strategic opportunity for emerging Indigenous leaders committed to climate justice and global policy transformation.
By combining year-long training with direct participation in SB 64 and COP 31, the programme offers a rare platform for Indigenous youth to influence climate negotiations at the highest level.
For eligible candidates seeking to amplify their community’s voice within international climate governance, this fellowship offers both the training and institutional support necessary to do so.
APPLY HERE
