Applications open for the African Youth Negotiators Fellowship Programme
Applications are currently open for the 2024 African Youth Negotiators Fellowship Programme, organized by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO). This Fellowship serves as a capacity-building initiative aimed at equipping young individuals with the essential knowledge and skills required for effective participation in climate governance, diplomacy, and negotiations, particularly within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Since its launch in 2022, the African Youth Negotiators Fellowship Programme has offered participants a thorough understanding of the UNFCCC process and valuable insights into the critical negotiation tracks that influence the outcomes of the Conference of the Parties (COP). Each year, the program convenes a diverse cohort of young individuals from various sectors, including government, civil society, academia, and underrepresented communities, training them to engage meaningfully with the UNFCCC process.
Eligibility Criteria – African Youth Negotiators Fellowship Programme
To qualify for the African Youth Negotiators Fellowship Programme, applicants must:
– Be 35 years of age or younger.
– Exhibit a strong commitment to addressing climate change.
– Possess experience or a keen interest in both international and national climate policies.
– Be available to fully participate in the 4-week training program.
Benefits – African Youth Negotiators Fellowship Programme
The African Youth Negotiators Fellowship Programme is designed to empower participants to:
– Grasp the historical context, governance structures, and institutional frameworks related to climate change, along with the roles of key stakeholders.
– Acknowledge the significance of national delegations and the vital contribution of youth in climate negotiations.
– Promote active youth engagement in policy development, negotiation, and the execution of COP outcomes at the national level.
– Acquire expertise in key mechanisms within the UNFCCC, such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate finance, technology, and transparency frameworks.
– Summarize the results of annual UNFCCC conferences, including COP, CMP, and CMA.
– Comprehend the process and implications of ratifying UNFCCC treaties within national contexts.
– Engage actively in COP negotiations with an enhanced understanding of the negotiation process.
Time Commitment – African Youth Negotiators Fellowship Programme
The African Youth Negotiators Fellowship Programme spans 4 weeks:
- 1 week of in-person sessions.
- 3 weeks of online training.
