Apply Now for Cohort 4 of the Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship (AYNF)
Young Africans can acquire the technical know-how, strategic perspectives, and diplomatic abilities necessary to actively influence national and international climate negotiations through the AYNF Fellowship.
AYNF Fellows are influencing the future of climate governance, whether they are advising government delegations, co-authoring influential policy briefs, or taking part in closed-door sessions at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP).
The Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship, now in its fourth edition, has evolved into a continental leadership program aimed at giving up-and-coming African climate advocates the means to impact decision-making at all levels, from UNFCCC negotiations to national policies.
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.
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
Benefits
- 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
Application Deadline: July 28, 2025, by 11:59 PM GMT
Click here to apply
