The Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship (AYNF) is a groundbreaking pan-African initiative that builds the capacity of young climate leaders across the continent. Now entering its fourth cohort, the fellowship serves as a transformative leadership and technical training program, preparing African youth to play a central role in international climate diplomacy and governance—especially within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Established by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), AYNF is a direct response to the urgent need for inclusive climate representation and informed youth participation in decision-making spaces. The program offers young Africans the tools, knowledge, and mentorship required to shape climate policy and effectively advocate for the continent’s priorities at national, regional, and international levels.
The fourth cohort of the AYNF is being organized in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ghana, UNICEF Ghana, and the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN). This cohort has been designed with a refined structure and more dynamic delivery format to ensure both accessibility and depth of learning. The training is divided into two distinct but interconnected phases over the course of four weeks.
Phase 1 – Station 1: In-Person and Virtual Residential Training
The first phase of the fellowship is a one-week intensive residential training program held in Ghana. Participants who are unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to engage virtually. During this foundational week, fellows will participate in a series of core modules that cover:
- Climate diplomacy and multilateral processes
- Negotiation frameworks and strategy
- The structure and function of the UNFCCC system
- African regional climate policies and their global intersections
Through workshops, guest lectures, and peer-to-peer learning, fellows will develop a nuanced understanding of global climate governance and the African context within it.
Phase 2 – Station 2: Virtual Mentorship and Policy Simulation
The second phase extends over three weeks in a virtual format. During this phase, fellows will join themed working groups to dive deeper into technical areas and policy simulations. These activities are designed to sharpen their strategic thinking, negotiation skills, and alignment with African priorities ahead of COP30, set to take place in Brazil.
Participants will receive guidance from seasoned climate negotiators, policy experts, and practitioners from across Africa and the global climate space. Collaborative assignments will offer real-time experience in developing policy briefs, position papers, and intervention strategies relevant to Africa’s climate agenda.
Building a Generation of Informed African Climate Leaders
The Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship addresses a critical gap in the representation and preparedness of African youth in global climate negotiations. By bridging technical knowledge with strategic confidence, the fellowship empowers its participants to not only understand complex policy environments but also contribute meaningfully to them.
AYNF alumni have gone on to represent their countries in global climate forums, contribute to national policy frameworks, and lead innovative climate initiatives in their home countries. The program continues to build a pipeline of negotiators who are technically sound, politically aware, and committed to climate justice.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship – Cohort 4, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Aged between 15 and 35 years
- Demonstrate a strong passion for climate justice and international diplomacy
- Have experience or a demonstrated interest in national and/or international climate policy
- Be available and fully committed to both phases of the training (1-week intensive training and 3-week virtual track)
- Be proficient in English, which is the language of instruction
Application Deadline:
All applications must be submitted by July 28, 2025, at 11:59 P.M. GMT.
Please note: The fellowship is conducted entirely in English, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
The Africa Youth Negotiators Fellowship continues to stand as a flagship initiative for youth leadership in climate negotiations—cultivating a generation that not only understands the climate crisis but is equipped to influence how the world responds to it.
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