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We’re looking for young people from across Australia and the Pacific who are passionate about climate change and leading climate solutions to join the conversation at the 2026 Pre-COP31 Australia and Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue (APYCD).  

This fully-funded event will take place from 1-3 October in Nadi, Fiji.   

Australian and New Zealand residents apply here Pacific residents apply here

What’s the Pre-COP31 Australia and Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue?

In October 2026, young climate leaders from across Australia, the Pacific and key COP partner countries will come together in Fiji for the Pre-COP31 Australia-Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue. The Dialogue aims to create a meaningful space for youth to engage in climate change issues affecting their communities, share experiences and solutions, and contribute to regional and global climate action and discussion.  

It is designed by and for young people, with participants’ ideas, experiences, and priorities shaping what governments and negotiators take into those formal meetings, all the way through to COP31.  

The Pre-COP31 APYCD is organised by UNICEF, the Government of Fiji and the Government of Australia in partnership with the Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network (PICAN) and the Pacific Youth Council (PYC).  

Young people are at the forefront of climate action and solutions, whether as campaigners, lawyers, diplomats, entrepreneurs, community leaders or first responders. 

The Dialogue is an opportunity to shape and strengthen the direction of intergenerational climate action in a region at the crossroads of climate impacts, solutions and leadership. 

Why this Dialogue matters

Young people (under 25s) make up one-third of Australia's population and half of the Pacific’s (under 35s). Children and young people are disproportionately affected by climate change and have proven to be catalysts for climate solutions. Yet young people’s voices and perspectives remain largely invisible in climate policymaking at national and multilateral levels. The Dialogue seeks to address this challenge.  

A young Pasifika man speaks during a panel discussion at the 2025 Dialogue. @UNICEF Australia/2025/Andres

What will happen at the Australia and Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue?

Selected participants will join a three-day regional dialogue in Nadi, Fiji, from 1–3 October 2026. The Dialogue will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences, develop recommendations, strengthen skills, and engage with peers and key stakeholders ahead of Pre-COP31 and COP31. 

As a participant in the Pre-COP31 APYCD you will: 

  • Share your perspectives, experiences and recommendations on climate action, helping shape key youth messages to influence Pre-COP31 and COP31 discussions. 
  • Collaborate with and learn from a diverse group of young people from across Australia, the Pacific and beyond. 
  • Build connections with youth leaders, networks and partners to strengthen collaboration and sustain engagement beyond the Dialogue. 
  • Strengthen your knowledge and skills in climate policy, advocacy, leadership and negotiation through interactive discussions and learning opportunities. 
  • Expand your networks and gain practical experience to support ongoing engagement in climate action. 
  • Engage with decision-makers, negotiators and other influential stakeholders to elevate youth priorities in regional and international climate processes 
  • Collaborate with regional and international organisations, UN agencies, civil society and other stakeholders to advance climate action with and for children and young people 
A group of young women have a discussion during an exercise at the 2025 Dialogue. © UNICEF Australia/2025/Andres

The opportunity

Attending the APYCD will be a good way to strengthen cross-regional youth networks, contribute your knowledge, learn from others and directly engage with decision makers ahead of COP31. 

The Dialogue will take place from 1-3 October in Nadi, Fiji.  

Accommodation, flights, transport, visa costs and meals will be fully covered, meaning you will have no out-of-pocket costs.   

Applications for Dialogue attendance will be highly competitive.   

Who can apply? 

Youth aged 18-29 with a valid passport (past April 2027) who are residents of Australia, New Zealand, or the Pacific.  

Australian and New Zealand residents apply here Pacific residents apply here

Key dates 

  • Applications for Pacific residents close on Sunday, 26 July 2026
  • Applications for Australian and New Zealand residents close on Thursday, 30 July 2026

The selection process  

Applications will be reviewed with representation from the Youth Steering Committee and UNICEF Australia. Each application will be assessed; shortlisted applicants may undergo referee checks.   

Have any questions? 

Reach out to us at youth@unicef.org.au