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 2025 Australia Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue (APYCD).
This fully-funded event will take place from 27-29 October in Canberra, Australia.
Applications have now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied. Our team is now carefully reviewing the high volume of submissions we received. We kindly ask for your patience as we ensure each application receives the attention it deserves.
What’s the Australia Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue?
In October 2025, UNICEF Australia and UNICEF Pacific, The Australian National University’s Department of Pacific Affairs and Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions, together with Western Sydney University’s Young and Resilient Research Centre are hosting the Australia Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue.
The Dialogue is a flagship 3-day gathering in Canberra that brings together youth climate leaders from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific to strengthen relationships, discuss a common agenda, engage with decision-makers, and share knowledge/skills ahead of COP30 in Brazil and a potential COP31 hosted by Australia in partnership with the Pacific.
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 harm, solutions and leadership.
The Dialogue is supported by the Bridging Hope Charity Foundation, whose primary focus on the arts and mental health reflects a deep commitment to youth empowerment and wellbeing. By fostering creativity and resilience through cultural engagement, their mission aligns closely with our shared vision of a more inclusive and sustainable future for the next generation across our region.
Why this Dialogue matters
Young people (under 25) make up one-third of Australia's population and half of Pacific’s (under 35). 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 the national and multilateral levels. The Dialogue seeks to address this challenge.
What will happen at the Australia Pacific Youth Climate Dialogue?
Co-designed by a Youth Steering Committee (YSC) comprised of leaders from across the region and experts from the partner institutions, the Dialogue will combine a mix of peer-to-peer learning, professional masterclasses, agenda-building, and advocacy with key climate decision-makers.
It will also be an opportunity for participants to learn about each other’s contexts, cultures, and priorities, to deepen peer relationships, and have substantive conversations with key stakeholders. Themes and activities of the Dialogue will be based on survey feedback from participants and the co-design process.
Critically, it is envisaged that the Dialogue will lay the foundation for an agenda and roadmap of cross-national youth-led climate action into 2026 and beyond.
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 COP30 and a potential COP31 in the region.
The Dialogue will take place from Monday, 27 October to Wednesday, 29 October in Canberra, Australia.
In preparation for the Dialogue, participants must attend the popular online ICEDS Climate Essentials professional short course, tailored for APYCD at no cost. Course dates will be 6 x 1.5 hour sessions at scheduled days/times between 29 September and 19 October (3-week period), with a specific course program and Zoom meeting details provided closer to the time. More details on the short course can be found here.
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 (as of 18 August 2025) with a valid passport (past June 2026)
- Youth residents in Australia, New Zealand and countries/territories of Pacific**
Key Dates
- Applications open on Wednesday, 20 August, 2025
- Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 7 September, 2025
- Applicants will be notified of outcomes by 19 September, 2025
The Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed with representation from UNICEF Australia, UNICEF Pacific, Western Sydney University and The Australian National University staff. Each application will be assessed; shortlisted applicants may undergo referee checks.
Have any questions?
Reach out to us at youth@unicef.org.au
* All applicants will need to have a valid passport to apply for the Dialogue, as passport costs will not be covered.
** Per the Pacific Community (SPC), the Oceanic Pacific region is composed of these 24 countries and territories: American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna.