What happens when young people are not only invited to the conversation but given a seat at the table. That is the idea behind the 2026 United Nations (UN) Youth Townhall, and applications are now open for young people who want to help shape conversations about the future of youth and global cooperation.
The first-ever UN Youth Townhall will take place in Heidelberg, Germany, from 8,10 December 2026, bringing together more than 1,000 participants from different backgrounds and regions. Think of it as a bridge connecting young people, governments, the United Nations, civil society, businesses, researchers and other stakeholders who are working toward a better future.
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What Is the UN Youth Townhall
Convened by the United Nations Youth Office together with its partners, the Townhall is designed to turn conversation into meaningful action.
Why does that matter
Young people around the world are already leading community projects, advocating for change, building businesses, conducting research and volunteering. Yet, many still struggle to have their voices heard in the rooms where important decisions are made.
The Youth Townhall aims to help change that.
The event will focus on three major priorities: building a collective path forward, strengthening inclusion and diversity, and reducing fragmentation across the global youth ecosystem.
In simple terms, it is about bringing people to the same table, opening the door wider and finding ways to work together rather than working in separate corners.
Who Will Participate
More than 1,000 people are expected to attend, including young leaders and representatives of youth-led organisations and movements.
Participants will also include:
- Government representatives
- UN representatives
- Civil society organisations
- Entrepreneurs and innovators
- Researchers and academics
- Philanthropic organisations
- Private-sector representatives
- Public-sector leaders
The organisers are seeking broad geographical representation and gender balance, while placing particular emphasis on young people and communities that are often underrepresented in international decision-making.
What Will Selected Participants Do
Selected participants are expected to take an active role—not simply attend and listen.
Participants will:
- Take part in all sessions of the Youth Townhall from 8, 10 December 2026.
- Participate in preparatory meetings and experience-sharing opportunities.
- Engage meaningfully and safely throughout the event.
- Commit to follow-up actions at the local or national level after the Townhall.
The goal is to ensure that the event does not end when participants leave Heidelberg. Instead, the conversations can become seeds planted in communities around the world.
Who Is Eligible
Young people applying should:
- Be 18, 35 years old at the time of the event.
- Be involved in grassroots, local, national, regional or global youth-led initiatives, projects, groups, movements or organisations.
- Be comfortable communicating in English.
- Be available to participate throughout the event and preparatory meetings.
Benefits Are Available
For selected participants, the opportunity comes with substantial support.
Benefits include:
- Round-trip travel from the country of residence to the event venue and back.
- Terminal expenses based on fixed UN rates.
- Daily subsistence allowance based on applicable UN rates.
- Reimbursement of visa fees after completion of travel, subject to receipt requirements.
- Reasonable accommodation support for young persons with disabilities.
- An invitation letter to assist with visa-related processes.
- Information on safe participation in UN conferences and meetings.
- Preparatory materials and relevant reading resources before the event.
How Will Participants Be Selected
Selection will be conducted by the UN Youth Office, with support from online volunteers and the Youth Advisory Group to the UN Youth Townhall. The process will consider factors such as geographical representation, gender balance and the inclusion of young people from underrepresented and marginalised communities.
Applicants should demonstrate genuine motivation to participate in the Townhall, preparation sessions and follow-up activities. Experience with grassroots organisations, networks or volunteer activities related to sustainable development, human rights, peace and security can also strengthen an application.
Experience in youth leadership, youth-led advocacy and intergenerational collaboration will also be considered.
Why Should You Apply
Sometimes, opportunities arrive like open doors. The real question is whether you are prepared to walk through them.
If you are a young leader already making an impact in your community, this could be more than a trip to Germany. It could be an opportunity to meet people tackling similar challenges, exchange ideas and contribute your perspective to an international conversation.
The 2026 UN Youth Townhall is designed to connect voices that are too often separated by geography, institutions and generations. If your work, ideas and experiences can contribute to that conversation, consider preparing your application carefully and applying before the deadline stated in the official application information.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the UN Youth Office at: youthparticipation@un.org.
2026 United Nations Youth Townhall in Germany
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the United Nations (UN) Youth Townhall