Are you 18 to 30 years old and want to learn about environmental peacebuilding? Do you want to develop and implement an action to address environmental issues in an intercommunal team? Then this your opportunity to become part of the inspiring network of the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace! 

About the UN Youth Champion for Environment programme

The UN in Cyprus and the British Council, through its regional Youth Connect programme, are pleased to offer for the fourth time the UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace programme that will focus on environmental peacebuilding and implementing joint actions to address common environmental concerns.

The programme will include a 2-weekend long immersive workshop on 5, 6, 12 and 13 October 2024 that will equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to develop their own environmental peacebuilding actions in teams. The environmental actions need to be implemented by February 2025.

The programme is taking place at a time where climate action – the defining issue of our time - is more urgent than ever, with the effects of climate change increasingly exacerbating insecurity and inequality around the world. Acting together globally and locally is both challenging and vital in the face of conflict. Considering that youth are at extreme high risk from the impacts of climate change, the programme aims to nurture young environmental and peace activists in Cyprus to demand and contribute to change for a more peaceful future without inequalities.

We seek to engage dynamic young people from all communities living on the island to undertake an exciting learning and collaborative journey with us. Together with experts, trainers, environmental, peacebuilding and youth activists from Cyprus and abroad, participants will learn about environmental peacebuilding, get to know other participants, and create teams to work together on environmental actions which are relevant to you.

The programme is specifically designed to engage and empower young people in Cyprus to take an active role in peacebuilding to foster dialogue, build trust and promote joint actions by addressing common environmental concerns. By the end of the programme, participants will become connected with local and international organisations, activists and the inspiring network of Youth Champions.  

The deadline for applications is 24 September. Participation is free.

Eligibility criteria: 

• Aged 18-30, from any community living in Cyprus  

A strong desire to make a significant contribution towards a peaceful and sustainable future on the island 

• An interest in the environment and peace and becoming active in these issues
• Commitment and motivation to actively participate throughout the workshop (5,6,12 and 13 October 2024) and implement an environmental action as part of a team

• Very good knowledge of English  
• A wish to develop interpersonal relations with participants from all communities living in Cyprus and to work together for a common cause 
• A desire to find out more about the work of the UN and the British Council related to youth action on climate crisis and what the UN does in Cyprus  

The call is open only to people that did not benefit from previous UN Youth Champions programmes. 

No previous experience in environmental peacebuilding and activism is required. 

We strive for gender diversity and equal representation among youth from all communities living in Cyprus.

Accommodation in Nicosia during the two-weekend long workshop of the programme will be available based on demand for those unable to commute to Nicosia. Please note that limited spots are available.

Participation is contingent to your ability to enter the UN buffer zone in Nicosia, as all activities will be held at Ledra Palace Hotel. Please note that the respective sides have the authority over entry from the crossing points, and not the UN. Please ensure you have the required documentation to enter the buffer zone.

What to expect:  

Workshop

A full-day-long, in person workshop, in the Buffer Zone in Nicosia that will focus on joint learning. It will include taught sessions, discussions and workshops with experts from the UN and UN agencies in Cyprus and abroad, the British Council, young climate and peacebuilding activists from Cyprus and abroad, and group work. In the group work sessions, you will get to know more closely the other participants, form teams and work together to develop environmental actions with the support of our team and environmental organizations from across the island.

Implementation of environmental actions

After the workshop you’ll be expected to finalize your project idea and submit a simple form. Each team will receive a small grant to implement its actions by February 2025 with the support of our team and environmental organizations. The actions will need to reach people across the divide and can take place throughout Cyprus.

Participation during all days of the programme is necessary.

Certificates of participation to those that will attend all days of the programme will be provided. 

Please note that being part of the Youth Champions initiative does not imply a full-time role nor any form of employment by the UN and British Council. Participation in the initiative is honorary, nonremunerated (no UN emoluments nor entitlements) and does not entail speaking on behalf of the UN or UNFICYP, nor UN privileges and immunities for participants. 

How to apply: 

Fill in the application form by clicking here by Tuesday, 24 September 2024. 

Applicants may be contacted to provide further information. We aim to notify successful applicants by 27 September 2024. Selected participants will receive a detailed programme for the two-weekend workshop.

For any queries, please contact us at unficyp-youthchampions@un.org.  

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by the individuals or group designated as UN Youth Champions for Environment and Peace are expressed in their personal capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of the United Nations, UNFICYP and the British Council their officials or personnel.