About the Forum
The Youth Climate Diplomacy Forum for Southeast Europe aims to bring together young people from countries in Southeast Europe to participate collaboratively in promoting climate diplomacy and engaging in dialogue to address the climate crisis in a region particularly vulnerable to global warming.
Climate diplomacy is a multi-level tool that can contribute to highlighting and implementing climate goals and shaping better policies. It should promote intergenerational awareness and underscore the role of youth in shaping and implementing decisions to address climate change.
The participation of young people in international networks will create new collaborations and inspire innovative actions to achieve climate goals and a sustainable future.
The YCDF includes participants from the 13 economies of Southeast Europe, who will come together to strengthen the collaboration of youth to formulate a common strategy to address the climate crisis. It will open opportunities for education and capacity-building at the national and regional levels; empower the creation of communication campaigns to enhance youth action; and raise cross-border awareness to inform the world about the climate crisis.
It provides states with the opportunity to exchange best practices for necessary environmental reforms, with an emphasis on the Western Balkans region, aiming for their integration into the European Union. The Forum aims to create a space for cooperation with the Regional Cooperation Council within the framework of the SEE 2030 Strategy.
The Forum operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the UNESCO Chair for Climate Diplomacy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
The Forum at a Glance
-
13 Economies in Southeast Europe
The Forum brings together young people from the 13 economies of Southeast Europe, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Turkey.
-
Annual Conference
The conference will take place annually, in a different country each year. The 2024 edition took place in Greece.
-
A Focus on Youth
The Youth Climate Diplomacy Forum puts the spotlight on the collaboration of youth to formulate a common strategy to address the climate crisis. It brings together youth experts and youth leaders on climate action, aged 18-35, from the economies mentioned.
-
Presence of International & European Bodies
Significant international and European bodies participate in and are present at the Youth Climate Diplomacy Forum for Southeast Europe including the Council of Europe, the European Union, the United Nations, and more.
Who can become a Member?
-
Climate action experts aged 18-35
To be eligible to participate, applicants must fall within the age range of 18-35 years of age at the time of the event.
-
Expertise in climate action
Participants must be a youth expert or a youth leader on climate action, with relevant experience and/or credetials.
-
Originate or be a citizen of an SEE economy
Participants must originate from or be citizens of any of the following economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey.
-
Have support of a Governmental Institution/NGO/ University
You must be backed or supported by a recognised Governmental Institution, NGO, or University in order to take part.
Tasks and responsibilities for participants of a Youth Forum:
The tasks and responsibilities for participats in the Youth Forum include:
Committing to a two-year apprenticeship
Attending monthly online meetings with the national board to discuss progress, issues, and initiatives.
Ensuring active participation and contribution to discussions during the monthly meetings.
Preparing and presenting updates on individual or group projects during the monthly meetings.
Collaborating with other forum members to design and implement cross-border awareness campaigns on climate change.
Contributing ideas and strategies for effective campaign execution, targeting diverse audiences across borders.
Taking part in the planning and organization of the annual conference, including proposing topics, speakers, and activities.
Actively participating in the annual conference by attending sessions, workshops, and networking events.
Sharing insights and experiences gained from the annual conference with fellow forum members and the national board.
Preparing and presenting the annual plan and report from the national board to the transnational board.
Ensuring that the annual plan aligns with the goals and objectives of the Youth Forum and addresses key priorities identified by the transnational board.
Providing comprehensive updates on the progress, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned during the implementation of the annual plan.
Collaborating with the transnational board to address any issues or concerns raised during the presentation of the annual report.
Want to become a Youth Climate Diplomacy Leader for Southeast Europe?
Join us today by filling in the form below. Someone will be in touch with you shortly with the status of your application.