The African Youth Negotiators Fellowship (AYNF) is a transformative, pan-African capacity-building initiative designed to equip young climate leaders from across the continent with the technical knowledge, negotiation skills, and strategic confidence necessary to engage meaningfully in global climate governance processes, particularly within the UNFCCC system. Now in its 5th cohort, AYNF has evolved into a continental leadership program dedicated to building a strong, inclusive pipeline of African Youth Negotiators who shape climate policy at national, regional, and international levels.

This cohort of the fellowship, organized by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Ghana and Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN), will be delivered in 3 distinct phases:

• Phase 1: Applicants complete a required foundational online learning process through the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal, beginning with Climate Science 101, and upload a certificate of completion as part of the application process. Selected applicants may then be required to complete an additional course, quiz, or assignment as they proceed through the next stage of selection and onboarding.
• Phase 2: An intensive one-week hybrid training in Ghana featuring advanced negotiation sessions, policy writing, simulations, and practical exercises. negotiation frameworks, the UNFCCC architecture, and regional policy intersections.
• Phase 3: A deep-dive mentorship, thematic negotiation labs, policy brief development, and coordinated pre-, during-, and post-COP31 engagement activities.

The fellowship addresses the urgent need to elevate African youth voices in decision-making spaces by strengthening their technical preparedness, policy literacy, and leadership visibility in multilateral processes.

Mandatory Pre-Application Requirement

Before completing this application, all applicants must complete the Climate Science 101 course on the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal (GCLP) and obtain the certificate of completion. As part of this application, applicants must upload their Climate Science 101 certificate. You cannot complete this registration without the certificate from Climate Science 101. 

Applicants who are shortlisted or progress to the next stage will receive instructions to complete an additional learning requirement before final onboarding into the cohort.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a citizen of an African country, aged 15–35
• Demonstrate a strong passion for climate justice and diplomacy.
• Have experience or interest in international and/or national climate policies.
• Successfully complete at least 1 courses and obtain the corresponding certificates on the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal. 
• Be able to commit fully to all 3 phases of the training.
• Proficiency in English (language of instruction)

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. GMT

Note: This program is delivered in English only. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

For enquiries, contact: aynf@greenafricayouth.org

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