What Is AYNF
The African Youth Negotiators Fellowship strengthens Africa’s climate diplomacy capacity by equipping young leaders to engage effectively in global climate governance and translate decisions into national action. Launched by Green Africa Youth Organization, AYNF is a continental platform designed to close the climate negotiation capacity gap for African youth. It connects climate literacy, negotiation training, structured mentorship, and post COP implementation pathways into one integrated governance model.
Continental Cohort
UNFCCC Negotiation Readiness
Policy Writing & Analysis
COP Engagement Pipeline
Alumni & Regional Hubs
Why It Matters
Africa Needs Negotiation-Ready Youth
Africa contributes less than 4 percent of global emissions yet faces disproportionate climate impacts. AYNF ensures youth are credible contributors within processes under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change rather than symbolic participants.
Strategic Impact
Active Participation in COP26 to COP30
Structured Policy Contributions Across Africa
The AYNF Model
01
Digital Learning Gateway
02
Hybrid Negotiation Bootcamp
03
Virtual Negotiation Labs
04
COP Deployment Readiness
05
Post COP Implementation & Alumni Engagement
AYNF is transitioning from negotiation literacy to implementation intelligence.
The platform strengthens youth capacity to interpret outcomes, influence NDC cycles, track accountability, and support African negotiation priorities under the African Group of Negotiators ecosystem.
Impact Stories
FAQs
About the Fellowship
What is the African Youth Negotiators Fellowship (AYNF)?
The AYNF is a transformative training program organized by the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO). It is designed to strengthen skills in climate diplomacy, empower young Africans, and contribute meaningfully to Africa’s climate agenda and youth representation in decision-making processes.
What is the format and duration of the training?
The Fellowship includes a One-week residential intensive training component, along with opportunities for networking and mentorship with climate leaders.
Does the AYNF program cover costs for participants?
The program provides accommodation and meals for all selected participants. However, all selected applicants are responsible for covering their own air or bus fare.
Where does the in-person residential training take place?
While the specific venue details are shared upon confirmation of participation, Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), the organizer, is based in Accra, Ghana.
Is proficiency in English required to participate?
Yes, proficiency in English is required for the program, as all technical training is conducted in English.
How competitive is the AYNF selection process?
The program is highly competitive. For Cohort 4, the selection was made from an exceptionally competitive pool of over 7,000 applications.
Application Process & Requirements for the 2026 Cohort
What is the application deadline for the 2026 Cohort?
Applications close on April 30, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. GMT.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Applicants must be citizens of an African country
- Be between 15 and 35 years old
- Demonstrate interest or experience in climate policy, advocacy, or diplomacy
- Be proficient in English
- Be able to commit to all phases of the fellowship fully.
Where can I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted through the official application link: https://youthnegotiators.com/apply.
What are the mandatory pre-application requirements?
As part of the application process, you are required to complete a course on the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal. The Climate Science 101 course is specifically mentioned as a mandatory course.
What are the steps to complete the mandatory course on the GCLP portal?
- Sign up/Log in to the Ghana Climate Literacy Portal at www.gclportal.com.
- Choose a course and select “Enroll” (or “Start Learning”).
- Complete all modules, quizzes, and assessments for the course.
- Download your certificate from the “Certification” section of your dashboard.
- Upload the downloaded certificate to the designated section of the AYNF application form.
Can I submit my application materials via email?
No, applicants who encounter difficulties with the online form are still directed to submit their application via the official link. Direct email submission is not recommended.
What should I do if I encounter a technical issue with the application form or GCLP portal?
If you experience technical difficulties, you should check your internet connection, refresh the page, and try again. If issues persist, you can reach out to aynf@greenafricayouth.org for support.
Is eligibility limited to applicants with a climate-related academic background?
Given the fellowship’s focus on youth representation, applicants from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about climate action are encouraged to apply.
Who organizes the Fellowship?
The fellowship is organized by GAYO, in collaboration with CDKN and technical support from the EPA Ghana.
What does the Fellowship involve?
Phase 1: Applicants complete the 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. 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.
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