CALL FOR APPLICATIONS:14TH UNESCO YOUTH FORUM

The Ghana Commission for UNESCO invites applications from young individuals aged between 18 and 35 years to participate in the 14th UNESCO Youth Forum, scheduled from 27 – 28 October 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

This year’s forum is expected to deepen discussions on climate action and its social impacts, emphasizing the critical role of young people in driving sustainable change. It is expected to result in concrete youth recommendations and youth-led actions that will be presented at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in November 2025.

Overview of the UNESCO Youth Forum

The UNESCO Youth Forum was launched in 1999 as a unique youth engagement platform within the United Nations system. It provides the opportunity where young people from around the world can express their views, share challenges, and propose relevant solutions to global issues.

Held every two years, the forum precedes the General Conference of UNESCO, ensuring youth voices are heard at the highest decision-making level of the Organization.

Achievements of the Forum

For over two decades, the forum has evolved to better align with the changing needs and realities of youth globally. It focuses on creating concrete solutions and enhancing cooperation among young leaders, youth-led organizations, and UNESCO, while remaining independent of governmental influence.

The theme, “Climate action and social impacts, particularly for young people,” is aligned with the young people’s expressed preference which will ensure continuity with the 13th edition, for a greater and more lasting impact.

The 14th edition is expected to build upon the successes of past forums, furthering the legacy of the 13th forum, which resulted in actionable recommendations and projects, such as:

• Climate education in Jordan
• Mental health advocacy in Slovenia
• STEM for climate action in Malawi
• Climate impact on people with disabilities in Nepal
• Mapping water-related risks in Argentina

Youth participants from the Forum will be selected to present the recommendations of this session to Member States at the 43^rd UNESCO General Conference in November, ensuring their voices are heard by all 194 UNESCO Member States.

The selected forum participants are expected to;

• Have expertise in UNESCO’s fields of competence as related to the theme of the Forum.
• Have demonstrated experience as active and engaged citizens in their communities, showcasing a commitment to creating positive change.
• Reflect the different ways in which youth engage today as active citizens: from engagement in National Youth Councils to youth-led social enterprises, youth-led research, advocacy and media. As an ultimate goal, youth perspectives should contribute to Sustainable Development Goals.
• Bring new ideas and innovative solutions to the challenges of our time.
• Bring their perspectives to the global debate enabling UNESCO and its Member States to integrate them into policy and programme development.
• Foster a constructive, positive debate and exchange, focusing on substantive discussions and avoiding politization.
• Be respectful of each other’s differences, embracing the diversity of cultures, experiences, and viewpoints.

Selection criteria

The selection process will be transparent and inclusive and based on the following criteria:

• Recognised expertise in UNESCO’s fields of competence and relevant to the Forum’s theme, and/or demonstrated experience in designing or leading impactful initiatives on the ground within the scope of UNESCO’s work in this area.
• Age range: 18-35 years old
• Gender balance
• Regional balance
• Balance in terms of experience/expertise in UNESCO’s fields of competence
• Diversity of profiles, such as students, researchers/scientists/experts, practitioners, i.e. social entrepreneurs, NGO leaders, young staff in the United Nations and development organisations, representatives of youth constituencies, artists, social influencers, athletes. 

Selection Procedure: From National Screening to Global Participation

• Call for applications by the Ghana NatCom;
• Shortlisting of qualified applicants by the Ghana NatCom ;
• Submission of selected nominees to UNESCO;
• Shortlisting of applications from National Commissions by UNESCO;
• Selection of participants and notification by UNESCO.

Application process

Kindly complete the application form using the link below on or before Monday, 28^th April 2025 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_SjEa1_j3Kul1moFaE3TY6p5NjYR25zQOH8-fBmfBQmdEpg/viewform?usp=header 

KINDLY NOTE THAT ONLY SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.

Should you require any assistance, kindly contact 0302666042/0556386859 or a mail to marian.nortey@unescoghana.gov.gh