Apply for the Young Climate Leaders – Ideas Lab 2026 and join one of Europe’s leading policy events in Brussels. Open to applicants aged 20–35 from eligible Global South countries. Travel, accommodation, visas, and meals fully funded.
Overview: Young Climate Leaders – Ideas Lab 2026
The Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), supported by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue, has opened applications for the Young Climate Leaders – Ideas Lab 2026. This prestigious initiative brings emerging climate leaders from the Global South to Brussels for one of Europe’s most influential public policy forums.
Ideas Lab offers young professionals the opportunity to engage directly with EU policymakers, global experts, and influential stakeholders while gaining exposure to high-level climate and policy discussions.
Participants will join the flagship Ideas Lab event on 2–3 March 2026, with travel scheduled between 1 and 4 March 2026. All selected applicants will receive full financial support, including travel, accommodation, meals, and visa expenses.
Detailed Sections
1. About Ideas Lab
Now in its second decade, Ideas Lab is widely considered one of Brussels’ premier public policy gatherings. The annual event convenes:
- Policymakers
- European Commissioners
- Members of the European Parliament
- Ambassadors
- Leading academics
- Climate and energy experts
- Senior business and industry representatives
In 2025, the event hosted nearly 800 participants and 200 speakers, positioning it as a key forum for forward-looking debates that shape Europe’s policy landscape.
Ideas Lab’s interdisciplinary environment provides a rare platform for young climate leaders to observe EU policymaking behind the scenes and engage with the individuals shaping global climate action.
2. Programme Purpose
The Young Climate Leaders initiative aims to:
- Support emerging climate advocates from Global South regions
- Strengthen global participation in European climate policy dialogues
- Build cross-regional networks of young climate innovators
- Expose participants to EU decision-making processes
- Encourage youth-led climate leadership and storytelling
This programme is specifically tailored for individuals passionate about climate action and global environmental governance.
3. Who Should Apply
Applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- Aged 20–35
- Hold nationality from one of the eligible Global South countries listed in the application form
- Have a strong command of English
- Be passionate and active in climate action or environmental advocacy
- Be available to travel to Brussels 1–4 March 2026
- Must not have participated in Ideas Lab previously
Applicants from all professional and academic backgrounds are welcome.
4. What the Programme Covers
Selected participants will receive full financial support, including:
- Round-trip travel to Brussels
- Accommodation
- Meals throughout the programme
- Visa costs, where applicable
Important:
Participants will not receive a salary or monetary stipend.
5. Notice for Early Applicants
Due to a technical issue in the original form, applications submitted before 25 November 2025 were recorded without email addresses.
If you applied before this date, you must:
- Resubmit your application, or
- Email laura.nicolas@ceps.eu with your full name to match your previous submission
This ensures your application is considered.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Young Climate Leaders – Ideas Lab 2026, applicants must:
- Be 20–35 years old
- Hold nationality from an eligible Global South country
- Demonstrate strong English communication skills
- Show commitment to climate action or environmental issues
- Be available for full programme dates (1–4 March 2026)
- Apply through the official application form before the deadline
Benefits of the Programme
- Full funding for travel, accommodation, meals, and visas
- Access to Europe’s leading climate and policy thinkers
- Exposure to high-level EU political processes
- Unique behind-the-scenes experience at a major Brussels policy event
- Networking with leaders across climate policy, research, industry, and civil society
- Opportunity to strengthen climate leadership and advocacy skills
How to Apply
- Access the official application form (linked in the call).
- Complete the form in full before 10 December 2025, 23:59 CET.
- Ensure all information is accurate, particularly contact details.
- If you applied before 25 November 2025, email CEPS to confirm your identity.
- For any inquiries, contact Laura Nicolás at laura.nicolas@ceps.eu.
- Await the results: applicants will be notified by 16 January 2026.
Only applications submitted via the official application form will be accepted.
Summary Table | Young Climate Leaders – Ideas Lab 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Young Climate Leaders – Ideas Lab 2026 |
| Organiser | CEPS + Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung EU |
| Who Can Apply | Young people aged 20–35 from eligible Global South countries |
| Location | Brussels, Belgium |
| Event Dates | 2–3 March 2026 |
| Travel Window | 1–4 March 2026 |
| Funding | Travel, accommodation, meals, visas |
| Remuneration | None |
| Language Requirement | English |
| Deadline | 10 December 2025 |
| Notification Date | 16 January 2026 |
Conclusion
The Young Climate Leaders – Ideas Lab 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging climate advocates from the Global South to gain first-hand insights into EU climate governance and connect with global experts. With full financial support and access to one of Europe’s most influential policy events, this programme is ideal for young leaders committed to shaping a sustainable future.
