Upcoming Events & Opportunities

Here are a few ways you can get more informed and involved: 

• 12 Months of Action: May - Ratifying the High Seas Treaty - Let's work together to protect the High Seas! See below for more information about the Treaty, and how you can join with the High Seas Alliance and its members to make sure your nation's leaders ratify the Treaty. At least 60 nations must ratify it in order for it come into force.

• Earth Day Network: Kids Media Submission - If you are a student and have something to say about the environment, or news about nature from where you live, submit your drawing, poster or article. Can be text or an image. Rolling submissions.

• Climate Vulnerable Forum Youth Fellowship - A seven-month capacity-building program designed to help youth leaders in CVF countries become active players in decision-making and policy discussions. Aims to support a new generation of climate negotiators, policymakers, and lobbyists with the skills and knowledge to influence climate policy discussions across all levels. Apply by 13 May.

• World Species Congress - This event will amplify our collective conservation efforts and facilitate critical connections that accelerate our impact for species. It offers a forum for collaboration and a roadmap for success for anyone striving to create a healthier planet. 15 May.

• Youth Innovation for a Sustainable Future - Selects the 25 most impactful and innovative youth projects across 5 continents. This year’s global call for contributions is centered on the idea of Just Transition. 1st prize up to 50k Euro. Apply by 20 May.

• Youth4Climate Call For Solutions - The Government of Italy and the UNDP have set out to identify, support and scale youth-led climate breakthroughs. Aims to support the work of young people and youth-led organizations. Up to $30k USD awarded. Submit by 26 May. 

• IUCN Leaders Forum: Call for Changemakers - IUCN is looking for young innovators designing or implementing innovative nature conservation or biodiversity action projects in their communities. Selected changemakers will join leaders from around the world at the IUCN Leaders Forum in Geneva in October 2024. Ages 18-35. Apply by 28 May.

• 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States - Leaders from SIDS and beyond will convene over four days, aiming to generate new ideas, support pledges, and fulfill commitments to tackle SIDS-specific challenges such as the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and debt. Online events taking place 27-30 May.

• State of The Ocean: Inspiring Action & Searching for Solutions - Several passionate ocean professionals, including Arya Yurdacan, alumna of the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council, will discuss the ocean crisis, advocacy work, conservation efforts, and the value of a personal connection to the ocean midst marine environmental changes. Webinar 6 June at 4pm EEST/ 3pm CEST.

• From the Bowseat Ocean Awareness Contest - This contest, under the theme ‘Tell Your Climate Story’, encourages you to become a climate witness and share your own unique climate story. Creatively express your personal experiences, insights, or perceptions about our changing climate reality. Ages 11-18. Submit by 10 June. 

• 2024 Youth Innovation Challenge: Advancing Marine Conservation! - An opportunity for young people ages 15–30 around the world to share innovative, feasible solutions informed by research to protect marine resources. Winners will receive global recognition, a $1k USD prize, and be invited to attend the Taiwan Ocean Conservation Administration’s marine debris conference in Taiwan in September 2024. Submit by 12 June.

• EU4Ocean Challenge of the Year 2024: Call for Action - Connecting responsibility and action-oriented components of ocean literacy with citizens’ roles and responsibilities within the democratic process for a healthy, resilient and sustainable ocean. Financial support by the EU4Ocean coalition up to 40k€. Accessible to all individuals and organizations of EU4Ocean communities. Apply by 15 June.

• Gulf of Mexico Youth Climate Summit - An annual event by the Gulf Reach Institute to unite young environmental stewards from around the Gulf of Mexico. Participants have the opportunity to engage in conversations with fellow youth leaders and experts on issues facing the Gulf of Mexico and how they can contribute in their own communities. Corpus Christi, TX, 20 July.

• Roots Micro-grants Program - Provides funding up to $10,000 USD per group to support youth-led projects, initiatives, research, or campaigns that advocate for climate justice through an intersectional lens. Submit by 1 August.