The Global Youth Biodiversity Network is the coordination platform for youth participation of the CBD. GYBN is planning to organize an international youth delegation to join COP17 in Yerevan, Armenia from October 17 to 31, 2026.

GYBN has been working to secure funding to support youth participation at the 17th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (CBD COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). While some of this funding has not been confirmed yet, GYBN is in an advanced stage of the fundraising process. Due to the proximity to COP17, GYBN has decided to start the pre-selection of candidates in order to ensure greater efficiency, facilitate visa application processes and maximize youth participation at COP17.

The primary goal is to provide young people from a wide variety of backgrounds who are working on biodiversity issues and who are between 18 and 35 years old with an opportunity to participate and contribute at COP17. By enabling them to play an active role in the discussion of the CBD and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM GBF), GYBN aims to build capacity among young people so that they can become strong partners in the implementation of the new biodiversity plan.

If selected, subject to funding confirmation, funded delegation members will be expected to actively contribute to the preparation process and support on-ground activities at COP17 by taking on assigned responsibilities and tasks. This may include participation in preparatory meetings, coordination calls, communication activities and on-site support throughout the conference period.

Applicants should ensure they can commit sufficient time before and during COP17. An estimated 8-12hr/week commitment in the lead up to COP17 can be expected.

Dates:

Arrival in Yerevan – October 16 (to be confirmed)
COP17 Youth Forum – October 17 – 18, 2026
COP17 Dates – October 19 – 30, 2026
Post-COP Youth Follow-Up Planning Meeting: – November 1, 2026 (tbc)
Departure from Yerevan – November 2, 2026 (to be confirmed)

Candidates for financial support and accreditation by GYBN must demonstrate outstanding commitment to biodiversity issues in the past and must possess at least a basic understanding of international negotiations.

Applicants below the age of 18 or above the age of 35 on October 14 2026 will not be considered for this call.

This form is only for those applying for both funding and accreditation from GYBN for in-person participation.

Documents required:

• Application form
• Your CV (1-2 pages)

Applications must be submitted in English, and those submitted in another language will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The funding will cover: accommodation, food, transportation, visa costs.

Applications fully completed with the assistance of AI tools will not be considered.