Youth Travel Grants to attend UNEP’s 1st International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC IC-1) 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland

Deadline: September 29, 2026

Open call for applications for delegates to represent the children and youth constituency at the upcoming First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC IC-1), scheduled from 16-20 November 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. The GFC IC-1 is an important opportunity for young people to participate directly in global chemicals and waste governance. It will be preceded by the 4th Global Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste from 14-16 November.

On behalf of the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform (CWYP), UNEP is currently inviting applications for travel grants to support youth participation at the conference. As the body coordinating youth engagement in the Global Framework on Chemicals, the Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform will contribute collective children and youth policy recommendations to GFC IC-1. Youth delegates can be expected to deliver spoken and written interventions during the negotiations, meet with country and stakeholder delegations to discuss youth priorities, and engage in the 3-day Youth Forum on Chemicals and Waste, a special event of GFC IC-1.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL FRAMEWORK ON CHEMICALS

The Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste (GFC) is a comprehensive policy plan adopted in September 2023 at the 5th International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5). It addresses a broad range of chemical safety issues – from highly hazardous pesticides to endocrine disrupting chemicals to pharmaceutical pollutants – and replaces the earlier Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). Building upon SAICM’s legacy, the GFC provides a more concrete set of 5 strategic objectives and 28 targets, most of which are set to be achieved by 2030-2035. While voluntary (not legally-binding), the GFC serves as a centralized strategy connecting governments, civil society stakeholders, academia, and the private sector to enhance global coordination, mobilize political will, and drive action on safer chemicals management, from innovation to production to disposal.

Benefits

If you select the Fully-Funded Travel Grant option

Roundtrip international airfare

Accommodations with included breakfast, and reimbursement of meals

Transportation and visa fee.

Open to children and youth from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and/or Indigenous youth from any region.

If you select the Partially-Funded Travel Grant option

Benefits include: in-country / in-region (Europe) low cost airfare/train ticket (up to 150 CHF roundtrip) and accommodations with included breakfast. Open to all children and youth (any country/region).

If you select the Non-Funded Registration Support option

You confirm that you will be responsible for your own travel expenses during your time in Geneva for GFC IC-1, and may be asked for additional details on how you plan to finance your travel and stay. CWYP will support you with an accreditation letter / registering to the GFC IC-1 conference only. Open to all children and youth (any country/region).

Eligibility

All travel grants and registration support applications are open to youth meeting the following criteria, without exceptions:

Are age 35 or younger at the time of application;

Are available to travel and be present in Geneva from 13-20 November (inclusive), and are committed to participating in the full duration of the programme; and

Have submitted this completed application form by the deadlines indicated in the header.

No prior UN or policy experience is required; applicants with experience or interest in chemicals and waste through advocacy, science/research, journalism, storytelling, education, or other avenues are encouraged to apply

*Note: Minors (under the age of 18) must confirm the name and contact information of the parent or legal guardian who will accompany them for the entire duration of GFC IC-1. CWYP will support with registration of the parent or legal guardian, but will only cover travel expenses of the minor participant.

Application

Click here to apply.

If you are not applying for the GFC IC-1 Travel Grant and would like to join the Selection Team to evaluate and select youth candidates to receive the scholarships, please email [email protected] with subject line “Selection Team Volunteer – GFC IC-1,” and include your name, date of birth and contact information in the body of the email.

For more information, visit UNEP.