Young Climate Leaders – Ideas Lab 2026 | CEPS Climate Action Opportunity

The Ideas Lab is an annual flagship event organized by CEPS — a major policy forum that gathers policymakers, researchers, business leaders, and civil society to debate major European and global challenges. For 2026, CEPS is inviting a special cohort under “Young Climate Leaders” to join the discussion with a focus on climate action and sustainability.

 Who Can Apply: Youth from Global-South Countries

CEPS is seeking young individuals (aged 20–35) from eligible Global-South countries who:

• Are passionate about climate action
• Have good command of English
• Are available to travel to Brussels between 1–4 March 2026
• Have not previously participated in Ideas Lab
• Are committed to engaging in climate & policy dialogue

This is aimed at giving climate-concerned youth from developing regions a seat at the table, increasing representation in global policy conversations.

 What You Get: Fully Supported Participation

Selected participants will receive:

• Travel to Brussels (international round-trip)
• Accommodation during the event
• Meal support & visa support (if required)
• Full access to the Ideas Lab event and sessions — meaning you get to engage in high-level policy debates along with researchers, civil society and institutions.

Note: This is not a paid fellowship — the support covers travel and event expenses, but there is no stipend or salary.

 Key Dates & Application Info

• Application Deadline: 10 December 2025 (23:59 CET)
• Applicants apply via a form, indicating nationality, age, motivation, and climate-action interest.
• Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 16 January 2026.
• Event dates: 2–3 March 2026 (with travel window 1–4 March) in Brussels.

 Why This Matters: What It Offers You

• Access to one of Europe’s major policy forums — a chance to contribute youth and Global-South perspectives to EU climate and global sustainability debates.
• Networking with influential policymakers, experts, researchers, and other young climate leaders — potentially opening doors for future collaboration or projects.
• First-hand insight into how EU and international climate policy discussions are shaped — valuable for anyone interested in environmental policy, climate advocacy, research or civil society work.
• Visibility — as a Young Climate Leader from the Global South, your voice and ideas can reach global stakeholders and decision-makers.

 Application Tips: Stand Out When You Apply

• Clearly articulate why you care about climate action, and especially what unique perspective or experience you bring from your home country or context.
• Show evidence of any prior climate-related work, activism, research or community engagement (even small-scale projects count).
• Demonstrate global thinking + local understanding: how you can connect global climate discussions with on-the-ground climate realities.
• Be ready to travel and participate fully in the event (dates are fixed) if selected.
• Have strong command of English — good communication skills are essential since discussions will be in English.