Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM) 2026 – Free UN Certificate Program with Fully Funded Japan Opportunity

The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability has officially opened applications for the Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM) 2026, a prestigious free international certificate program focused on sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity.

This program is designed to empower young leaders worldwide to develop innovative solutions for global environmental challenges.

About the GYM Program

The Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM) is a youth capacity-building initiative launched in 2024 by UNU-IAS in collaboration with the AEON Environmental Foundation.

The program aims to:

• Build youth leadership in sustainability
• Address global issues like climate change and biodiversity loss
• Provide international networking opportunities
• Enable youth participation in global decision-making

Since its launch, the program has already engaged participants from multiple countries, creating a growing global youth network.

Program Highlights

• Program Type: Certificate (Undergraduate level)
• Format: Fully Online Training
• Duration: 4 Days (Intensive Training)
• Organizer: UNU-IAS
• Cost: Free

Participants will receive a certificate of completion after successfully attending all sessions.

Program Structure

The GYM 2026 program is divided into three key components:

1. Online Training & Speech Contest

• Dates: 4–7 August 2026
• Topics include:
  • Climate change
  • Biodiversity
  • Circular economy
  • Youth participation in policy

Participants will present a speech, and top performers will be selected for awards.

2. Fully Funded Study Trip to Japan (Top 3 Only)

The top 3 participants will receive a fully funded opportunity to travel to Tokyo for an Environmental Study Program (26–29 August 2026).

This includes:

• Round-trip airfare
• Accommodation and meals
• Participation in the MIDORI Prize ceremony
• Visits to sustainability projects
• Interaction with global experts

3. Follow-up Global Engagement

All participants will:

• Join outreach activities
• Engage in global youth networks
• Continue contributing to sustainability initiatives

This ensures long-term impact beyond the training.

Benefits

• Free participation (no program fee)
• UN-recognized certificate
• Global networking opportunities
• Skill development in sustainability leadership
• Chance to win a fully funded Japan trip

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Be a full-time undergraduate student in any country
• Have good English communication skills
• Show interest or experience in:
  • Climate change
  • Biodiversity
  • Sustainability
• Be available for all program dates
• Have internet access and a computer

Applicants must not have previously participated in the GYM program.

Application Deadline

• Deadline: 24 April 2026
• Application Period: 10–24 April 2026
• Results Announcement: End of July 2026

Why You Should Apply

This program is perfect for students who want to:

• Build a career in sustainability and climate leadership
• Gain international exposure through a UN-backed program
• Develop real-world solutions for environmental challenges
• Connect with global youth leaders

It is one of the best free certificate programs with a funded international exposure opportunity.

Final Thoughts

The Global Youth MIDORI Platform (GYM) 2026 is more than just a short training—it is a gateway to global environmental leadership. With a strong UN backing, real-world impact, and a chance to travel to Japan, it stands out as one of the top youth opportunities in 2026.