Fully Funded Istanbul Global Youth Climate Leadership Convention 2026.
Road to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye | Climate Leadership, Sustainability, Innovation and Global Youth Cooperation.
From Istanbul’s crossroads of civilizations to Antalya’s global climate moment, young leaders shaping a just, sustainable and livable future will be convening in Istanbul, ahead of COP31 Meeting.
Join us for this 4-day (3 hotel nights) fully funded edutourism international youth leadership convention experience bringing together global changemakers, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, climate advocates, innovators, young professionals and social impact leaders from across the world in the vibrant city of Istanbul. The “City on Two Continents”.
This will not just be a Convention or other normal gathering, it is a leadership journey from awareness to action as the world gathers in Türkiye for COP31 climate meetings.
What you need to Know About the Convention
Convention Date
6 - 9 November 2026
Hosting City
Istanbul, Türkiye
Age Eligibility
16 - 55 Years
Registration fees
USD $18 (Early Bird) or USD $20 Regular period
Nationality eligibility
Open to all Nationalities
Organiser
AfriLead EduTourism Network
Application Deadline
30th September 2026
Expected Delegates
300 Seats
Open to All
Nationalities | No Tests
The Convention at a Glance
A 4-day immersive global youth climate leadership experience connecting Istanbul’s civilizational heritage with Antalya’s UNCCC COP31 climate meetings. Designed for young leaders, change makers, advocates, activists, students, graduates, entry and young professionals, and professionals, among other enthusiatics ready to learn, connect, explore, lead and act for a more just, sustainable planet and fair future.
Ready to join and experience the Road to COP31 youth climate convention leadership journey?
Why Istanbul and Antalya?
A journey from the crossroads of civilizations to the global UN climate stage.
Türkiye offers a powerful setting for Youth Connection and Global Action. Istanbul represents connection, culture, history and dialogue between continents, while Antalya the offcial 2026 UNCCC COP31 hosting city, places this leadership journey within one of the most important global climate moments of 2026. Together, we hope that our selected convention locations will create a unique pathway for delegates like you to discover, learn, connect, reflect, lead, and act together for a more climate just and sustainable future.
Zoom-In; A Destination with Meaning
As an official edutourism organisation, Istanbul is not only a beautiful City to us. It is a bridge between Europe and Asia, a meeting point of civilizations, and a living classroom for culture, leadership, migration, trade, faith, water, heritage and global cooperation.
For young and youth leaders like you and us, Istanbul offers the perfect setting to explore what it means to build bridges in an increasingly divided world that we live in today. It will allow you as a delegate to connect climate action with culture, diplomacy with soft power, sustainable tourism, innovation and shared human responsibility.
With such an immersive Istanbul experience, the convention will then transition symbolically toward Antalya, one of other major resort city located on the Mediterranean coast, where the world will gather for the UNFCCC COP31 from November 9 to 20, 2026. Therefore, our Convention will give you a timely opportunity to understand climate diplomacy, youth participation, climate justice, green innovation and sustainable development in a real global context while exploring Istanbul, and probably preparing for the grand COP31 experience in Antalya.
Learn the Logic of this Convention
From place to purpose, each stage of this Convention carries meaning.
01: Istanbul: Our Hosting City
Delegates will come together in Istanbul where continents, cultures and histories meet.
02: Climate Leadership
Delegates will discover, learn, debate and simulate global climate negotiations and formulate alternative youth inspired policies that could be central to the UNCCC COP31 meetings that will be happening in Antalya, right after this Convention.
03: Youth Action Declaration
Delegates will co-create a shared youth climate message and action agenda that will be shared with our stakeholders inclusing representatives at UNCCC COP31 for public distribution.
04: Antalya: The Climate Meeting Climax
The convention will conclude on 9th/11 as the global UNCCC COP31 meetings begin in Antalya. Selected delegaties or accreditated representatives will transition from Istanbul to Antalya to fully take part in the UN sessions and discussions. NB: To attend COP31 in Antalya, please ensure that you get your accreditation through UNFCCC directly.
Find Out Whether this Convention is For You!
Designed for young leaders ready to shape sustainable futures
This convention is open to ambitious, curious and impact-driven young people, youth and professionals aged 16 – 55 who are passionate about UN mandate in general, climate action, sustainability, leadership, innovation, tourism, diplomacy, education, entrepreneurship, and community development.
Please note, you do not need to be a climate expert or a professional to apply for this Convention. We welcome delegates who are ready to discover, learn, contribute, connect with other fellow delegates and use their voice, skills, knowledge or ideas to support a more just and sustainable world.
Eligibility Summarised.
Age: 16 – 55 years
Nationality: Open to all countries
Language Test: No IELTS or TOEFL required
Academic / Professional Background: Students (Both Senior High, Tertially, Vocational, College & University), Graduates, Early & Mid-Career professionals, entrepreneurs, advocates, researchers and changemakers are welcome to apply for this Convention.
🎓 Students and Graduates
For young people building academic, professional or leadership careers
🌱 Climate Advocates
For youth working on climate action, environment, justice or sustainability.
💡 Entrepreneurs and Innovators
For founders, Co-founders, startup builders and young people developing practical solutions, solving real world challenges
📚 Researchers and Young Academics
For those interested in climate policy, climate diplomacy, climate governance, development and international affairs.
🤝 NGO and Social Impact Leaders
For community organisers, volunteers, nonprofit workers and development practitioners.
🤝 Young Diplomats and Policy Enthusiasts
For delegates interested in negotiation, governance, climate financing, public policy and global cooperation.
🕌 Tourism and Culture Innovators
For those passionate about sustainable tourism, Edutourism, cultural heritage, mobility and cultural exchange.
📸 Media & Content Creators, plus Storytellers
For communicators using digital platforms to inspire awareness and action.
What Makes this Convention Unique?
This Convention is more than a conference, summit, or camp; this is a climate leadership journey across continents, culture, diplomacy, innovation and action. It is designed to help young leaders learn, connect, pitch ideas, experience Türkiye and carry youth voices toward the global UNFCCC COP31 meetings.
1. Engage in Pre-Youth COP31 Negotiations
Step into a climate negotiation simulation and represent countries, regions, youth groups, investors, civil society or vulnerable communities.
2. Enjoy the Bosphorus Climate Night Cruise Experience
Network between Europe and Asia during a symbolic evening experience connecting culture, climate diplomacy and global youth cooperation.
3. Experience Istanbul as a Living Classroom
Explore Istanbul landmarks like the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque; The Blue Mosque; Galata Tower; and the Suleymaniye Mosque, among other heritage, water, architecture, trade, tourism and sustainability discoveries.
4. Pitch your Climate Futures
Present youth-led projects, green startups, climate solutions, sustainable tourism ideas or community initiatives before a review panel.
5. Join Global Bridges & Enjoy Cultural Exchange
Celebrate identity, storytelling, music, national cultures and shared responsibility through a powerful intercultural encounter..
6. Road to Antalya Transition
Conclude the Convention with a symbolic youth climate message as Antalya becomes the centre of the global UNFCCC COP31 meetings 2026.
This convention is designed for those who want more than certificates (of course delegate certificates will be awarded), but you must note that this Convention is for those seeking to discover knowledge, create networks and connections, get cultural exposure, engage in practical leadership experience and raise out a stronger voice on a global climate and sustainable development platform.
Core Themes of the Convention
Exploring the ideas, skills and global challenges shaping the future of climate leadership, sustainable development, youth innovation and global cooperation.
🌍 Climate Diplomacy and COP31 Literacy
Understanding climate negotiations, COP processes, youth participation and the global politics of climate action.
⚖️ Climate Justice and Global South Priorities
Exploring adaptation, loss and damage, climate finance, inequality and the realities facing vulnerable communities.
🧭 Sustainable Leadership and Governance
Building ethical, inclusive and future-ready leadership for institutions, communities and global cooperation.
💡Green Innovation and Climate Entrepreneurship
Connecting youth-led startups, AI, digital tools, clean technologies and practical climate solutions.
🕌 Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage
Reimagining tourism, mobility, heritage protection and edutourism as tools for sustainability and diplomacy.
💼 Youth Employment and Green Skills
Exploring the future of work, green jobs, climate careers and the skills young people need to lead change.
💧 Food, Water and Community Resilience
Addressing climate impacts on agriculture, water security, cities, livelihoods and local adaptation.
📢 Storytelling, Media and Climate Communication
Learning how to communicate climate issues with clarity, responsibility, creativity and public impact.
Tentative Convention Programme
The convention programme is tailored from arrival and climate diplomacy to innovation, cultural immersion and the transition to Antalya’s COP31 event to give our delegates a powerful mix of discovering Istanbul, learning and refining actions, networking, leadership practice and tourism experience.
Day 1
6 November
Istanbul
Istanbul'a hoş geldiniz (Welcome to Istanbul).
Arrive as delegates. Begin as bridge-builders.
Delegates will arrive in Istanbul and begin the convention with registration and hotel accommodation allocation, orientation, team formation and a powerful opening experience connecting culture, climate leadership and global youth cooperation.
Key Activities:
- Official arrival and Hotel Check-in + Room allocation
- Registration and Merchandise distribution to all delegates
- Official Convention opening and welcome ceremony
- Simulation and negotiation groups allocation
- Climate storytelling and media session Part 1
- Networking and connection night (Experience the ultimate Istanbul touristic night famous walk from Taksim Square - through to İstiklal Avenue, then to the Tünel Square (the world's second-oldest underground railway station), to Galip Dede Street (A narrow, cobblestoned downhill street, famous for its musical instrument shops and souvenir boutiques), and finally end our expedition to the illuminated Galata Tower.
Day 2
7 November
Istanbul
Climate Diplomacy Arena and Landmark/City Tour Day.
Learn the system. Challenge the system. Reimagine the system.
Delegates will explore climate diplomacy, climate justice and global negotiations through expert sessions, simulations, crisis response labs and storytelling activities from fellow delegates.
Key Activities:
- COP31 and climate diplomacy masterclass
- Global South Climate Justice Session
- Youth COP31 Negotiation Arena
- Climate crisis response lab
- Climate storytelling and media session Part 2
- Tour to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque; The Blue Mosque; and the Suleymaniye Mosque.
Day 3
8 November
Istanbul
Entrepreneurship and more immersion activities | The Living Classroom and Futures Lab.
Turn memory into imagination. Turn ideas into action.
Delegates will experience Istanbul as a living classroom and move from inspiration to action through heritage learning, innovation dialogue, project pitching and declaration-building.
Key Activities:
- Green innovation and entrepreneurship dialogue
- Selected Climate Futures Pitch
- Partnership and mentorship matching (Optional)
- Drafting of the Istanbul–Antalya Youth Climate Action Declaration, and signing ceremony
- Climate Leadership Gala and ALEN Global Futures Awards + Certificate Award and recognition of distinguished delegates
- Bosphorus Climate Night Experience (Boat cruise Dinner and traditional culture entertainment)
Day 4
9 November
Istanbul → Antalya or Home Country Departure or Extended Stay
The Road to Antalya
Carry the message forward.
The convention will conclude with a youth climate message, delegate certificates and recognition, and with a symbolic transition toward Antalya as the global UNFCCC COP31 climate meetings begin.
Key Activities:
- Final reflection circle
- Youth Message to Antalya media moment
- Antalya climate city briefing
- Youth Climate Solidarity Reception (Closing Breakfast)
- Official Convention closing (including a Photo Ceremony)
Dear all Prospective Delegates, please note that all the above programme activities may be adjusted slightly due to conditions beyond our control. Should such a thing happen, we’ll ensure that we communicate it officially to all selected delegtes and update the tentative programme here as well. The final confirmed schedules will also be shared with selected delegates a week before the start of the Convention.
Delegate Categories
Choose the participation pathway that best fits your needs, goals and available resources. Please note that, all prospective delegates, irrespective of the desired delegate’s category or pathway, must complete the official application form and pay the non-refundable registration fee of USD $18 (for Early bird Applicants – valid to all applications received between July to 31st August) or else pay $20 as the official regular application and administrative processing fee applicable from 1st September until the official deadline.
Selected applicants will receive official confirmation and category-specific participation guidance from AfriLead EduTourism Network official communication channels ONLY.
Fully Funded Delegates (FFD)
For outstanding applicants with strong motivation, leadership potential and demonstrated commitment to climate action, sustainability, youth leadership, advocacy, activism, youth led movements and organisations, and community impact.
Early Bird Registration Fees: $18 USD (Applicable until 31st August, 2026)
Regular Application Fees : $20 USD (Effective from 1st September, 2026)
Benefits/costs covered:
- Round Economy flight, if International Delegates
- Airport transfer to the Convention hotel in Istanbul
- Local transportation within Istanbul (i.e to the various tour sites included in the official convention programme
- Visa application support
- Official Invitation Letter to the Convention in Istanbul
- Twin Room shared Accommodation in Istanbul Convention Hotel
- Access to all Convention sessions, hotel activities, and all city tour activities included on the programme
- Access to pitching, networking and mentorship sessions
- Meals during official programme activities
- Istanbul Tour experience (Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque; The Blue Mosque; and the Suleymaniye Mosque)
- Bosphorus Climate Night Experience (Boat cruise Dinner and traditional culture entertainment)
- Delegate's Certificate of Recognition, Participation and Attendance
- Automatically becoming an Afrilead Edutourism Network Ambassador, representing our mission and vision in your country and community
This Fully Funded Delegate's category is ideal or best for:
Prospective Delegates and Applicants who fill out and complete the official application form, including the payment of the mandatory registration fee of $18 USD for (early birds) or $20 USD for (regular application period). Selection is entirely based on merit, your application form submitted and additionally, the feasibility of the financial need, without which you may not be able to participate in such an International professional opportunity.
Partially Funded Delegates (PFD).
For selected applicants who can contribute toward some participation costs while receiving subsidized access and in-kind support from Afrilead Edutourism Network.
Benefits/costs covered:
- Everything in Fully Funded Category, except Flight tickets and airport transfer to the Convention hotel in Istanbul.
The Partially Funded Delegate 's (PFD) category is ideal or best for:
All Applicants/Delegates who are able to cover your international travel (i.e flight tickets) and contribute toward a discounted participation package as determined by the Conventional Organisers; Afrilead Edutourism Network.
Self-Funded / Guaranteed Delegates (SFD)
For delegate’s or applicants who prefer to secure participation in the convention through the full package pathway, subject to registration/application form submission, package payment confirmation and approval by the organising team.
Benefits/costs covered:
- Everything in Fully Funded Category, except Flight tickets and airport transfer to the Convention hotel in Istanbul.
This Self Funded / Guaranteed Delegate's category is ideal or best for:
Applicants, professionals, institutional representatives or supporters who can cover the full participation package.
How to Apply and the Selection Process
Submit your application in a few simple steps and begin your journey toward the Istanbul–Antalya Global Youth Climate Leadership Convention 2026.
01 / STEP ONE: Complete the Online Application
Fill in the official application form carefully with your personal details, leadership background, motivation and please indicate your preferred delegate category.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
Depending on when you have applied, please contact us to share with you the most suitable application fee payment method for you to completet the mandatory non-refundable either USD $18 or USD $20 application and administrative processing fee to consider your submitted application for further processing.
Step 3: Application Review
Applications will be reviewed by an independent committee based on motivation, leadership potential, commitment to impact and alignment with the convention themes and activities.
Step 4: Selection and Next Steps
Within a period of no more than two business weeks after the official closure of the application process, selected applicants will receive official communication from AfriLead EduTourism Network official communication channels only with participation guidance, package details and next steps.
Important Application Reminder
Applications will only be reviewed after successful payment of the official USD $18 or $20 application fee, depending on when you’ve submitted your form. Payment of the application fee does not guarantee selection, funding, visa approval, travel support or access to official COP31 spaces. However, it ensures that your application profile is complete and therefore can be considered further by the evaluation and selection committee. Applicants should apply only through the official AfriLead EduTourism Network website and verified communication channels.
Important COP31 Notice
This Convention is inspired by Türkiye’s COP31 climate moment and the Road to Antalya, but it is independently organized by AfriLead EduTourism Network (ALEN) and our partners globally. We are committed to transparent communication so you, our applicant delegates clearly understand the relationship between this Convention and the upcoming UNFCCC COP31 meetings, here in Antalya.
Independent ALEN Programme
The Istanbul Global Youth Climate Convention 2026 is independently designed and hosted by AfriLead EduTourism Network and our partners as a Global Youth Leadership, Edutourism, Climate diplomacy, Sustainability and cooperation programme.
Inspired by the Road to Antalya
The convention is inspired by the global climate momentum around COP31 in Antalya and is designed to help young people, youth, and professionals alike to understand and engage on climate diplomacy, sustainability, climate justice and youth participation while exploring the beautiful and historical city of Istanbul ahead of the UN meetings.
COP31 Access Should be sought Direct from UN
Participation in this Convention does not automatically guarantee you access to official COP31 venues, negotiations, Blue Zone spaces, restricted meetings or UNFCCC-accredited areas. Any official COP31 access is subject to UNFCCC rules, accreditation and registration procedures.
IGYCC goal is to create a credible, inspiring and transparent youth leadership edutourism experience that prepares our delegates to engage meaningfully with climate action, sustainable development and global cooperation in the increasingly challenging development and humanitarian world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Find answers to common questions about the convention, logistics, application process, funding categories, travel, COP31 connection and participation requirements.
Who can apply? Eligibility!
Applications are open to young leaders aged 16–45 from all nationalities. Students, graduates, recent graduates, entrepreneurs, researchers, climate advocates, activists, influencers, ambassadors, young professionals, NGO leaders, educators, policymakers, media creators and changemakers, you are all encouraged to apply.
Do I need to be a climate expert or professional to apply?
No. You do not need to be a climate expert or professional to apply for the convention. Youshould however demonstrate interest, motivation, leadership potential and commitment to climate action, sustainability, innovation, community impact or global cooperation in either development or humanitarian fields for instance.
Is there an application, registration or administration fee?
Yes. All applicants are required to pay a mandatory non-refundable USD $18 (Early bird applications until 31st August) or USD $20 (Regular application period – from 1st September to the official deadline) application and administrative processing fee following these timelines.
Are fully funded places available?
Yes, fully funded delegate seats or places are available for outstanding applicants outof the 300 delegates slots available. Consideration is also subject to application submission and payment of the manadatory application fee, evaluation and selection by the independent selection committee, available resources and confirmed support.
What is the difference between fully funded, partially funded and self-funded delegates?
Fully funded delegates will receive full financial and in-kind support toward participation costs. Partially funded delegates will receive subsidized access and selected in-kind support while contributing toward some costs of the convention. Self-funded or guaranteed delegates will cover the full participation package, subject to registration and confirmation by the organising committee.
What will the programme include?
The programme will include climate diplomacy learning, youth COP31 simulation, Istanbul cultural and sustainability immersion and tours (City tour to selected landmarks), Bosphorus Climate Night Experience, project pitching, networking, declaration-building, certificate recognition and the symbolic Road to Antalya transition. Please refer to the tentative programme section above on this website for further details.
Will accommodation and meals be covered?
This will depend on your delegate category. Fully funded and partially funded delegates will receive accommodation, meals and selected programme support as indicated on this website, while self-funded delegates will follow the package details communicated by the organizing team.
Will ALEN support visa applications?
Selected delegates will receive an official invitation or confirmation letter to support their visa application where applicable. However, visa approval is entirely determined by the relevant Turkish immigration authorities based on each applicants profiel and cuntry of origin, therefore approval or rejection cannot be guaranteed by ALEN, although based on our mutual relationship with the authorities, we are happy to share that 99% of our delegates are always granted entry Visa’s into any hosting country where our events are usually held.
Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
No. IELTS, TOEFL, GTA or other language test scores or exams are not required for you to apply for this convention or even enter Turkey our hosting country.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Delegates who actively complete the official convention programme will receive a leadership certificate of participation and attendance. Special recognition will also be awarded for project or paper pitching, volunteerism, leadership, climate diplomacy simulation or outstanding delegate engagement.
Can I pitch my project or present my research paper on climate, environment or any other development related topic?
Yes. Selected delegates will be invited to pitch climate, sustainability, green innovation, tourism, education, technology or community-impact projects or research papers / PhD thesis during the Climate Futures Pitch Arena.
How will I know if I am selected?
Selected delegates will receive official communication from AfriLead EduTourism Network through verified communication channels (these include our official emails and dedicated whatsApp chats met to support our applicants and delegates – as indicated on our website under the contact section) with next steps, participation guidance and package details.
Can I apply from any country?
Yes. Applications are open to all nationalities, subject to travel, visa and participation requirements.
Is the application fee refundable?
No. The USD $17 (for early bird applicants) or USD $20 (for regular applicants) application fee is non-refundable, regardless of selection outcome, withdrawal, visa decision or inability to attend, unless the convention has been postpond by the organisers.
Where will the convention take place?
The main programme will take place in the vibrant and tourists famous Istanbul City, Türkiye, with a symbolic final transition to Antalya on 9 November 2026 for the COP31 UNFCCC Meetings.
Can I attend only part of the Convention?
Delegates are encouraged to participate in the full programme from 6–9 November 2026 to receive the complete experience and certificates. Any partial participation must be discussed with the organizing team and approved ahead of the convention, unless it’s an emergency.
How do I apply?
Click the official Apply Now button or Registration button, complete the online application form, pay the applicable mandatory application fee and wait for official communication from AfriLead EduTourism Network regarding your completed application profile in about one to weeks after the official deadline of the convention application.
Still have questions?
If your question is not answered above or if you need support with the onlien application form filling and submission, or payment of your application fees, please contact any of our support team through our official communication channels, and we’ll be happy to assist or respond to your questions. Thank you.