Application for EU UN Youth Delegate 2026-2027
The closing date for applications is Sunday, 12 April 2026, 23:59 (CEST). Later applications will not be accepted.
What is the EU-UN Youth Delegates Programme?
The EU-UN Youth Delegates Programme aims to improve the participation of young people in the work of the United Nations.
Participation in the UN Youth Delegates Programme enables the EU to be actively present in relevant youth dialogues at the United Nations, to advocate for the interests and rights of young people in Europe and to improve the representation and geographical coverage of youth in the EU.
The programme will start in September 2026 and run for 12 months.
What are the selection criteria?
All applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an EU Member State
- Be over 18 and under 30 years old at the time of application
- Have experience and knowledge of youth representation, organisations and movements and be motivated
- Show an interest in international relations, political science, law, human rights, international development, public health, climate or other areas related to UN activities
- Have a vision for youth participation at EU and UN level
- Be able and willing to spend up to about 40 days per year on activities related to their role as youth delegates and be willing to advocate for youth rights
- Be available to travel to New York approximately three times a year and to Brussels or other destinations as required (travel expenses will be covered by the Youth Delegate Programme)
- Have excellent written and spoken English as well as good communication and presentation skills
How does the application process work?
Each National Youth Council (NYC) from an EU Member State can nominate one person to the EU Delegation in New York for the EU-wide selection process. The European Youth Forum (YFJ) can also select individuals from its International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) pillar to be included in the selection pool. This requires a CV and a letter of motivation in English.
Based on this form, the DNK will then select a person to nominate to the EU. The further process after the nomination will be carried out exclusively by the EU delegation in New York.
Further information on the programme and the application process can be found in the official EU call for applications here: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/un-new-york/call-applications-eu-%E2%80%93-un-youth-delegates-2026-2027_en