Global Youth MIDORI platform (GYM)

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the online information sessions on 16 April 2026 (in Japanese) and 17 April 2026 (in English) at 16:00–17:00 JST. 

For more details and registration, please visit the Japanese and English event pages. 

Programme Overview

The Global Youth MIDORI platform (GYM) was launched in 2024 by UNU-IAS and the AEON Environmental Foundation. It aims to empower youth to take a leading role in developing solutions to local and global environmental challenges. Since its launch, GYM has engaged 33 students from 13 countries.

GYM offers a range of learning, capacity-building and networking opportunities to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to address biodiversity loss, climate change and other sustainability challenges. The programme is also a platform for participants to connect with other youth and provides support for their continued engagement and future activities. For more information about GYM, please refer to these articles:

Training Session Empowers Youth for Greater Engagement in Global Decision-making 

Training Session Equips Youth for Global Environmental Action

Please note that the application period for GYM 2026 is 10–24 April 2026. 

Programme Structure  

The programme consists of three main components designed to develop capacity and knowledge of global environmental issues.  

1. Online Training and Speech Contest (4–7 August 2026)  

Four full days of intensive online training will be conducted on 4–7 August 2026, consisting of expert lectures and discussions on global environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity, the circular economy and meaningful youth participation.

On the fourth day, participants will deliver a speech reflecting on their learning outcomes. The speeches will be evaluated, and awards will be presented to the top three participants.

All participants who complete the training will receive a certificate of participation. To remain eligible, participants must attend all four days of the programme.

In addition, two online orientation sessions will be held at the end of July. All participants must attend these sessions prior to joining the training programme.

2. Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo (26–29 August 2026)  

The top three awardees of the speech contest will be granted a fully funded Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo scheduled for 26–29 August 2026.

The programme will include participation in the award ceremony for the 9th MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity, a site visit to observe a leading circular economy initiative, and dialogue sessions with experts and practitioners working on climate change and biodiversity at the UNU Headquarters in Tokyo.

Awardees must be available for the entire duration, including travel days before and after the study programme in Tokyo. For example, the full travel period may be extended to 25–30 August, depending on the departure location and travel arrangements.

3. Follow-up Outreach Activities and Platform Participation  

All participants are expected to take part in follow-up activities, including outreach events organized by the GYM Secretariat throughout 2026 and beyond. Therefore, GYM seeks individuals who are motivated to actively contribute to the platform beyond 2026, and applicants should be willing to connect with each other, share experiences and contribute to the development of the platform.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled at an officially recognized and accredited university in any country.
• Demonstrate sufficient proficiency in English to actively participate in lectures, discussions and presentations.
• Have stable internet access and access to a computer equipped with a functioning camera and microphone.
• Be in good health and be able to travel internationally, if required.  
• Be fully available to attend all online sessions on 4–7 August 2026 conducted during daytime hours in Japan Standard Time.  
• Be fully available to attend the Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo on 26–29 August 2026 .
• Submit a complete application through the online form by the application deadline of 24 April 2026 (23:59 JST).  
• Be willing to connect with other participants and alumni, share experiences and support GYM outreach activities beyond 2026.
• Have a strong interest and experience in biodiversity conservation, climate change or other sustainability-related fieldwork, research and advocacy.
• Not have previously participated in the GYM programme.
• Hold a passport valid until at least February 2027 at the time of application.

Agreements Required

All applicants must agree to the following:

• UNU Policy on Personal Data Protection
• UNU Code of Conduct to Prevent Harassment at UNU Events
• Use of Images, Audio, and Video
• GYM Participation Consent Form (sample)

How to Apply

Please read the following guidelines carefully before applying to GYM 2026. All times listed in this document are in Japan Standard Time.

• Applications will open on 10 April 2026.  
• Please fill out and submit the online application form by 24 April 2026 (23:59 JST). Applications sent by email or through any other method will not be accepted.
• Applications must be submitted in English.
• Applications will be reviewed based on the eligibility criteria and responses to short answer questions. 
• Successful applicants will be notified by email by the end of July 2026 and will be requested to submit supporting documents, such as a copy of official test score reports, a copy of their student ID card, and other materials as indicated in the application form.

Application Form

The online application form consists of general information questions and the following five essay questions (150–250 words).

1. Which climate change, biodiversity loss or sustainability issues in your country or local community concern you most, and why? In your response, please include a description of the specific local context and background of these issues.
2. For the issue addressed in 1, describe either (i) concrete actions you are currently taking or (ii) have taken in the past. In your answer, please highlight your specific role and contributions.
3. What are your motivations to participate in the GYM programme and what specific goals do you aim to achieve by participating?
4. If selected as an awardee, you will be invited to join the Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo including attendance at the award ceremony for the 9th MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity, a site visit to a leading circular economy initiative, and dialogue sessions with experts. Describe what you are most motivated to learn or observe from the Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo. Include how your previous or current experience, as described in questions 1 and 2, relates to and has shaped your motivation.  
5. GYM serves as a platform for continuous exchange among participants beyond the training sessions. Please explain how you intend to remain engaged and contribute to outreach activities that share your learning experiences beyond 2026. Please include specific ideas, expected frequency of involvement and the type of engagement you wish to pursue.

Key Dates

Training Sessions Programme

All sessions will be conducted online at 9:30–17:30 JST (tentative).

4 August 2026 (Day 1) — Biodiversity

• Session opening
• Introduction of participants
• Lectures and discussion/debate sessions: science of biodiversity, international negotiation processes, speech skills

5 August 2026 (Day 2) — Climate Change

• Lectures and discussion/debate sessions: science of climate change, UNFCCC negotiation processes, synergies between climate and biodiversity, role of youth and meaningful engagement

6 August 2026 (Day 3) — Circular Economy  

• Lectures and discussion/debate sessions: circular economy, food systems, role of the private sector

7 August 2026 (Day 4) —Speech Contest

• Speech presentations by participants
• Award ceremony

Awards  

On Day 4 (7 August 2026), participants will deliver a short speech presentation highlighting their ideas and key reflections. Based on the content and quality of the presentation, as evaluated by an expert panel, awardees will be selected as follows:

Best Performance Award (1 Person)

• Awarded to the top presenter

Runner-up (1 Person)

• Awarded to the second-best presenter

Second Runner-up (1 Person)

• Awarded to the third-best presenter

The recipients of the Best Performance, Runner-up and Second Runner-Up Awards will be invited to the Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo, which will take place on 26–29 August 2026.  

Certificate Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to receive an award and a programme completion certificate, participants must meet the following requirements:

• Attendance: Participants must attend all training sessions.
• Participation: Participants must actively participate in all scheduled activities and assignments related to the programme, including engaging in discussions, asking questions and maintaining visibility. Participants must remain present during the online sessions with their video cameras turned on.
• Behaviour: Participants must maintain a professional attitude, collaborate with and show respect toward other participants throughout the programme. They must respond to inquiries from the GYM Secretariat in a timely manner and submit all required documents.
• Other: Only participants who have not been awarded under other schemes will be eligible to receive an award.  

Fees

Participation in the programme is free. Participants are responsible for covering all costs related to internet access and the necessary IT equipment required to participate in the online sessions.

Awardees Attending the Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo

• The programme will cover round-trip economy class airfare, accommodation and meals during the official programme period.
• Awardees are responsible for covering the cost of passport and visa issuance (if required), as well as arranging and covering the cost of travel insurance, including medical and accident coverage, for the entire travel period.
• Awardees must ensure they have a valid credit card or sufficient funds to cover personal expenses during the programme.

Awardees are responsible for arranging appropriate travel necessities, including suitable luggage and personal items required to join the Environmental Study Programme in Tokyo.  

Contact

All inquiries should be directed to: gymsecretariat@unu.edu