Global Youth MIDORI platform (GYM) 2025

Applications will open on 1 May 2025. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the online information session on 8 May 2025 at 16:00 (JST). 

• Programme Overview
• Language
• Programme Structure
• Eligibility
• Fees
• How to Apply
• Key Dates
• Training Session Schedule
• Award and Certificate Eligibility Requirements 
• Contact

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 for local and global environmental challenges. GYM offers various learning, capacity building and networking opportunities to equip youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to address biodiversity loss, climate change and other sustainability challenges. Please see here for information on the 2024 GYM.  

The programme is a platform for expanding knowledge, engaging with other youth, networking and actively contributing to the global dialogue on sustainable development. It is open to undergraduate students from all countries who are committed to tackling environmental challenges and accelerating meaningful youth participation. [Top]

Language

The programme will be conducted in English. [Top]

Programme Structure

1. Online training and speech contest

Successful applicants will participate in an intensive three-day online training, comprising of lectures by experts on global environmental issues with a focus on climate change, biodiversity and meaningful youth participation. On the third day, participants will deliver a speech reflecting on what they have learned and awards will be presented to the top four participants based on their speech performances. All eligible participants will receive a certificate of participation at the end of the programme (for more details, see Award and Certificate Eligibility Requirements).

2. International conference participation

Recipients of the Best Performance Award and the Runner-up Award in the speech contest will be granted the opportunity to participate in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) where they will discuss their views at a side event, engage with other international stakeholders and present at a debriefing event upon their return to reflect and share experiences. Please note that the conference is subject to change in case of unforeseen circumstances.

3. Follow-up outreach activities and platform participation 

All GYM participants are expected to join various follow-up activities (i.e. outreach events) that the secretariat will organize through 2025 and beyond. Participants are also expected to contribute to enhancing the platform by connecting with GYM alumni and engaging in next year’s GYM activities.  [Top]

Eligibility

To be considered for participation, applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in a university undergraduate programme in any country (as of 1 May 2025)
• Be proficient in English and able to follow and engage in discussions 
• Have reliable internet access and equipment to fully participate in online sessions (a computer device with video and microphone capabilities)
• Be in good health and able to participate in all programme activities, including potential travel and international engagements
• Complete assignments on time and respond to the GYM Secretariat's inquiries in a timely manner
• Be fully available to participate in the online training sessions, which will be conducted during in the daytime in Japan
• Not be funded by other schemes to participate in COP30 
• Have experience in or be currently engaged in actions to address climate change or loss of biodiversity   
• Not have previously participated in GYM

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 

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Fees

Participation in the programme is free. Participants are responsible for covering the cost of internet access and any IT equipment necessary to attend online sessions. 

For the speech contest winners who will attend COP30, the GYM Secretariat will cover the cost of round-trip airfare (economy class) and allowances (meals, accommodation and local transportation) based on the UNU travel regulations for approximately three days of the conference. However, participants must cover the cost of passport issuance (if not yet obtained) and ensure they have a valid credit card or sufficient cash to cover any miscellaneous expenses at the conference location. Please note that some expenses may need to be covered by the participant in advance and will only be reimbursed after submission of valid payment receipts. [Top]

How to Apply

To apply for this programme, please use the online application form. The application deadline is 18 May 2025 (23:59 JST). 

Successful applicants will be notified by email in early July. They may be requested to submit supporting documents, such as a copy of official test scores or student ID, and other materials as indicated on the application form. 

Successful applicants will be asked to submit a short essay to the GYM Secretariat before the start of the online training sessions. Topics will be communicated at a later date. [Top]

Key Dates

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Training Sessions Schedule (tentative)

All sessions will be conducted online at 09:00–17:30 JST.

4 August 2025 

• Opening

• Self introductions

• Lecture and discussion

• Science of biodiversity and climate change

• International policy: CBD COP and UNFCCC COP

5 August 2025

• Lecture and discussion

• Synergies between actions for biodiversity, climate and sustainable development  

• Presenting effectively at international conferences

• The role of youth in protecting the global environment

6 August 2025 

• Speech presentations by students

• Award ceremony

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Award and Certificate Eligibility Requirements 

On the final day of the sessions participants will present their ideas in a short speech presentation. The presentations will be evaluated by an expert panel, who will select awardees as follows:

Best Performance Award (1 person)

• Awarded to the top presenter
• Recipient will be invited to participate in the UNFCCC COP30 in Belém, Brazil for approximately three days on-site between 10 and 21 November 2025 (exact date TBC)

Runner-up Award (1 person)

• Awarded to the second-best presenter
• Recipient will be invited to participate in UNFCCC COP30 in Belém, Brazil for approximately three days on-site between 10 and 21 November 2025 (exact date TBC)

Third Place (2 persons)

• Awarded to two third-best presenters
• Recipients will be invited to participate in an international conference(s) hosted by UNU-IAS (dates to be confirmed)

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

1. Attendance requirement

• Must attend all training sessions

2. Participation​ requirements

• Actively participate in all scheduled activities and assignments related to the program​me

• Actively engage by participating in discussions, asking questions and maintaining visibility​

• Be present during the online sessions with the video camera turned on

3. Behavioral requirements

• Maintain a professional attitude, collaborate and be respectful toward other participants throughout the programme

• Respond to inquiries from the GYM Secretariat in a timely manner

• Submit all required documents to the GYM Secretariat

4. Other requirements

• Only those participants who have not been awarded in other schemes will be eligible to receive awards

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Contact

Please send your inquiries to the GYM Secretariat at gymsecretariat@unu.edu

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