UN Townhall Scholarship supports sponsored participation for young people to attend the UN Youth Townhall 2026 in Germany, offering limited supported places for attendees aged 18–35 to join discussions from December 8–10, 2026.
The UN Youth Office is the scholarship provider and has opened a call to support a limited number of young people for in-person attendance in Heidelberg. The gathering forms part of the UN Youth Compass to strengthen meaningful youth participation across the UN system.
UN Townhall Scholarship Benefits
- support a limited number of young people aged 18–35 to attend the first-ever Townhall in person from December 8–10, 2026.
- Participants will take part in discussions designed to generate recommendations, partnerships and practical actions around meaningful youth participation.
- The gathering forms part of the UN Youth Compass, an initiative intended to strengthen meaningful youth participation across the UN system rather than treating young people as symbolic participants.
UN Townhall Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- 18–35 years
- International
- Working knowledge required
- Preference given
- Limited/no previous engagement preferred
- Applicants currently working under a UN contract cannot receive sponsorship through this youth call
How to Apply for UN Townhall Scholarship
- provide nationality, residence and personal information;
- identify whether they represent a youth-led organization, youth-serving organization or apply individually;
- explain their organisation or community involvement where applicable;
- confirm working knowledge of English;
- identify interpretation requirements if needed;
- disclose accessibility or reasonable-accommodation needs;
- and explain any safety requirements relevant to their participation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the UN Townhall Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, selection preferences, and how to apply for sponsored participation at the UN Youth Townhall 2026.
What is the UN Townhall Scholarship?
The UN Townhall Scholarship is a call by the UN Youth Office to support a limited number of young people aged 18–35 to attend the first-ever UN Youth Townhall in person from December 8–10, 2026. The support is for sponsored participation to bring grassroots and underrepresented young people into a major UN policy space.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility targets young people aged 18–35 from international backgrounds with working knowledge of English. Preference is given to applicants involved in grassroots organisations and those with limited or no previous engagement with the United Nations. Applicants working under a UN contract are not eligible for sponsorship under this call.
When is the application deadline?
Applications for sponsored participation close September 7, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. Successful applicants are expected to be notified around October 8, 2026. If you do not hear by October 8, 2026, you should assume you were not selected for the sponsored cohort.
Where and when will the Townhall take place?
The UN Youth Townhall 2026 will take place in Heidelberg, Germany from December 8–10, 2026. More than 1,000 participants are expected overall, bringing together young people, governments, UN representatives, civil society, researchers, businesses and other partners for discussions and practical action.
What type of support is provided?
The UN Youth Office will support a limited number of young people for sponsored participation to attend the Townhall in person. The HTML describes these as supported places for in-person attendance as part of the UN Youth Office’s call to widen participation in the Townhall.
What should I emphasize in my application?
Applicants are advised to show what problem they are already working on locally, whose voices they represent, what practical experience they would bring to Heidelberg and how they would use the Townhall after returning home. The UN prefers grassroots applicants over those who simply demonstrate UN conference experience.
How long does the application take to complete?
The application takes approximately 30–45 minutes and is completed online. Applicants should be ready to provide nationality, residence and personal information, explain organisation or community involvement, confirm English working knowledge, and disclose interpretation or accessibility needs and any safety requirements.
Are there language requirements?
Applicants must confirm working knowledge of English. The Quick Opportunity Review Box in the HTML notes ‘Working knowledge required’ and the application asks candidates to confirm English ability and identify any interpretation requirements if needed.
Will previous UN experience affect my chances?
Preference is given to applicants with limited or no previous engagement with the United Nations and to grassroots applicants. The UN Youth Office specifically says grassroots applicants who have had limited or no previous UN exposure are favoured for the sponsored cohort.
How will selections be decided and notified?
Selection will consider geographical representation, gender balance and inclusion of young people from underrepresented and marginalized communities, with a preference for grassroots involvement. Successful applicants are expected to be notified around October 8, 2026.
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