UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2025: An Incredible Fully Funded Experience To Change Your Life -

Introduction to the UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2025

Are you a young changemaker passionate about sustainability, climate action, and global cooperation? The UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2025 presents an extraordinary chance to make your voice heard on the world stage without spending a dime. This fully funded program brings together bright young minds from UNESCO Biosphere Reserves around the globe to collaborate on real-world environmental challenges and develop innovative solutions that can shape the future of our planet.

This isn’t just a youth forum but a life-changing launchpad into global sustainability leadership.

About the UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2025

While it is often mistaken for a scholarship or fellowship, the UNESCO MAB Youth Forum is best described as a fully funded international youth leadership forum. It is a unique capacity-building opportunity designed to connect, educate, and empower young people who are actively engaged in environmental protection and sustainable development. It does not fund academic study or offer long-term placements like fellowships or internships.

Organized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, the MAB Youth Forum is a global initiative aimed at empowering youth living or working in biosphere reserves. The 2025 edition will convene in Indonesia, bringing together around 150 young leaders for an intensive week of workshops, debates, field trips, and cross-cultural collaboration.

The MAB Youth Forum was first held in 2017 in Italy and has since grown into one of the most prestigious gatherings for young environmental leaders. The goal? To build a global network of young people actively contributing to sustainable development in their communities.

Eligibility Criteria for the UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2025

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be between 18 and 35 years old
Live or work in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Demonstrate strong commitment to sustainable development, environmental advocacy, or community leadership

Have good command of English (the working language of the forum)
Be available to participate fully in the in-person program in Indonesia

UNESCO strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups, women, and Indigenous youth.

Benefits of Attending the UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2025

Fully Funded Participation: All travel, accommodation, and meals are covered by UNESCO. You just have to bring your passion and ideas.
Global Networking: Meet like-minded young people, scientists, and professionals from over 70 countries who are working toward sustainability.
Leadership Training: Participate in hands-on workshops and sessions designed to strengthen your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Field Trips to Biosphere Reserves: Explore real examples of how nature and human activity can coexist in harmony through guided tours in Indonesia’s renowned biosphere reserves.
Policy Influence: Engage in dialogues that will feed into UNESCO’s global agenda and contribute to the MAB Strategy and Action Plan.
UNESCO Certification: Participants receive a formal certificate from UNESCO, which strengthens your academic and professional portfolio.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare:

An updated CV or résumé (max 2 pages)
A short personal statement (max 500 words) explaining your motivation and how you contribute to sustainability

A short video (optional but encouraged) introducing yourself and your work
Proof of residence or work in a Biosphere Reserve
Letter of recommendation (optional but valuable)

All application documents must be submitted in English.

Selection Criteria

Participants are selected based on:

Their involvement in sustainability or environmental projects

Leadership potential and motivation
Geographic and gender diversity
Connection to a Biosphere Reserve

The selection panel includes experts from UNESCO and the MAB Programme. Successful applicants will be notified by email and provided with logistical support for travel arrangements.

How to Apply for the UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2025

Interested candidates should visit the official application portal linked below and follow these steps:

Click on the “Apply Now” button

Fill out the online form
Upload the required documents
Submit your application before the deadline

Final Thoughts

The UNESCO MAB Youth Forum 2025 is not just a forum but a transformative journey where young people become global actors for change. If you’ve been seeking a fully funded international opportunity that empowers you to learn, grow, and lead within a global sustainability network, this is your moment.

Don’t wait. Apply now and join the next generation of environmental leaders making a lasting impact on our planet.