IRENA Youth Forum 2026 in UAE | Youth Innovation and Renewable Energy

 


The IRENA Youth Forum 2026 was an international youth platform organised by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to bring young leaders, innovators, researchers and advocates into discussions about the global renewable energy transition.

The eighth edition of the IRENA Youth Forum was held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 8 to 10 January 2026, ahead of the Sixteenth Session of the IRENA Assembly.

The 2026 forum focused on “Youth Innovation and Digital Solutions: From AI to Access in Renewable Energy,” exploring how young people can use digital technologies, artificial intelligence and innovation to accelerate access to sustainable energy.

About the IRENA Youth Forum

The IRENA Youth Forum is a platform designed to strengthen youth participation in global energy discussions.

IRENA has organised the forum as part of its broader youth-engagement activities, giving young people opportunities to participate in intergenerational dialogue, capacity building and policy discussions related to renewable energy and the energy transition.

🎓 Invest in Your Future

Master in-demand skills with expert-led courses on Programming, AI, Data Science, Business, Finance, Marketing, Design and thousands more.

🚀 Explore Udemy Courses

✔ Learn at your own pace  |  ✔ Lifetime access  |  ✔ Certificates of completion

The 2026 edition brought together 150 young delegates from 62 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings since the forum began.

Participants engaged with policymakers, energy experts, researchers, innovators and representatives from the public and private sectors.

2026 Forum Theme

The theme of the 2026 forum was:

“Youth Innovation and Digital Solutions: From AI to Access in Renewable Energy.”

The theme reflected the increasing role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in transforming energy systems.

Discussions examined how young people can use technology to develop solutions for energy access, improve renewable energy systems and contribute to a more inclusive global energy transition.

The programme also included discussions on the future of renewable-energy employment and the skills young people need as the sector becomes increasingly digital.

Who Was Eligible?

The 2026 IRENA Youth Forum was open to young people between 18 and 35 years old.

Applicants were expected to be actively engaged in areas such as:

  • Renewable energy
  • Sustainability
  • Innovation
  • Energy transition
  • Climate action
  • Research
  • Advocacy
  • Youth-led projects
  • Entrepreneurship

IRENA particularly sought young people who were leading or contributing to projects, startups, research or advocacy initiatives capable of advancing the energy transition.

What Did Participants Gain?

The forum provided participants with an opportunity to:

  • Connect with young leaders from around the world.
  • Engage with renewable-energy experts.
  • Participate in policy discussions.
  • Learn about emerging energy technologies.
  • Explore artificial intelligence and digital solutions.
  • Exchange ideas with policymakers and industry representatives.
  • Develop international professional networks.
  • Contribute youth perspectives to global energy discussions.
  • Showcase innovative ideas related to sustainable energy.

The programme was designed not simply as a conference, but as a platform through which young people could contribute ideas and recommendations to the international energy community.

Key Areas of Discussion

Several important issues were explored during the 2026 forum.

Artificial Intelligence and Renewable Energy

One major focus was the potential of artificial intelligence to support the renewable energy transition.

Participants discussed how AI, data science and digital tools could contribute to areas such as energy planning, infrastructure management, maintenance and energy access.

🎓 Invest in Your Future

Master in-demand skills with expert-led courses on Programming, AI, Data Science, Business, Finance, Marketing, Design and thousands more.

🚀 Explore Udemy Courses

✔ Learn at your own pace  |  ✔ Lifetime access  |  ✔ Certificates of completion

Youth Skills

The forum also examined the changing skills required in the renewable energy sector.

As energy systems become more digital, young professionals may increasingly need skills in areas such as:

  • Data science
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Machine learning
  • Software development
  • Energy data analytics
  • Digital infrastructure

IRENA noted that digitalisation is creating new types of renewable-energy jobs while also transforming existing roles.

Energy Access

Another major issue was how digital solutions can help expand access to reliable and affordable energy.

Participants explored ways technology can be used to address energy challenges in underserved communities while ensuring that innovation remains inclusive.

2026 Application Deadline

The application period for the 2026 IRENA Youth Forum is closed.

Application deadline: September 30, 2025

The forum itself took place from January 8–10, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Therefore, students and young professionals looking at this opportunity now should not submit an application for the 2026 edition.

Interested applicants should instead monitor IRENA's official youth-engagement and events pages for announcements about future editions.

What Made the Forum Valuable?

The IRENA Youth Forum provided an important opportunity for young people to participate in international discussions that traditionally involve governments, policymakers and energy-sector institutions.

Young professionals and innovators are increasingly important to the energy transition because they bring new ideas, technological skills and perspectives on how energy systems can become more sustainable and accessible.

The 2026 forum demonstrated this role by giving young delegates a platform to contribute directly to discussions around AI, digitalisation, renewable energy and energy access.

Outcomes From the 2026 Forum

The 2026 forum produced several youth recommendations that were presented during the closing session of the IRENA Assembly.

Among the priorities identified by participating young leaders were calls to:

  1. Ensure AI strengthens inclusive energy systems rather than creating new dependencies.
  2. Prioritise youth skills, training and institutional trust in the energy transition.
  3. Recognise young people as co-creators in multilateral decision-making on energy transitions.

These recommendations demonstrate the forum's emphasis on moving beyond discussion and encouraging meaningful youth participation in energy policy.

How to Prepare for Future IRENA Youth Forums

Although the 2026 application has closed, young professionals interested in future IRENA programmes can begin preparing early.

Consider developing experience in:

  • Renewable energy
  • Climate action
  • Sustainability
  • Energy policy
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Data science
  • Clean technology
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Community development
  • Environmental advocacy

You can also participate in youth-led climate initiatives, renewable-energy projects, research programmes and sustainability activities.

Building a strong record of practical involvement can make your profile more competitive when similar international opportunities open.

🎓 Invest in Your Future

Master in-demand skills with expert-led courses on Programming, AI, Data Science, Business, Finance, Marketing, Design and thousands more.

🚀 Explore Udemy Courses

✔ Learn at your own pace  |  ✔ Lifetime access  |  ✔ Certificates of completion

Final Thoughts

The IRENA Youth Forum 2026 in Abu Dhabi provided a valuable international platform for young people working on renewable energy, sustainability, innovation and climate action.

The event brought together young delegates from dozens of countries and explored the growing connection between artificial intelligence, digital technologies and renewable energy.

While the 2026 edition has already taken place and its application deadline has passed, the forum remains an important opportunity for young professionals to watch for future editions.

Anyone interested in participating in future IRENA youth programmes should regularly monitor the official IRENA website and build relevant experience in renewable energy, sustainability, innovation and energy-transition projects.

Opportunity Summary

Programme: IRENA Youth Forum 2026
Organiser: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Dates: January 8–10, 2026
Age Range: 18–35 years
Theme: Youth Innovation and Digital Solutions: From AI to Access in Renewable Energy
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
Status: Closed

Official Information

IRENA Youth Forum:


Comments

Post a Comment

🚀 Join AfroCareer on Telegram

💼 Jobs • 🌍 NGO Opportunities • 🎓 Scholarships • 🚀 Internships

📢 Join Free

Popular posts from this blog

ERA Winter Fellowship in the UK – Fully Funded AI Safety Research Fellowship

Image
  Artificial Intelligence is developing at an extraordinary pace, creating enormous opportunities while also raising important questions about safety, governance and the long-term impact of increasingly powerful AI systems. For researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and professionals interested in these challenges, the ERA Fellowship in Cambridge, United Kingdom offers an opportunity to work on research aimed at reducing catastrophic risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence. The programme is organized by ERA Cambridge , an organization focused on developing talent and research in AI safety and governance. ERA's fellowship programmes bring participants together to work on technical, governance and policy questions related to advanced AI. The fellowship is particularly attractive because ERA provides substantial financial support. According to the organization's official information, fellows receive a salary equivalent to £34,125 per year on a pro-rata basis ...
Read more

CRG Research Training Program 2026 in Spain | Fully Funded Research Opportunity for International Students

Image
  The CRG Research Training Program 2026 in Spain offers an exceptional opportunity for undergraduate and Master's students from around the world to gain hands-on research experience at one of Europe's leading biomedical research institutions. Hosted by the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, Spain, the programme allows talented students to work alongside internationally recognized scientists and participate in cutting-edge research projects. The fully funded research training programme is designed to encourage young scientists to pursue careers in research by providing them with access to advanced laboratories, expert supervision, and a global scientific environment. Participants gain practical experience, improve their research skills, and develop professional connections that can support their future academic careers. For students interested in biotechnology, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and related scientific fields, the CRG Research Train...
Read more

Scholarships for African Students 2026 (Fully Funded Opportunities Around the World)

Image
  Are you an African student looking for a fully funded scholarship to study abroad in 2026? Thousands of scholarship opportunities are currently available for undergraduate, master's, PhD, and professional studies across top universities in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. These scholarships are designed to support talented students by covering tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and other academic expenses. Over the years, governments, universities, foundations, and international organizations have increased funding opportunities specifically for African students. Programs such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Erasmus Mundus Scholarships, DAAD Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, and many others continue to provide life-changing educational opportunities for students across the African continent. Why Scholarships for African Students Matter Many talented African students face financial barriers that limit access ...
Read more