Regional Youth Workshop on IPBES 2025 | Fully Funded Opportunity in Europe

Regional Youth Workshop on IPBES for Europe and Central Asia 2025 – Call for Applications!

Are you a young environmentalist or early-career professional passionate about biodiversity and ecosystem services? The Regional Youth Workshop on IPBES for Europe and Central Asia 2025 presents a remarkable opportunity to engage with global efforts in biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable development!

What’s the Workshop All About?

Organized by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) at the International Academy for Nature Conservation on Isle of Vilm, this workshop is designed to deepen youth engagement with the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Participants will gain hands-on exposure to IPBES processes, tools, and assessments—particularly the IPBES Nexus Assessment and Transformative Change Assessment (2024).

Through expert-led sessions, collaborative learning, and future-oriented discussions (like the Nature Futures Framework), this immersive experience will empower youth to contribute meaningfully to biodiversity dialogues and actions.

Key Dates

Workshop Duration: 10–14 November 2025
Location: Isle of Vilm, Germany
Application Deadline: 31 May 2025

Who Should Apply?

The program is tailored for:

Youth aged 18–30 from Europe and Central Asia
Individuals actively involved in biodiversity, ecosystem services, climate, health, food, or water-related projects
Applicants nominated by a government agency or a recognised organisation/network
Candidates with proficient English skills and the willingness to participate in-person throughout the program

Geographic Eligibility:
Participants must be nationals of countries across Western, Central, and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including:

Western Europe: Germany, UK, France, Norway, etc.
Central Europe: Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, etc.
Eastern Europe: Ukraine, Armenia, Georgia, etc.
Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, etc.

Workshop Highlights

Understand and engage with IPBES assessments and policy tools
Learn about innovative approaches like the Nature Futures Framework
Network with fellow youth professionals, mentors, and IPBES experts
Gain skills in visioning, advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Explore how youth can play a transformative role in sustainability efforts

What’s Covered?

Travel costs
Accommodation
Full board (meals included)
All expenses will be covered by the German Government, making it a fully funded opportunity.

Application Process

The application consists of two main parts:

Online Application Form
- Submit via BfN website
- Include a Statement of Motivation, Resume, and Work Sample
Nomination Letter / Reference
- From your government or organisation/network
- Use the downloadable form from BfN’s site
- Attach the signed letter to your application

Note: The application form is only accepted in English and must be filled using Latin characters.

Selection Criteria

Successful applicants must demonstrate:

Commitment to biodiversity, climate, and environmental action
Ability to engage in a multicultural and interdisciplinary environment
Willingness to actively participate and share workshop insights with home institutions and networks

Why Should You Apply?

This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a launchpad for youth leadership in global biodiversity governance. Whether you're a student, researcher, NGO member, or climate activist, this experience will enrich your understanding, enhance your network, and empower your contributions to sustainable futures.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply