Join the Next Generation of Climate Leaders

Become part of Southeast Europe’s leading youth network for climate diplomacy, leadership, and regional cooperation.

What You Gain

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What You Gain *

  • YCDF isn't a passive membership — you take on real responsibility from day one. Whether you're co-designing a cross-border awareness campaign, contributing to the Forum's annual strategic plan, or presenting progress to the transnational board, you'll build the kind of hands-on leadership experience that looks strong on any CV and feels even better in practice.

  • When you join YCDF, you become part of a community of climate-engaged young people from across South East Europe and beyond — from Albania to Turkey, Croatia to Kosovo. Through monthly collaborative meetings and shared projects, you'll form genuine working relationships with peers who share your drive, across borders and across disciplines.

  • The skills and experience you develop at YCDF are directly relevant to careers in policy, diplomacy, international NGOs, EU institutions, and ESG. You'll graduate from your two-year membership with demonstrable experience in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and cross-border project management — the kind of portfolio that opens doors in the spaces where climate action actually happens.

  • Members attend the Annual Forum and regional conferences — not as spectators, but as active participants who help shape the agenda, propose speakers, and feed insights back into the Forum's work. YCDF gives you a platform to represent your community, engage in live policy conversations, and make your voice heard at a regional level.

Who can become a Member?

  • Climate action experts aged 18-35

    To be eligible to participate, applicants must fall within the age range of 18-35 years of age at the time of the application.

  • Expertise in climate action

    Members must be youth leaders on climate action, with relevant experience and/or credentials.

  • Originate or be a citizen of an SEE economy

    Volunteers must originate from or be citizens of any of the following economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and Turkey.

Apply to become a Member today

FAQ

  • Two years

  • Yes, you have to attend monthly online meetings with the national board to discuss progress, issues, and initiatives. Your responsibilities include:

    • Ensuring active participation and contribution to discussions during the monthly meetings.

    • Preparing and presenting updates on individual or group projects during the monthly meetings.

  • Yes, one of your responsibilities with other forum members to design and implement cross-border awareness campaigns on climate change.

  • Your responsibilities would include:

    • Contributing ideas and strategies for effective campaign execution, targeting diverse audiences across borders.

  • It is mandatory for all members to attend the Annual Conference, as well as:

    • Taking part in the planning and organisation of the annual conference, including proposing topics, speakers, and activities.

    • Sharing insights and experiences gained from the annual conference with fellow forum members and the national board.

  • We operate based on our Annual Plan (our strategic priorities for the year). You must contribute to this in the following ways:

    • Preparing and presenting the annual plan and report from the national board to the transnational board.

    • Ensuring that the annual plan aligns with the goals and objectives of the Youth Forum and addresses key priorities identified by the transnational board.

    • Providing comprehensive updates on the progress, achievements, challenges, and lessons learned during the implementation of the annual plan.

    • Collaborating with the transnational board to address any issues or concerns raised during the presentation of the annual report.