CEPS Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027: Fully Funded Opportunity for Young Climate Leaders Worldwide
Overview
The Climate Leadership Programme is a joint initiative organized by the Centre for European Policy Studies and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union Global Dialogue. The programme selects eight young climate leaders globally to take part in a hybrid experience that runs from December 2026 to March 2027. It combines mandatory virtual learning with practical skills training and an in-person week in Brussels, Belgium.
Selected participants gain exposure to the European Union policy environment, attend online masterclasses on EU climate governance and diplomacy, and participate in the CEPS Ideas Lab alongside policymakers, researchers, and business leaders. Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung also organizes an additional side programme during the Brussels visit.
Who can apply
Applications are open worldwide to candidates aged 20 to 30 years old who have a strong interest in climate action and a good command of English. Applicants must already be involved in climate policy, advocacy, or entrepreneurship in their own context and bring a specific initiative such as a policy proposal, advocacy campaign, or business venture.
The organisers particularly welcome candidates from Albania, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, Central America, Chile, China, Colombia, Georgia, India, Iraq, Israel, Kenya, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Palestine, Peru, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, and Ukraine. The initiative aims to form a gender-balanced cohort representing diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
What you get
The programme covers all travel, visa, and accommodation costs for the in-person activities in Brussels. Participants receive online masterclasses and practical skills training covering policy writing, communication, and climate diplomacy, alongside direct engagement with the European policy community and international networking opportunities.
Requirements
Applicants must submit an updated curriculum vitae outlining relevant experience in climate action, a reference letter written in English, and a completed written application form through the official online questionnaire. Mandatory attendance is required for the online phase from December 2026 to February 2027 in order to proceed to the Brussels programme, which takes place from February 28 to March 6, 2027.
How to apply
Interested candidates must complete the official online application questionnaire and email their CV and reference letter in English to internship.ercv@ceps.eu using the email subject line Climate Leadership Programme followed by their full name. All application materials must be submitted by the stated deadline.
Key dates
Applications open on October 29, 2026, and close on November 11, 2026, at 23:59 CET. Successful applicants are notified by the end of November 2026. The online programme runs from December 2026 to February 2027, followed by the Brussels programme from February 28 to March 6, 2027, which includes the CEPS Ideas Lab on March 4 and 5, 2027.