Council of Europe HEY Online Course on Environment 2026 – Free Youth Training
Overview
The North-South Centre of the Council of Europe organises the Human Rights Education for Youth Tutored Online Course on Environment. The four-week training programme explores the connection between environmental protection and human rights, examining climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss through a North-South perspective. The course runs entirely online from 28 October to 24 November 2026, requiring an estimated total workload of approximately 30 hours spread across four weekly modules. The learning format is primarily asynchronous via the Moodle Workplace e-learning platform, supplemented by self-organised group work, collaborative group activities, and live tutoring support. A total of 50 participants will be selected for the programme.
Who can apply
The training is open to active young people up to 30 years old who reside in the 46 Council of Europe member states, Africa, or the Middle East. Eligible profiles include members of civil society organisations, youth workers, grassroots movements, youth leaders, environmental human rights defenders, journalists, educators, policy advisers, Indigenous community advocates, and individuals from communities affected by climate change and environmental degradation. Priority is given to candidates actively involved in a civil society organisation, youth platform, or institution who demonstrate the potential to act as multipliers within their communities. Selection aims to ensure gender and geographical balance, and the Council of Europe welcomes applicants regardless of background, gender, disability, or beliefs.
What you get
The programme is provided free of charge to selected participants. Those who successfully complete the four-week course receive a certificate of participation. Participants also gain access to tutor support throughout the learning process, live tutoring sessions, and collaborative group activities designed to build capacity in environmental and human rights advocacy.
Requirements
Applicants must be up to 30 years old and originate from eligible regions. While the course page identifies French as the course language, the working language of the course is English, and candidates should be able to communicate in English. Selected participants must confirm their participation within the designated deadline provided by the organiser.
How to apply
Interested candidates must submit the official online application form before the deadline. Applications must clearly demonstrate the applicant's experience and involvement in youth, environmental, human rights, or community activities, while explaining how the acquired knowledge will be applied within their communities or organisations. Because of the limited capacity of 50 participants, applicants need to provide specific evidence of their motivation and potential to act as multipliers.
Key dates
The application deadline is 18 October 2026 at 23:59 Lisbon time. Selection results will be announced on 23 October 2026. The course takes place from 28 October to 24 November 2026.