YOUNGO LENS Cohort 01 2026: Call for Applications for Young Climate Leaders

Young people who want to move from learning about climate loss and damage to acting on it have a new opening. YOUNGO's Loss and Damage Working Group is accepting applications for LENS Cohort 01, with support from UNICEF.

Deadline: 11:59 PM UTC, 29 September 2026 (that is 12:59 AM WAT on 30 September in Nigeria).

What Is YOUNGO LENS?

LENS stands for Learning | Equity | Negotiation | Solutions on Loss and Damage. It is described as YOUNGO's flagship Learning to Action initiative on the topic. The programme aims to build a growing young community on Loss and Damage, connecting perspectives, experience and action across contexts.

What Is Loss and Damage?

Loss and damage refers to the harm climate change causes that communities cannot avoid or adapt to, such as floods, droughts, cyclones and lost livelihoods. The topic is central to Africa's climate justice conversation. The creation of a loss and damage fund at COP27 was a landmark moment for the global climate movement. Young advocates helped push for that outcome. 

About the Organisers

•YOUNGO is the official children and youth constituency of the UNFCCC, a global network of youth activists up to age 35 and youth NGOs. 

•The YOUNGO Loss and Damage Working Group organises LENS.

•UNICEF supports the programme.

Who Is It For?

-The flyer targets young people interested in Loss and Damage who want to join a community that links learning with action.

-Age, education and experience requirements: Not stated on the flyer. Check the application form.

-Country eligibility: Not stated on the flyer. Confirm on the form whether applicants from Nigeria and other African countries qualify. Applicants from the Global South are often prioritised in similar programmes, but this has not been confirmed for LENS.

Programme Benefits

The flyer doesn't list benefits, duration or funding. Based on its name, the programme focuses on learning, equity, negotiation and solutions, and on joining a young community working on Loss and Damage. Read the form for the full details, including whether it is fully virtual and whether there is a stipend.

How to Apply

Open the application form: https://tinyurl.com/youngo-lens

Read the requirements carefully.

Complete and submit the form before 11:59 PM UTC on 29 September 2026.

Tip: Don't wait until the last day. Submit early in case the form or your internet connection gives trouble.

Key Details at a Glance

Programme

YOUNGO LENS, Cohort 01

Focus

Loss and Damage (Learning to Action)

Organiser

YOUNGO Loss and Damage Working Group

Supporter

UNICEF

Deadline

11:59 PM UTC, 29 September 2026

Apply

tinyurl.com/youngo-lens

Frequently Asked Questions

What is YOUNGO LENS?

It is a Learning to Action initiative on Loss and Damage from YOUNGO's Loss and Damage Working Group, with UNICEF's support.

What is the deadline for YOUNGO LENS Cohort 01?

11:59 PM UTC on 29 September 2026.

Where do I apply?

Through the official link: tinyurl.com/youngo-lens.

Climate change is already affecting families, farmers and children across Nigeria and Africa. Programmes like LENS help young people understand the issues, learn how negotiations work and turn that knowledge into action. If this fits your interests, apply before the deadline.

Follow Ganarious Blog for more grants, fellowships and opportunities for Nigerian and African youth.