CYMG Open Call for Steering Committee and Task Forces 2026
The CYMG Open Call for Steering Committee is now open, offering young people around the world a unique opportunity to shape global environmental governance. The Children and Youth Major Group to the UN Environment Programme (CYMG) is inviting applications for its Global Steering Committee, Regional and Thematic Focal Points, and Task Forces for the 2025–2026 mandate.
This CYMG Open Call targets youth passionate about addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, while contributing directly to UNEP processes and youth-led environmental advocacy.
What Is CYMG and Why It Matters
CYMG is the formal youth engagement mechanism to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It represents more than 2,000 youth organizations and 12,000 individual members worldwide, making it one of the most influential youth environmental platforms globally.
Through structured advocacy, policy engagement, and capacity building, CYMG ensures that young people’s voices are meaningfully included in environmental decision-making and the broader sustainable development agenda.
Before applying to this CYMG Open Call, applicants must be registered CYMG members via the official platform.
Overview of the CYMG Open Call 2026
This open call is for voluntary leadership and support roles within CYMG for a one-year mandate, beginning on or before February 1, 2025.
All positions are unpaid, but they provide unparalleled exposure to UNEP processes, international policy engagement, leadership development, and global youth collaboration.
Time Commitment
- Steering Committee & Operations Team: ~4 hours per week
- Task Force Members: ~2–3 hours per week
(Time commitment may increase during major UNEP processes)
Open Positions Under the CYMG Open Call
Global Steering Committee (GSC) Roles
- Science Policy & Knowledge Lead (x2):
Coordinates CYMG science-policy activities, inputs into UNEP-hosted panels, and leads capacity-building initiatives. - Communications Lead (x1):
Oversees CYMG’s communication strategy, internal and external messaging, official publications, community engagement, and reporting. - Social Media Lead (x1):
Manages CYMG’s social media channels, campaigns, content scheduling, and analytics in collaboration with designers and focal points.
Thematic and Regional Focal Points
- Environmental Health Thematic Focal Point (x1):
Leads work at the intersection of environment, health, and equity using a One Health approach. - Regional Focal Points:
- Africa (x1)
- North America (x1)
- Europe (x1)
Regional focal points coordinate youth engagement, organize forums, and represent regional priorities in CYMG and UNEP processes.
CYMG Task Force Opportunities
The CYMG Open Call also invites applications for Task Forces, which support focal points and prepare volunteers for future leadership roles.
Available Task Forces
- Chemicals, Waste & Pollution
- Eco-Faith
- Policy Coordination & UNEP Affairs
- Africa Regional Task Force
- Latin America & the Caribbean Task Force
Task force members support advocacy, outreach, capacity building, policy engagement, and project coordination.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
To apply successfully under this CYMG Open Call:
- You must be a registered CYMG member
- You may apply for multiple roles, but only where relevant expertise exists
- Applicants should demonstrate commitment to youth environmental leadership and collaboration
Detailed Terms of Reference for all roles are provided in the official CYMG documentation.
How to Apply for the CYMG Open Call
Application Steps
- Confirm CYMG membership at cymgenv.net/join
- Review the Terms of Reference carefully
- Complete the application form for each role you are applying for
Application Deadline:
📅 24 January 2026, 23:59 UTC
📧 For questions, contact: admin@cymgenv.net
Why You Should Apply
Participating in the CYMG Open Call for Steering Committee offers young leaders the chance to:
- Influence global environmental policy
- Engage directly with UNEP processes
- Build leadership, advocacy, and governance skills
- Collaborate with youth worldwide on urgent planetary challenges
This opportunity is ideal for youth seeking impact, experience, and global exposure in environmental governance.