Events
Arctic Youth Dialogue 2026: Call for Participants
- Arctic youth
Be part of the conversation on security dimensions in the Arctic, together with European and Arctic youth. Apply for the Arctic Youth Dialogue 2026!
When: 28 August – 2 September 2026
Where: Brussels, Belgium
Who: Young people aged 18-35 from Arctic states and European Countries
Ways to participate: Dialogue Participant or Youth Media Team
Deadline to apply: 09 April 2026
About the Arctic Youth Dialogue
The Arctic Youth Dialogue (AYD) is an initiative of the European Union and a deliverable under the EU Arctic policy. It is implemented under different workstreams, of which the project Youth Together for Arctic Futures project is a major contributor. Youth Together for Arctic Futures is co-funded by the European Union and Global Affairs Canada.
The AYD is a platform aimed at fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among young people interested in the Arctic region. This dialogue will gather 34 young people from diverse backgrounds across Europe and the Arctic states to exchange ideas, perspectives, and experiences on Arctic topics.
The Arctic Youth Dialogue 2026 theme is: Security dimensions in the Arctic. The outcomes of these discussions and workshops will be shared with the public at the EU-Arctic Youth Dialogue, held together with the EU Arctic Forum and the Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogue, 1-2 September 2026.
Ways to participate
Dialogue Participant
Join working groups to develop policy recommendations on:
- Food security – How can we make sure food systems are resilient enough to give access to nutritious food for Arctic communities?
- Biodiversity and climate security – How can we implement safeguards for Arctic climate degradation and biodiversity loss while advancing strategies for long-term adaptation and mitigation?
- Cultural sovereignty and security – How can inclusive and equitable processes ensure that the Arctic populations’ cultural security and identity are safeguarded?
- Health sovereignty and security – How can health systems and strategies be utilized to ensure the resilience and wellbeing of the Arctic population?
Leadership Roles (for previous participants)
Alumni from previous Arctic Youth Dialogues, or youth engaged in other aspects of the Youth Together for Arctic Futures’ project can apply for roles as subgroup facilitators, moderators, speakers, or panelists.
State of the Arctic Youth Report Cards
Dialogue participants can volunteer as Country report card leads, contributing to a youth-led publication capturing Arctic youth perspectives (released end of 2026).
This is an opportunity to represent your country’s voice in a circumpolar publication — translating youth voices into a concrete, one-page assessment that holds Arctic states accountable.
Youth Media Team
A small group of youth will form the Youth Media Team will document the event through photography, short-form social media content, and other creative formats. Media team members will focus on capturing and communicating the event, and will not take part in dialogue discussions.
Who can apply
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Reside in an Arctic State or European country and/or come from an Arctic state or European country.
- Be between the ages of 18 and 35. If you’re aged 18 to 25, we strongly encourage you to apply!
- Be able to engage in discussions and activities in English.
We seek motivated youth with an interest in the Arctic, youth engagement, and the overarching theme “Security Dimensions in the Arctic”.
We are committed to creating a diverse group with different experiences and encourage people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and abilities to apply. We welcome applicants with different levels of experience. You do not need to be an expert on Arctic policy – curiosity, motivation and willingness to engage meaningfully in discussions are what matter most.
How to apply
Apply by 9 April 2026 (23.59 CET). Travel, meals and accommodation will be covered for successful applicants.
Contact Information
For any questions or further information, please contact Sissa Palmquist (sissa.palmquist@wwf.se).
By WWF Global Arctic Programme
