Welcome!

We are the Youth Negotiators Academy.

This is our story.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

The Youth Negotiators Academy (YNA) was launched in 2022 to enable and empower the next generation of environmental negotiators with the skills, knowledge, community, networks, and resources, to deliver transformative change in the decision-making process and beyond, as well as to redress the systemic inequalities of representation and leadership of young people in multilateral and environmental treaty negotiations, specifically focusing on decision-making processes as part of the Three Rio Conventions.

650+

young negotiators
trained

100+

country
partnerships

4+

years

The YNA is currently entering its fifth year, marked by significant growth and impact since its inception. The YNA has now trained over 650 young negotiators across 100+ countries in just 4 years.

Our Mission

Our mission is to systemically transform multilateral decision-making and create a culture of inter- and intra-generational cooperation and solidarity. We achieve this by nurturing a global community of compassionate, trusted and effective young negotiators to successfully deliver inclusive, innovative and impactful outcomes.

Our Vision

Our vision is one of justice, inclusivity and ambition, where the voices of all citizens, present and future, are considered in global governance to deliver solutions that safeguard the collective well-being of our planet and its inhabitants.

OUR PROGRAMMES

CYNP

Climate Youth Negotiators Programme

The CYNP, the inaugural YNA programme, develops climate negotiators. It trains, connects, and empowers young negotiators to participate meaningfully in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations.

LYNP

Land Youth Negotiators Programme

The Land Youth Negotiator Programme (LYNP), launched in November 2023, develops the next generation of land negotiators. It is being delivered for the first time in 2024 at the 16th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

BYNP

Biodiversity Youth Negotiators Programme

YNA has, at the 16th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in Cali, Colombia, committed to developing the Biodiversity Youth Negotiator Programme (BYNP). This expands our activity to cover all three of the Rio Conventions.

Learn More

OUR IMPACT

Dieudonne Agonkpahoun

"Sometimes I wonder what my ability to work with colleagues and engage in discussions would be like if I hadn’t taken part in the LYNP Fundamental Programme, full of valuable learning experiences.

Before the training, I had the habit of looking away while speaking with someone instead of maintaining eye contact. Through the third dialogue principle, I understood that this could be perceived as not fully following the person who is talking, even though I was actually listening. Since then, I’ve changed my approach, moving from my old habit to a more attentive way of listening. And it has made a real difference.

Speaking of personal practice, I experienced something during the COP16, during the in-person training. It made me feel truly misrepresented. Indeed, during the negotiation simulation in my group, I felt that I wasn’t being listened to. My point of view was not fully considered, partly because of the English barrier I had at that time. It was shocking for me, but I couldn’t hold it to myself. I then applied the last personal practice (Personal Development) by speaking with Luea about the situation and how uncomfortable it made me feel. This experience reminded me of something very important : having someone you can talk to when you feel hurt truly matters. That is why Personal Development is so important. So, that is my story with the above courses and i'am still observing and practicing them in my personal work."

Audrey N'Goan

"I wanted to become more present, so I started actively applying these practices beyond UNCCD COP16 in my daily life.

One example of this was during the opening session, where I practiced active listening while countries delivered their statements. By paying attention not only to what was said but also to the underlying intentions, I was able to anticipate the dynamics of the drought negotiations and this later proved to be accurate.

After returning home, I realized that I often used to “download” information instead of truly listening. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to listen with more curiosity and openness, both at work and in my personal interactions. I now try to understand why people think or behave in certain ways rather than judging them.

This shift has significantly improved how I relate to others. Instead of labeling people, I focus on understanding and supporting them. As a result, others sometimes call me “the psychologist,” reflecting how much more attentive and empathetic I’ve become in my interactions."

Mohammed Al-Khateeb

"Through my participation in the LYNP, I developed essential communication skills, including effective speaking, deep listening, and engaging in meaningful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

This learning has had a significant impact not only in professional contexts such as COP environments, but also on a personal level. It has helped me build more conscious and respectful relationships, become more empathetic and understanding, and ultimately grow into a better communicator and individual in everyday interactions."

2024 Impact Report

Learn about the defining moments and progress made by YNA in 2024.

Read

NEW

This initiative gives experienced YNA alumni a bigger role in guiding peers, leading conversations, and enriching discussions across negotiation tracks.

For this inaugural year, the pilot is open to alumni who completed both the Fundamental and Advanced levels of the Climate Youth Negotiator Programme (CYNP) and gained hands-on COP experience.

Ambassadors serve for one year, and as go-to points of contact within their track, helping with: Navigating complex technical details; Staying current on developments; and Engaging in negotiations with confidence.

Learn More