Online Training: Climate Change Adaptation and and Advocacy in the MENA Region

Call for Applications: Online Training and Workshop: Climate Change Adaptation and and Advocacy in the MENA Region

August - September 2025 (exact dates to be announced)

The urgency to address climate change and environmental degradation requires inclusive action that centers the voices of impacted communities, particularly young people across the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. These voices are essential to building accountable and democratic governance frameworks that can sustain long-term environmental strategies.

In line with the Arab Reform Initiative (ARI)’s mission to promote a just environmental transition in the region, by fostering civic engagement and strengthening public awareness of environmental and social issues, this training and capacity building will equip youth organizations and grassroots activists with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage in national and international climate dialogues.

With support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the program aims to build the capacity of youth and civil society actors to monitor climate change impacts, critically assess government responses, and advocate for climate justice at multiple levels. The training also seeks to foster more inclusive participation in key decision-making arenas such as the Conference of Parties (COP) and other international and regional platforms.

In a context where climate negotiations often remain inaccessible to local communities and young activists, and where the intersection between climate justice and broader issues of governance, economic inequality, and gender remains under-addressed, this initiative offers a unique opportunity to support youth-led movements and amplify their role in creating spaces for climate activism and advocacy.

As an added opportunity, some participants who demonstrate strong engagement and commitment during the training will be selected to join the ARI delegation to the COP in Brazil later this year.

Training objectives

  • Develop understanding of international climate negotiation mechanisms and environmental justice.
  • Strengthen advocacy skills for engaging with national, European, and international institutions.
  • Identify climate finance opportunities to support environmental projects.
  • Provide practical tools for monitoring and influencing climate policies.
  • Create a community of practice among youth activists in the MENA region.
  • Support the understanding of Climate Adaptation and International and Regional Frameworks and Conventions.

Program overview

The training will consist of 3 to 4 online modules (total duration: approx. 3 hours), covering:

  1. International negotiation and climate/environmental justice.
  2. Advocacy with the European Union and participation in international negotiation spaces (COP, regional forums, etc.).
  3. Climate governance and finance (World Bank, IFIs, Climate Funds, Loss and Damage mechanisms).
  4. Just Environmental Transition, and issues around adaptation, climate and environmental activism and advocacy
  5. The use of AI and technology in activism and data security
  6. Building coalitions across the MENA region
  7. Practical tools and case studies for monitoring and influencing climate policies.

Target audience

This call is open to:

  • Youth organizations in the MENA region.
  • Grassroots and community initiatives.
  • Feminist organizations.
  • Community Based Organization (CBOs) from the MENA region.
  • University students in the region as well as individuals.

It is particularly intended for young people who wish to deepen their knowledge of climate justice, environmental governance, and advocacy at different levels.

Application requirements 

Interested candidates should submit their application by July 17th, 2025.

To apply, please fill in the online application form and answer the questions covering your motivation:

  • Why do you want to participate in this training?
  • How will you apply the knowledge gained within your organization or community?
  • Have you previously participated in any international climate conferences or negotiation spaces (COP, regional forums, etc.)? If so, which ones and in what capacity?
  • Have you been involved in any climate justice, environmental, or community-based initiatives or projects?
  • Which topics or modules in this training are of particular interest to you?

Please note: applicants should have a good understanding of both English and Arabic, as sessions will be held in both languages.

Selection criteria

Applications will be assessed based on:

  • The applicant’s motivation and demonstrated interest in the training topics.
  • Their level of engagement within their organization or community.
  • Any prior experience in international advocacy spaces.
  • Age: applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
  • Geographical and thematic diversity to ensure a balanced group of participants.

Practical information

  • Language: the training will be conducted in English and Arabic (with interpretation if needed).
  • Dates: between August and September 2025 (exact dates to be announced).
  • Format: online training (via Zoom).
  • Participation incentive: Some participants demonstrating strong engagement will be invited to join the ARI delegation to the COP in Brazil in 2025.

For any questions, please contact us at: reachout2epp@arab-reform.net