The Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests, the Youth for Sustainability Platform, and UNICEF Romania are launching the selection process for members of the Youth Advisory Council on Climate and Environment (CCT-CM), a participatory mechanism dedicated to children and youth aged 14 to 35. The council will bring together 20 young people from various regions and social backgrounds across Romania, creating a continuous platform for dialogue, consultation, and recommendations on climate and environmental issues. Topics addressed will include climate change and adaptation, biodiversity, pollution, waste management, environmental education, public participation, and communication. An important component of CCT-CM activities will be science-based public communication, source verification, and combating misinformation. Members will have the opportunity to contribute to policy recommendations and awareness initiatives, facilitating public access to accurate, clear, and verifiable information. "Decisions made today in the field of environment and climate directly impact young people and will shape their future. Therefore, their voices must not only be heard but also have a real and constant framework to influence public policies. Through this Council, we aim to bring together youth from different backgrounds and regions, listen to their ideas and arguments, and build a dialogue based on data, science, and verified information. We need a generation that not only demands change but actively participates in building it," stated Diana Buzoianu, Minister of Environment, Waters, and Forests.
"We want young people to be constantly and structurally involved in decisions that concern them, and CCT-CM responds to a clear need expressed in recent years. During the National Youth Conference on Climate Change (LCOY Romania), over 1,500 children and youth contributed to the National Declaration and Youth Action Plan on Climate Change, highlighting the need for clearer dialogue with institutions and mechanisms to track their recommendations in decision-making. CCT-CM creates this framework and adds a crucial science-based communication component. We thank the Ministry of Environment, Waters, and Forests and UNICEF Romania for their openness to transforming these requests into a concrete mechanism and for supporting a vision where children and young people play an active role in today’s decisions, not just tomorrow’s," said Elena-Alexandra Miron, President of the Youth for Sustainability Platform.
Who can apply?The process is open to children and youth aged 14 to 35 residing in Romania who are interested in climate, environment, civic participation, communication, education, or related fields. Prior professional experience in climate, environment, or public policies is not required. The selection will focus on motivation, analytical and argumentative skills, critical thinking, information verification interest, willingness to engage, and collaboration capacity. The final composition will aim for territorial and social representation, urban and rural participation, age balance, and diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
"Climate change disproportionately affects children and youth, and increasingly frequent and severe climate shocks clearly show the urgent need for action to protect them. The Youth Advisory Council on Climate and Environment will provide a safe and relevant space for young people to express their ideas and solutions, contributing genuinely to decision-making. Public policies are more effective and equitable when built together with their direct beneficiaries," stated Anna Riatti, UNICEF Romania representative.
How will CCT-CM function?Members will participate in consultations and meetings with institutions, experts, and peers; analyze current climate and environmental topics; formulate policy recommendations; engage with communities; develop informational materials; and work on science-based communication and misinformation prevention. The Youth for Sustainability Platform will provide the technical secretariat, organizing activities, documenting the process, and supporting members. The Ministry of Environment will connect the council’s activities with relevant public policy processes, while UNICEF Romania will facilitate participation, organize activities, and ensure age-appropriate methods and child protection standards.
Application deadline is August 31, 2026, at 23:59 EEST, via the application form. The selection process includes application review (September 1-4), interviews (September 8-11), with the 20 members announced on September 12. The first physical meeting is scheduled for September 14-18, with all participation costs covered.
For more information, visit the application portal and detailed methodology links. The CCT-CM is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Youth for Sustainability Platform, and UNICEF Romania, aiming to facilitate structured youth participation in climate and environmental policymaking.
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