Applications are now open for the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC) Youth Ambassador Program 2027, a fully funded opportunity for young community leaders, with a closing deadline of October 19, 2026, just days away.
The programme offers young leaders from the Global South the chance to actively shape and contribute to formats taking place at the conference. Being part of the Youth Ambassador Cohort means engaging with the conference, its topics, and fellow Ambassadors early in the lead-up to the event, helping bring the HSC to life long before it opens.
Who the Programme Is Looking For
The HSC is seeking to amplify the voices of young community leaders with a proven record of delivering concrete solutions to sustainability challenges and mobilising supporters to drive success, whether by founding their own initiatives or raising awareness through existing networks.
The requirements are specific:
- Age: Between 18 and 30 years old
- Background: From and residing in a Global South country, based on the current DAC List of ODA Recipients of the OECD. Applicants can check eligibility using the Country of Residence dropdown on the application; if a country does not appear in the list, the applicant is unfortunately not eligible
- Leadership: Actively driving sustainability efforts in your community
- Commitment: Confidence in communicating in English, and time to participate actively in the programme and contribute to the conference, including preparatory work ahead of the event
What Ambassadors Get
The programme is fully funded, with travel and accommodation costs covered, and the experience spans from December 2026 to the conference itself in mid-2027:
- Connect with peers globally: Exchange ideas with fellow Youth Ambassadors from around the world before, during, and after the conference
- Share your voice: Contribute insights, experiences, and solutions to global leaders working towards a sustainable future
- Join conference sessions: Participate as a speaker or attendee, depending on your expertise
- Engage with decision-makers: Connect with 1,600+ leaders, including heads of state and government
- Expand your network: Meet key leaders, press representatives, and local youth in Hamburg
Key Dates
- Applications open: October 6, 2026
- Application deadline: October 19, 2026
- Interview rounds with shortlisted candidates: End of October 2026
- Participation confirmation: End of October / early November 2026
- HSC Youth Roundtable Series: December 7 to 11, 2026
- Hamburg Sustainability Conference: May 31 to June 1, 2027
Note that the Youth Roundtable Series in December comes before the main conference, so selected Ambassadors’ engagement begins almost immediately after selection, not just at the Hamburg event itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the HSC Youth Ambassador Program?
Young community leaders aged 18 to 30 who live in a Global South country, as defined by the OECD DAC List of ODA Recipients, are actively driving sustainability efforts in their communities, and can confidently communicate in English.
Is the programme fully funded?
Yes. Travel and accommodation costs are covered by the programme.
What is the application deadline?
October 19, 2026, with interviews for shortlisted candidates at the end of October and participation confirmed by early November.
What will Ambassadors actually do?
They engage early in the lead-up to the conference, contribute to conference formats, participate in the Youth Roundtable Series in December 2026, and join the Hamburg Sustainability Conference from May 31 to June 1, 2027, potentially as speakers depending on their expertise.
Who will Ambassadors meet?
More than 1,600 leaders, including heads of state and government, plus press representatives, fellow Youth Ambassadors from around the world, and local youth in Hamburg.
How do I check if my country is eligible?
Use the Country of Residence dropdown on the application form, which is based on the OECD DAC List of ODA Recipients. If your country does not appear in the dropdown, you are not eligible for the programme.
