#Japan #Tokyo #Global Youth MIDORI #UNU-IAS #Aeon Environmental Foundation

Join the Global Youth MIDORI Platform 2026

The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), led by Director Shinobu Yamaguchi, in collaboration with the Aeon Environmental Foundation, under the leadership of Chairman Motoya Okada, is excited to announce the opening of applications for university students interested in participating in the Global Youth MIDORI Platform 2026 (GYM).

What is the Global Youth MIDORI Platform?

The GYM program is designed for youth committed to addressing significant global environmental issues, particularly focusing on biodiversity and climate change. The primary aim of this initiative is to cultivate the next generation of global leaders in the environmental sector by enabling them to engage in international decision-making processes. Participants will have the opportunity to learn diverse problem-solving approaches through lectures by experts and discussions with young people from various countries.

In 2025, the GYM international training program selected 15 university students from 8 countries out of an overwhelming 2,657 applications. Notably, two top speakers from this event represented the UNU at the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30), held in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. During this prestigious event, they took part in numerous side events and engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including young leaders, researchers, government representatives, and local practitioners.

GYM 2026 Program Details

This year, the international training will take place online from August 4 to August 7, 2026, running daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (JST). It will be conducted in English and can accommodate 20 participants at no cost. Students can apply through the UNU-IAS website during the application period, which runs from April 10 to April 24, 2026.

Upcoming International Dispatch Program

The three outstanding participants selected during the speech contest on the final day of the online training will be invited to participate in the international dispatch program in Tokyo, scheduled for August 26 to August 29. This program includes participation in the 9th MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity Forum, organized by the Aeon Environmental Foundation. It offers invaluable opportunities for interaction with practitioners and researchers in the fields of biodiversity and climate change, as well as visits related to resource circulation efforts.

The MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity

The Aeon Environmental Foundation, in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, established the MIDORI Prize for Biodiversity during the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP10) held in Japan in 2010. This international award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, aiming to raise awareness of its importance and support the activities of awardees. So far, this prestigious prize has recognized 21 individuals from 20 countries.

About the Aeon Environmental Foundation

Founded in 1990 by Takuya Okada, the Aeon Environmental Foundation was Japan's first corporate foundation focused on environmental issues. With a mission to promote peace, respect human dignity, and contribute to local communities, the foundation undertakes various initiatives, including tree planting, grants, environmental education, joint research, and awards to celebrate those making strides in environmental conservation. Its efforts include hosting the Aeon SATOYAMA Forum with universities to foster discussions on the future of sustainable satoyama landscapes.

About UNU-IAS

Established in 2014, UNU-IAS is a research institute under the United Nations University, dedicated to tackling urgent global challenges that the UN and its member states are concerned about. Based in Tokyo, the institute promotes research in four key areas: governance for climate change and sustainable development, biodiversity and society, water and resource management, and innovation and education. Offering master's and doctoral programs, postdoctoral fellowships, and intensive short courses, UNU-IAS is committed to furthering sustainability research.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the Global Youth MIDORI Platform 2026, please contact:

• - UNU-IAS: Tanno and Maruyama, Phone: 03-5467-1212, Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• - Aeon Environmental Foundation: Yoshinaga and Ito, Phone: 043-212-6022, Email: [email protected]