The Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ), a flagship youth capacity-building and leadership incubation initiative of the Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), has opened applications for its sixth cohort, scheduled to take place from 20 June to 3 July 2027 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Since its establishment in 2020, NSSCJ has trained more than 2,500 young people from across Africa and beyond, building a growing network of climate advocates, policymakers, researchers, community organisers, practitioners and grassroots leaders.
For Cohort VI, the School will focus on the theme, “Leveraging African Youth Power for Sustained Momentum on Climate Justice in a Multipolar World.” The theme recognises the changing global geopolitical landscape and the important role African young people can play in strengthening the continent’s voice and influence in climate governance.
The programme seeks to equip young leaders with practical knowledge, skills and networks to participate meaningfully in climate policy and decision-making processes at local, national, regional and global levels. Participants will explore climate justice, human rights, just transition, climate finance, gender and social inclusion, adaptation and resilience, Loss and Damage, and UNFCCC negotiation processes, among other areas.
Cohort VI will follow an integrated hybrid learning model, combining virtual pre-training with an intensive residential programme in Addis Ababa. Participants will take part in expert-led sessions, policy dialogues, negotiation simulations, case studies, policy labs, strategic communication workshops, field learning and interactions with experienced climate negotiators, policymakers and technical experts.
A distinctive feature of Cohort VI is its focus on connecting youth capacity building with practical engagement in global climate governance. Selected alumni will have an opportunity to be considered for structured participation at UNFCCC COP32 in Addis Ababa, including engagement in negotiations, side events, policy dialogues and coordinated youth advocacy.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to young people aged 18–35 from indigenous and marginalised communities, grassroots climate justice movements, youth and women’s groups, civil society, academia, research institutions, policy spaces and other relevant sectors.
Priority will be given to applicants from climate-vulnerable and frontline communities across Africa and the Global South. The cohort is expected to accommodate approximately 500 participants through its hybrid model.
Applicants should have an O-level certificate or equivalent, meet the age requirement, demonstrate fluency in English and/or French and Portuguese, and hold a valid passport if they are non-Ethiopian applicants. Limited full and partial scholarships will be awarded competitively.
Key dates
- November 2026: Call for applications launched
- January 2027: Applications close
- 27 February 2027: Successful applicants announced
- April 2027: Virtual pre-school training
- 20 June–3 July 2027: NSSCJ Cohort VI in Addis Ababa
- November 2027: UNFCCC COP32 in Addis Ababa
Apply today
Young people interested in strengthening their climate justice leadership and contributing to Africa’s climate agenda are encouraged to apply.
Local applicants:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/1NNmmi6E7G
International applicants:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/BCnKaN1dee
For more information, visit www.nsscj.org or contact application@nsscj.org.
