The Global South climate leaders need you! The 2026 Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship is here to offer a fully paid, five-month-long leadership program for young professionals who are the change agents bringing in the climate action and clean energy revolution in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The applications are now open!
Yale University’s International Leadership Center is the main organizer of the Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship, which is highly recognized for opening doors to early-to-mid-career leaders to gain new skills, deepen their networks, and access global profiles necessary to grow and implement deeply impactful climate solutions in their communities and beyond.
Now Open: 2026 Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship for Rising Professionals from the Global South
🌱 About the Fellowship
The Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship is an initiative focused on recruiting professionals from the Global South, who will gain an outstanding experience in a 16-member group that emphasizes leadership development, collaborative problem-solving, and high-level networking.
From climate policy to clean energy transitions, sustainability, and climate justice, this program continues Yale’s longstanding commitment to significant global impact and interdisciplinary innovation.
Furthermore, the fellowship offers access to a vibrant mix of virtual learning and two unobstructed in-person experiences—one at Yale in the United States of America and the other in Paris, France—crafting a truly international stage for change.
🗓 Fellowship Duration & Format (2026)
- February 16-20, 2026: Yale Orientation Week (New Haven, Connecticut, USA—in person)
- March-June 2026 Remote Learning Journeys (5 interactive online sessions)
- Collaborative Group Projects: March–June 2026 (team-based climate solutions)
- Paris Closing Week: June 15–19, 2026 (France—in person)
💡 Key Fellowship Activities
Fellows will:
- 🎓 Take part in leadership training programs in the areas of strategy, communication, and systems thinking
- 🌐 Participate in online “Learning Journeys” about sustainable finance, climate policy design, and energy innovation
- 🤝 Work with colleagues from different borders to come up with practical climate solutions
- 🏛 Go to live sessions at Yale University and Paris, talking with experts all over the world
- 🧠 Give peer learning a go and be inspired by other sectors and regions
- 🌐 Have deep-rooted connections with a vibrant network of climate leaders across the globe
🎯 Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is looking for bright young leaders who are already making an impact and have the capacity to influence on a larger scale. Perfect candidates:
- Are you a citizen or resident of a Global South country (Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean)?
- Have 5–10 years of postgraduate professional experience in fields such as
- Climate policy or environmental governance
- Clean energy or engineering
- Sustainable finance or green business
- Civil society, advocacy, or NGOs
- Academia, law, journalism, or public service
Show that they have been Demonstrate notable leadership abilities and have a plan for large-scale change. Have a high level of proficiency in English (both writing and speaking). Are dedicated to climate justice and environmentally friendly development. A strong professional or intellectual record is crucial, even though a formal degree is not necessary.
✅ Program Benefits
Selected fellows receive:
- ✈️ Full funding for round-trip airfare to both in-person sessions
- 🏨 Covered accommodation and per diem during Yale and Paris residencies
- 💼 Zero program or application fees
- 📚 Access to Yale’s academic resources and expert faculty
- 🤝 Networking with global climate leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and academics
- 🏅 A certificate of completion from Yale’s International Leadership Center
- 🌐 Lifelong membership in a growing alumni network of climate innovators
This is not just a training program—it’s a launchpad for global climate leadership.
📝 Application Details
- Deadline for Humanities, Social Sciences & Creative Arts: September 11, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
- Deadline for Science, Engineering & Mathematics: September 30, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
- No application fee
- Online submissions only via the official portal
👉 Apply here: Yale International Leadership Center – Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship
Note: Paper applications are not accepted. All materials must be uploaded digitally.
🔍 Selection Process
The process is highly competitive, and its values are
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Impact of past and current work
- Alignment with climate justice and sustainable development
- Collaborative spirit and openness to interdisciplinary learning
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview. We will communicate the final decisions by early 2026.
🌟 Why This Fellowship Matters
Climate change disproportionately affects the Global South—yet leaders from these regions are often underrepresented in global climate dialogues. This fellowship aims to close that gap by amplifying Southern voices, supporting homegrown solutions, and building a more equitable climate movement.
As a fellow, you’ll gain the tools to influence policy, mobilize resources, and lead high-impact initiatives—all while becoming part of a powerful global network.
🚀 Apply Now and Lead the Change
If you’re passionate about building a sustainable, just, and resilient future—this is your moment.
Don’t miss this fully funded opportunity to grow as a leader, collaborate across borders, and shape the future of climate action.
🔗 Apply before the deadline: https://internationalleadership.yale.edu
