The North-South Centre of the Council of Europe has officially opened applications for its 2026 Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) Tutored Online Course on Environment. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between environmental advocacy and human rights, providing young leaders across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East with the tools necessary to tackle the world’s most pressing ecological challenges.
As the “triple planetary crisis”—comprising climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss—continues to intensify, the course seeks to empower a new generation of activists to understand the direct link between environmental degradation and human rights violations. The four-week intensive programme, running from 28 October to 24 November 2026, is designed to highlight how ecological collapse disproportionately affects marginalized communities, while simultaneously exploring legal and community-based frameworks for advocacy.
The programme is fully digital and offered free of charge, reflecting the North-South Centre’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. With a workload of approximately 30 hours, the course is structured into four modules, with one being released each week. While the curriculum is delivered asynchronously through the HEY e-learning platform—allowing participants to manage their own schedules—it also features group work, collaborative activities, and live tutoring sessions to ensure a comprehensive and supported learning experience.
The Council of Europe is specifically seeking applications from individuals up to 30 years old who demonstrate active involvement in their communities. Eligible candidates include members of civil society organizations, grassroots movements, youth journalists, policy advisers, and young professionals working in environmental or human rights sectors. The selection process will prioritize applicants who show significant potential to act as “multipliers,” meaning they have the capacity to share their newfound knowledge and skills within their own organizations and local networks.
The North-South Centre intends to select a cohort of 50 participants, ensuring a balanced representation across gender and geography. In addition to technical knowledge, the course emphasizes the development of practical skills, encouraging participants to analyze regional and global legal frameworks and devise strategies for environmental justice. Those who successfully complete the four-week curriculum will receive a certificate of participation.
Language proficiency is a key requirement for prospective students. While the course materials are listed in French, the official working language of the program is English, and candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both to participate fully in the collaborative aspects of the training.
The application deadline is set for 18 October 2026, at 23:59 Lisbon time. Given the expected volume of interest, organizers advise applicants to provide detailed evidence of their experience and motivation in their submissions. Successful candidates will be notified on 23 October 2026 and must confirm their spot promptly to secure their participation.
This initiative represents a significant opportunity for young environmental defenders to gain a broader, international perspective on sustainability. By connecting young people from diverse regions, the Council of Europe hopes to foster a global network of advocates capable of addressing the complex intersections of social justice and environmental stability. Interested individuals are encouraged to review the full details and submit their applications through the official North-South Centre website before the October deadline.
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