Applications are now open for the prestigious 2026 Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship, a fully funded, five-month leadership program designed to empower climate professionals from the Global South with the skills, networks, and knowledge to lead transformative change in clean energy and climate policy.
Hosted by Yale’s International Leadership Center, the program brings together 16 rising leaders working on practical climate and sustainability solutions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
Fellows engage in leadership training, global networking, collaborative projects, and interactive learning journeys, culminating in two in-person sessions in Yale, USA, and Paris, France — with all expenses covered.
Program Details
- Duration: February to June 2026
- Format: Hybrid (in-person and virtual)
- In-Person Sessions:
- Yale Orientation Week: February 16–20, 2026 (USA)
- Paris Closing Week: June 15–19, 2026 (France)
- Cost: Fully funded, including airfare, accommodation, per diem, and materials
- Cohort Size: 16 climate leaders from the Global South
Fellowship Activities
- Participate in structured leadership training, seminars, and workshops
- Collaborate on group projects addressing real-world climate challenges
- Engage in remote learning journeys on climate policy, sustainable finance, and energy transitions
- Expand international networks with global experts, policymakers, and practitioners
- Contribute to peer learning and knowledge exchange
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship targets individuals from the Global South who meet the following criteria:
- 5 to 10 years of professional experience in climate, clean energy, sustainability, or related fields
- Proven leadership potential and demonstrated impact at the regional, national, or international level
- Strong commitment to addressing climate challenges within their communities or countries
- Fluency in English (spoken and written)
- Citizens or residents of countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, or the Caribbean
- Diverse backgrounds encouraged, including public service, business, academia, civil society, media, law, or finance
There is no specific degree requirement, but candidates must demonstrate a strong educational and professional background.
Benefits
- Fully funded participation, including all travel and accommodation costs
- Round-trip airfare, hotel stays, transfers, and daily per diem for in-person sessions
- Access to Yale academic resources and international leadership networks
- Career development and global exposure to key players in the climate space
- Lifelong connection to a network of global climate leaders
Application Deadlines
- Humanities, Social Sciences, Creative Arts: September 11, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
- Science, Engineering, Mathematics: September 30, 2025 (11:59 PM ET)
- Final General Deadline: August 1, 2025 (11:59 AM)
Applications are submitted online via the Yale International Leadership Center portal. No application fees are required.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- A resume or curriculum vitae (maximum three pages)
- A personal statement (maximum 600 words)
- A brief video statement
- One letter of recommendation
Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for interviews during the selection process. Final decisions will be communicated by the program organizers.
Selection Process
Applicants are assessed based on:
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Impact of previous and current work
- Alignment with fellowship goals
- Commitment to collaboration and climate justice
- Willingness to engage fully with all program components
The program seeks diversity across geography, sector, background, and lived experience.
Conclusion
If you are an emerging leader from the Global South committed to advancing climate solutions, the Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship offers a unique, fully funded opportunity to develop your skills, expand your global network, and make a lasting impact.
