Apply for World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council Program

The World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council Program selects 20–25 young leaders worldwide who are actively involved in conservation to support ocean and climate action. Members serve a one-year term, contributing to campaigns, advocacy, leadership activities, and global collaboration while receiving training and networking opportunities. Applicants must be aged 16–25, fluent in English, and have prior conservation experience.

What is the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council Program?

The World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council Program is a global youth leadership initiative run by The Ocean Project in connection with World Ocean Day.

It brings together a diverse group of young conservation leaders to:

• Strengthen ocean and climate advocacy
• Promote global environmental awareness
• Support youth-led conservation action
• Build leadership and campaign skills

The program connects local conservation efforts with global environmental movements.

Key Objectives of the Program

The program focuses on empowering youth to drive environmental change through:

Ocean and Climate Action

• Promoting protection of the ocean (“blue planet”)
• Highlighting the ocean–climate connection
• Supporting global conservation campaigns

Youth Leadership Development

• Strengthening advocacy and leadership skills
• Training in campaign organizing and event planning
• Supporting youth-led initiatives

Global Collaboration

• Connecting youth across countries
• Building conservation networks
• Encouraging collective environmental action

Public Engagement and Awareness

• Increasing visibility of conservation issues
• Supporting media and social campaigns
• Engaging communities in environmental action

What Selected Council Members Do

Selected members of the Youth Advisory Council will:

Advocacy and Representation

• Serve as ambassadors for World Ocean Day
• Promote ocean and climate events globally
• Share conservation messages in their communities

Content and Communication

• Write blog posts for the World Ocean Day website
• Participate in social media campaigns and takeovers
• Share updates across academic and professional networks

Collaboration and Leadership

• Work with other council members and alumni
• Support youth-led conservation projects
• Help develop regional hubs and initiatives

Strategic Input

• Provide ideas on conservation priorities
• Advise on World Ocean Day direction
• Identify opportunities for collective action

Program Structure and Commitment

The program runs for a one-year term (until June 2027).

Required Participation

Members must:

• Attend at least 5 virtual meetings
• Complete 3–4 advisory surveys
• Maintain monthly communication (email or WhatsApp, 1–2 times/month)
• Join a 4-week Youth Leadership Training program

Youth Leadership Training Includes:

• Weekly 1-hour virtual sessions
• Additional 30-minute group discussions
• Training in leadership, advocacy, and environmental action

Additional Responsibilities

• Support regional hub development
• Participate in voluntary collaborative projects
• Engage in ongoing campaign activities

Support Provided to Council Members

The Ocean Project provides comprehensive support, including:

Training and Capacity Building

• Youth leadership training
• Onboarding and mentorship
• Advocacy skill development

Visibility and Exposure

• Blog features on official website
• Social media takeovers
• Newsletter mentions
• Media opportunities

Networking Opportunities

• Access to global conferences and summits
• Engagement with NGOs and governments
• Connection to alumni network

Global Reach

• Access to a network of 2,000+ organizations
• Presence across nearly 200 countries

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age Requirement

• Between 16 and 25 years old at the time of application

Location

• Open to applicants from any country

Skills and Experience

• Must have previous conservation experience
• Advocacy or organizing experience is an advantage

Technical Requirements

• Must have access to internet
• Must be fluent in English

Who is This Program For?

This program is designed for young people who:

• Are already active in environmental or conservation work
• Want to expand their impact globally
• Are interested in leadership and advocacy
• Want to work in international collaboration networks

Why This Program Matters

The Youth Advisory Council Program is important because it:

• Empowers youth leadership in ocean conservation
• Strengthens global climate and environmental advocacy
• Connects local actions to international platforms
• Builds long-term environmental leadership capacity
• Encourages collaboration across countries and cultures

It helps transform youth engagement into coordinated global environmental action.

How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Submit Application

• Provide details of conservation experience
• Demonstrate leadership and engagement

Step 2: Selection Process

• Review of experience, motivation, and global diversity
• Selection of 20–25 youth participants

Step 3: Onboarding

• Introduction to Council structure
• Training and orientation sessions

Step 4: Leadership Training

• 4-week virtual training program
• Skill-building in advocacy and campaigns

Step 5: Active Participation (1-Year Term)

Members:

• Join meetings and discussions
• Participate in campaigns and events
• Contribute to content and outreach

Step 6: Global Engagement

• Collaborate with international youth leaders
• Support conservation initiatives worldwide

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not showing real conservation experience
• Weak explanation of leadership involvement
• Lack of clarity in motivation statement
• Ignoring communication and time commitments
• Limited engagement in environmental activities

Tips for a Strong Application

• Highlight real conservation or environmental projects
• Show leadership or community involvement
• Demonstrate communication and teamwork skills
• Explain interest in ocean and climate action clearly
• Provide examples of advocacy or organizing experience
• Show motivation for global collaboration

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the program?

Young people aged 16–25 from any country.

2. How many members are selected?

Around 20–25 youth participants globally.

3. What is the duration of the program?

One-year term ending in June 2027.

4. Is conservation experience required?

Yes, prior conservation experience is required.

5. What language is required?

Applicants must be fluent in English.

6. Is the program virtual or in-person?

It is primarily a virtual global program.

7. What does the program focus on?

Ocean conservation, climate action, and youth leadership development.

Conclusion

The World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council Program is a global youth leadership initiative that empowers young conservationists to take action on ocean and climate issues. Through training, collaboration, advocacy, and international networking, it builds a strong generation of environmental leaders who contribute to meaningful global conservation efforts.