Deadline: 07 June 2020
If you are a young person who cares about environmental issues and you want to motivate others to join you in helping to build sustainable peace across Cyprus, then apply now for the ‘UNFICYP Youth Champions – Environment & Peace’ initiative.
UNFICYP want to recruit a network of young activists who will help to protect the shared environment and support peace across Cyprus. They are looking for 20 young Cypriots (10 from the Greek Cypriot community and 10 from the Turkish Cypriot community) to form a vibrant network of young activists who will collaborate on environmental campaigns across the divide and build peace from the bottom up.
As an UNFICYP Youth Champion – Environment and Peace, you will learn about tackling key issues such as climate change and environmental degradation. You will find out more about the challenges that these issues pose to future generations across this island and to peace, overall. You will participate in trainings organized by prominent Cypriot and internationally recognized environmental groups/organizations, together with UNFICYP. You will be empowered to design and deliver campaigns promoting environmental awareness on topics ranging from preserving the environment in the buffer zone to global climate change.
The UNFICYP Young Champions – Environment & Peace initiative is based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The SDGs address the global challenges face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 Goals are all interconnected, and in order to leave no one behind, it is important to achieve them all by 2030.
Champions will:
- Take part in a training program a few hours a week from 12th June to 24th October to learn more about environmental challenges, peacebuilding, campaigning and advocacy;
- Participate in an UNFICYP-led awareness campaign against illegal dumping in the buffer zone;
- Identify other topics of common concern and design campaigns accordingly;
- Organize and take part in events on World Cleanup Day;
- Visit various locations on the island together with UNFICYP and local NGOs, when conditions permit;
- Receive an UNFICYP ‘Youth Champion’ certificate on UN Day, 24th October 2020;
- Have fun and make new friends across the divide!
Eligibility Criteria
- Aged 18-29, Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot and living in Cyprus;
- A strong commitment to making a significant contribution towards a peaceful and sustainable future on the island;
- A track record of environmental and/or social awareness raising;
- Good communication and advocacy skills;
- Fluency in English, with knowledge of either Greek or Turkish;
- Ability to travel across and within the buffer zone to engage with youth from across the island.
For more information, visit https://unficyp.unmissions.org/apply-now-become-unficyp-youth-champion-environment-peace