Climate Diplomats Program 2026
A training program on climate and diplomacy for building young leadership in the Middle East | December 2025 – April 2026
In cooperation with the School of Sustainability and Climate Change, Ben-Gurion University
Cohort 7 | Israeli Track
The Climate Diplomacy for Young Professionals (CDYP) program is a unique regional training for youth from the Middle East (ages 20–35) who are at the early stages of their professional careers.
The program’s goal is to provide tools and knowledge on regional climate and water challenges and the geopolitical reality of Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East, alongside negotiation and effective communication skills. The purpose is to cultivate a new generation of young leadership and to promote individual and group climate initiatives on a regional level.
The program is conducted in cooperation with the School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University and is officially recognized by the university.
Training tracks are held in Israel as well as in Aman and Ramallah.
Program sessions will be held in both Hebrew and English.
Program Structure
The program includes in-person and online meetings, professional training, negotiation simulations, and field tours.
A selected group of participants will also take part in an advanced training abroad with international partners.
1. Basic Training
• Online session (1.5 hours)
• Two seminars (2 days each, total of 4 days)
• Field tour
• Closing event
2. Advanced Training
• Advanced seminar (3 days)
• Online session (1.5 hours)
• Advanced regional seminar abroad (4–5 days)
• Group project planning and implementation
• Closing event
Upon acceptance, participants will receive a full scholarship for participation.
Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.
Applicants should be able to communicate in Hebrew at a working level.
At the end of the program, participants will receive an academic certificate issued by the School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Who Can Apply?
Young people in Israel (ages 20–35) who wish to protect the environment and shared natural resources with our neighbors, from a regional perspective, while advancing cross-border cooperation.
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree or approximately two years of relevant work experience.
Admission requires a selection process and an interview.
Priority will be given to candidates who demonstrate strong English and Hebrew skills, relevant experience, and a clear ability to commit to the full program.
Training Content
Broadening knowledge on climate change and its specific impact on the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa).
Deepening understanding of the complexity of water systems in the region and becoming familiar with cross-border environmental agreements.
Exposure to regional and diplomatic cooperation.
Meetings with experts in climate, ecology, and diplomacy.
Joint learning, hands-on negotiation practice, simulations, panels with key stakeholders, and study tours.
Opportunity to join the EcoPeace Alumni Network upon graduation.
Advanced tools for negotiation and diplomatic relations.
Using social media and storytelling to promote projects and interests.
Community leadership as a key factor, and the development of local projects that create bottom-
up change.
Project design and implementation – selected projects will receive EcoPeace funding and support.
Application
The application deadline is Thursday, November 13, 2025.
The application and selection process includes two stages:
Submission of application and questionnaire
Interview with the EcoPeace team
The selection process and interviews will be conducted in Hebrew and English, and proficiency in both languages is required.
For any questions or clarifications regarding the program or the application process, please contact us by email.
