The Mediterranean region is at the forefront of Europe’s clean energy transition, with ambitious net-zero goals and a surge of innovative projects across solar, wind, and hydrogen power. As the world looks to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, the Mediterranean Youth Task Force (MYTF) has announced the launch of its new program, offering young professionals an opportunity to spearhead the region’s sustainable development initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

The MYTF program is open to individuals up to 35 years of age who are either from or currently residing in the Mediterranean region. Applicants may be students, researchers, or young professionals with a demonstrated interest or involvement in the forestry, environmental, or sustainable development sectors. The program particularly welcomes applications from those with experience in community-driven initiatives, social entrepreneurship, or the use of digital technologies for environmental conservation.

Program Offerings

The MYTF program provides a unique platform for young leaders to contribute to the region’s clean energy transition. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities, including:

• Knowledge-sharing and capacity-building: Attendees will gain access to expert-led workshops, trainings, and networking events focused on topics such as renewable energy policy, sustainable forestry management, and climate finance.
• Collaborative project development: Participants will work in multidisciplinary teams to ideate and implement innovative, community-centric solutions for sustainable development challenges.
• Leadership development: Through mentorship, skill-building sessions, and hands-on project management experience, participants will hone their leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Advocacy and policy engagement: Participants will have the chance to engage with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society organizations, advocating for youth-driven initiatives and shaping the regional sustainability agenda.

Application Process

Interested applicants can visit the Mediterranean Youth Task Force website to learn more about the program and submit their applications. The selection process will involve a comprehensive review of each candidate’s qualifications, relevant experience, and their proposed contributions to the task force.

The application deadline is January 15, 2025, and successful applicants will be notified by March 1, 2025. Those selected for the program will be expected to commit to a 12-month term, during which they will actively participate in the task force’s activities and contribute to its objectives.

Program Details

Objectives and Goals

The overarching goal of the MYTF program is to empower young people to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Mediterranean region through sustainable development initiatives. The program aims to achieve the following key objectives:

1. Foster youth engagement: Provide a platform for young professionals to actively participate in the region’s clean energy transition and sustainable forestry management efforts.
2. Promote knowledge exchange: Facilitate the sharing of expertise, best practices, and innovative ideas among the diverse participants, as well as with policymakers and industry stakeholders.
3. Catalyze grassroots solutions: Encourage the development and implementation of community-driven, nature-based solutions that address local environmental and social challenges.
4. Develop future leaders: Empower participants to hone their leadership, communication, and project management skills, preparing them to become champions of sustainable development in the Mediterranean region.

Participant Benefits

By joining the MYTF program, participants can expect to gain a range of tangible benefits, including:

• Access to a dynamic network of like-minded young professionals, experts, and decision-makers in the sustainability sector.
• Hands-on experience in developing and executing impactful projects that address pressing environmental and social issues.
• Personalized mentorship and coaching from seasoned professionals in the fields of renewable energy, forestry, and sustainable development.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies, policy frameworks, and funding mechanisms driving the clean energy transition in the Mediterranean region.
• Opportunities to showcase their work and ideas at high-profile events, conferences, and workshops.
• A platform to amplify their voices and advocate for youth-led solutions at the regional and global levels.

Program Duration

The MYTF program is structured as a 12-month engagement, with participants expected to commit to active participation throughout the duration. The program will commence on April 1, 2025, and conclude on March 31, 2026, culminating in a final showcase event where participants will present their achievements and future plans.

Organizational Background

About Mediterranean Youth Task Force

The Mediterranean Youth Task Force (MYTF) is the youth-led branch of the Silva Mediterranea secretariat, which is hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Established in 2023, the MYTF is a self-governed network of young professionals, students, and researchers who are passionate about addressing the environmental and social challenges facing the Mediterranean region.

Mission and Vision

The MYTF’s mission is to facilitate youth engagement in the sustainable management of Mediterranean forests and the broader clean energy transition in the region. The task force aims to empower young people to become active agents of change, driving innovative solutions and advocating for policy reforms that support the region’s transition to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Collaborative Partners

The MYTF works closely with a diverse array of partners, including the FAO Silva Mediterranea secretariat, the European Forest Institute (EFI) Mediterranean Facility, national forestry agencies, environmental non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions across the region. These collaborations enable the task force to leverage a wide range of expertise, resources, and networks to amplify the impact of its initiatives.

Topical Focus Areas

The MYTF program is designed to address a range of interconnected challenges facing the Mediterranean region, with a particular focus on the following areas:

Sustainable Development

Participants will explore sustainable forestry management practices, including the use of nature-based solutions and ecosystem-based adaptation strategies to enhance the resilience of Mediterranean forests. They will also delve into the role of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles in driving sustainable development in the region.

Social Entrepreneurship

The program will encourage participants to develop innovative, community-centered business models and social enterprises that address local environmental and social challenges. This may include initiatives related to green jobs, eco-tourism, and the valorization of non-timber forest products.

Digital Skills Development

Recognizing the transformative potential of digital technologies, the MYTF program will provide participants with opportunities to enhance their skills in areas such as data analysis, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and digital storytelling. These skills will enable young professionals to leverage technology for more effective environmental monitoring, community engagement, and solution-scaling.

By empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders in the Mediterranean region, the MYTF program aims to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, resilient, and equitable future. As the world looks to the Mediterranean as a model for renewable energy and sustainable development, this youth-led initiative stands to play a vital role in shaping the region’s clean energy future.