AK Travels Limited

Summary

• Programme: Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027
• Organisers: Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue
• Location: Brussels, Belgium
• Programme Duration: December 2026 – March 2027
• In-person Programme: 28 February – 6 March 2027
• Number of Participants: Eight young climate leaders
• Funding: Travel, visa and accommodation costs for the Brussels programme
• Eligible Countries: Worldwide, with particular welcome for applicants from selected countries, including Nigeria
• Age Requirement: 20–30 years
• Application Deadline: 10 November 2026

About the Climate Leadership Programme

The Climate Leadership Programme 2026–2027 is a joint initiative of the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union | Global Dialogue. It is designed to support young people who are already contributing to climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship in their communities and countries.

The programme will select eight young climate leaders from around the world for a combination of online learning, practical skills development and an in-person experience in Brussels, Belgium.

From December 2026 to February 2027, participants will attend online masterclasses and skills-training sessions covering important areas of climate leadership. These include EU climate governance, diplomacy, policy writing and communication. Attendance during this online phase is mandatory. Only participants who complete this phase will proceed to the Brussels programme.

The in-person component will take place from 28 February to 6 March 2027. Participants will gain first-hand exposure to the European policy environment and engage with climate leaders and members of the policy community.

A major highlight is participation in the CEPS Ideas Lab on 4 and 5 March 2027. This flagship event brings together policymakers, researchers, business leaders and civil society representatives to discuss important European policy challenges and opportunities.

Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung will also organise a complementary side programme in Brussels, with further details provided to selected participants.

Scholarship Benefits

The programme provides financial support for participants attending the in-person activities in Brussels.

The confirmed benefits include:

• Travel costs: Travel expenses for the Brussels programme are covered.
• Visa costs: Visa expenses for participation in the Brussels programme are covered.
• Accommodation: Accommodation costs during the Brussels week are covered.
• Online training: Participants gain access to online masterclasses and skills development sessions.
• Climate policy exposure: Participants learn about EU climate governance and policymaking.
• Networking opportunities: Selected participants connect with climate leaders and members of the European policy community.
• Ideas Lab participation: Participants attend CEPS Ideas Lab on 4–5 March 2027.

Important funding clarification: CEPS confirms coverage of travel, visa and accommodation costs for the Brussels week. The official announcement does not state that participants will receive a monthly stipend, salary or cash allowance. It also does not specify funding for meals or personal expenses. Applicants should therefore not assume that every expense throughout the programme is covered.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is looking for eight young climate leaders who meet the following requirements:

• Be between 20 and 30 years old.
• Have a strong interest in climate action.
• Already be engaged in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship in their own community or country.
• Have a specific initiative to present, such as a policy proposal, advocacy campaign or climate-related venture.
• Have a good command of English.
• Be able to participate in the online programme from December 2026 to February 2027.
• Be available to attend the in-person programme in Brussels from 28 February to 6 March 2027.

Applications are open to candidates worldwide. However, CEPS particularly welcomes applicants from a specified group of countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, India, Brazil, Morocco, Senegal and others.

Nigerian applicants are therefore explicitly among the candidates encouraged to apply.

The programme also aims to build a gender-balanced group with participants from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applicants are required to submit three items: a CV, a reference letter and a completed written application questionnaire.

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements.

Confirm that you are within the 20–30 age range, have an active interest in climate action and are already involved in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship.

Step 2: Identify the climate initiative you will present.

Prepare to explain a specific initiative you are involved in. This may be a climate policy proposal, advocacy campaign or entrepreneurial venture connected to climate action.

Step 3: Prepare your CV.

Prepare an up-to-date CV in English, highlighting your education, professional or volunteer experience, climate-related activities, leadership experience and relevant achievements.

Step 4: Obtain a reference letter.

Request a reference letter in English from someone who can support your application and provide insight into your experience and suitability for the programme.

Step 5: Complete the official application questionnaire.

Access the questionnaire through the link provided on the official CEPS announcement page and complete all required sections.

Step 6: Submit your documents by email.

Send your CV and reference letter in English to the CEPS contact email provided in the official announcement. Use the following email subject format:

“Climate Leadership Programme – [Full Name]”

Ensure that the written questionnaire is also completed. CEPS states that only complete applications will be considered.

Successful applicants are expected to be notified by the end of November 2026.

Important Deadline

The application opened on 29 October 2026.

The official CEPS announcement contains two different deadline dates: the application instructions specify 10 November 2026 at 23:59 CET, while the key-dates section lists 11 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.

To avoid missing the opportunity because of this discrepancy, applicants should submit all materials no later than 10 November 2026 at 23:59 CET.

Other important dates:

• End of November 2026: Notification of successful applicants.
• December 2026 – February 2027: Online masterclasses and skills training.
• 28 February – 6 March 2027: In-person programme in Brussels.
• 4–5 March 2027: CEPS Ideas Lab.

Official Application Link

APPLY HERE

Official Programme Announcement

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The CEPS Climate Leadership Programme offers an opportunity for young Nigerians and other eligible international applicants who are already involved in climate action to gain practical knowledge of European climate policymaking and connect with an international policy community.

This is not a general climate-awareness programme for beginners. Applicants should be able to demonstrate existing involvement in climate policy, advocacy or entrepreneurship and present a specific initiative.

Prepare your CV, reference letter and questionnaire carefully. Because the official page contains conflicting deadline dates, submit your complete application by 10 November 2026 to avoid any last-minute complications.

For more verified international fellowships, leadership programmes, scholarships and global opportunities, visit http://www.aktravelsltd.com.