The Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded, international leadership program designed for young climate and clean energy professionals from the Global South. It aims to equip emerging leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to tackle climate change through inclusive and innovative clean energy solutions. This prestigious fellowship is hosted by the International Leadership Center at Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs and brings together 16 carefully selected professionals each year.
Fellows represent a wide range of sectors, including government, business, civil society, academia, and the media. They come together for intensive in-person and online engagements that cover climate policy, clean energy technologies, global governance, finance, and more. With participants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, the fellowship fosters rich cross-regional collaboration and peer learning.
The fellowship kicks off with a one-week orientation at Yale University, followed by three months of interactive online learning journeys, and concludes with a one-week final summit in Paris. Throughout the program, fellows work with Yale faculty, global climate leaders, and each other to exchange insights, build new partnerships, and produce collaborative policy solutions.
The program is anchored by top practitioners and experts such as Paul Simons, a former U.S. ambassador and ex-deputy head of the International Energy Agency. With Yale’s rich ecosystem of climate research centers, fellows gain cutting-edge knowledge and mentorship that supports their growth as next-generation global climate leaders.
Quick Overview of Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026
- Host Countries: United States (Yale University) and France (Paris) + Virtual Sessions
- Host Institution: Yale University, Jackson School of Global Affairs (International Leadership Center)
- Deadline: August 1, 2025
- Program Dates: February 16 – June 19, 2026
- Value: Fully funded (includes flights, accommodation, meals, training, and materials)
- Age Limit: No fixed limit, but for professionals with 5–10 years of experience
- Eligibility: Open to professionals from the Global South working in climate/clean energy fields with strong leadership potential
Perks of Climate Change and Clean Energy Fellowship 2026
- Attend in-person orientation at Yale and a concluding summit in Paris
- Participate in high-level dialogues with Yale faculty and global experts
- Join peer learning sessions and remote seminars on climate policy, finance, and innovation
- Present findings and policy recommendations to a global advisory board
- Build lifelong professional connections through Yale’s alumni network and global climate community
Benefits of Leadership Development Fellowship in the United States 2026
- Access to Yale’s thought leadership in climate change, policy, and energy systems.
- Accelerated global exposure and credibility in climate leadership networks.
- Enhanced public speaking, collaboration, and policy recommendation skills through real-world engagements and alumni support.
Exclusions of Yale Leadership Fellowship in the US 2026
- Not open to applicants outside the Global South
- Must be fluent in English (no translation services provided)
- Fellows must commit to attending both in-person components (Yale and Paris)
- Applicants must cover their documentation (e.g., passport, visa)
Eligibility Criteria of Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026
- 5–10 years of professional experience in clean energy, climate policy, or related fields
- Proven impact at the regional, national, or international level
- Committed to full participation (February–June 2026)
- Based in or originally from Africa, Asia, Latin America/Caribbean, or the Middle East
- Fluent in English
- Open to professionals from all sectors: government, NGOs, journalism, law, education, finance, and more
Important Dates of Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026
- Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
- Yale Orientation Week: February 16–20, 2026
- Remote Learning Journeys: March – June 2026
- Paris Closing Week: June 15–19, 2026
How to Apply to Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026
- Go to the Application Portal
- Create an account and begin the online application
- Upload your resume (max 3 pages), personal statement (600 words max), and video statement
- Submit one letter of recommendation
- Ensure all materials are submitted by August 1, 2025
Required Documents for the Fully Funded Leadership Program in Yale 2026
- Résumé or CV (maximum 3 pages)
- Personal statement (max 600 words)
- Brief video statement
- One letter of recommendation
Country-Specific Criteria for the Fully Funded Climate Fellowship
Eligible applicants must be from the Global South, specifically:
- Africa
- Asia
- Middle East
- Latin America and the Caribbean
