The programme invites young people from across the world to engage in faith-rooted learning, advocacy, and community action that respond to the urgent realities of climate change. Abigayle Bolado, Youth Engagement programme executive, reflected that “we aim to continuously create Ecumenical Youth Hubs and grow into a movement. Inspired by the historical role of young people in the ecumenical movement, and the WCC Pilgrimage of Justice, Reconciliation, and Unity, this initiative seeks to strengthen the prophetic voice of youth through active engagement in societal issues. These hubs will bring young people together through digital spaces, to learn with and from one another, and to advocate for the betterment of their communities. There will be spaces where faith, reflection, and action meet.” Bolado added that “in response to the climate and economic crises that are deeply affecting people’s lives, especially the most vulnerable, our first hub will focus on eco-diakonia, linking care for creation with care for people.” Applications open on 4 February and close on 1 March 2026. The 2026 cohort marks the beginning of a three-year youth formation process, structured to support long-term leadership development and impact. The programme will unfold in three phases: training in 2026, local application and evaluation in 2027, and mentorship in 2028. “Through the Eco-Diakonia Youth Hub, we seek to nurture young people as agents of transformative diakonia in their own contexts, equipped not only with knowledge and skills, but with a deep ethical and spiritual commitment to justice, equity, and the defense of life in all its forms, grounded in a theological understanding of creation as God’s gift and shared responsibility,” said Gloria Pua Ulloa, WCC programme executive for Ecumenical Diakonia. Ulloa added:“When young leaders develop concrete diaconal practices rooted in faith, solidarity, and community engagement, they become catalysts for real and lasting change, strengthening both their communities and their own capacities for responsible, compassionate leadership.” The Eco-Diakonia Youth Hub will bring together 20–25 young leaders ages 20–30 for a transformative learning journey that combines theological reflection, practical skills development, and collaborative action planning. Participants will explore how faith-based service and advocacy can contribute to climate justice and resilient communities. “The climate emergency places a tremendous burden on young people, eroding their future and deepening their eco-anxiety. But at the same time, young people are showing vision, leadership and commitment to tackle the crisis. In line with the recently launched Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action, the Eco-diakonia Youth Hub will equip participants with advocacy tools in order to witness to a more just and sustainable planet,” said Athena Peralta, director of the WCC Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development. The training will take place from May to July 2026, with online sessions held on Fridays at 15:00 CET. Specific session schedules will be confirmed by the assigned moderators and facilitators. Through the Eco-Diakonia Youth Hub, the WCC continues to invest in young people as vital agents of hope, justice, and transformative diakonia in a time of climate crisis.
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