Open Call: Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship on Climate Change 2025

They are offering a fully funded, week-long residential program at Duke University for the next generation of faith-inspired climate leaders. It offers an invaluable opportunity for young people to be a part of a rapidly growing network of faith-inspired actors engaged in climate action.

Through lectures, interactive sessions, policy dialogues, and vocational training fellows will explore various ecotheological themes and develop transferable skills to create impactful faith-based climate action projects for their respective communities. The curriculum will be delivered by distinguished specialists in the field of theology, climate change, policy, media, and sustainable development.

As part of the program, the fellows will:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding and application of faith values—specifically on the natural environment and how this connection informs the ideas of leadership, justice, and community—in their climate leadership and community mobilization efforts.
• Acquire an improved understanding of community dynamics to tailor interventions that resonate with multi-faith/multi-cultural contexts.
• Refine communication skills to become articulate, empathetic influencers, adept at both listening and shaping public discourse, guiding community opinion, and engaging decision-makers effectively.
• Cultivate leadership that embraces cultural and religious diversity, strengthening inclusivity, trust, and equity within their mobilization endeavors.
• Master the curation of faith-based climate awareness initiatives and community-driven climate action projects.

Upon completion of the program, the Fellows will join the ranks of the FFOP Fellowship Alumni Association, providing them with various opportunities to be part of FFOP’s regional events, as well as climate and interfaith campaigns.

Note: All travel, visa, accommodation, and subsistence costs will be covered by Faith For Our Planet.

What are they looking for in the fellows?

• The fellowship seeks to support proactive leaders and agents of change. As such, participants are expected to:
  • Commit their time for the entire duration of the fellowship including any pre or post fellowship sessions necessary.
  • Commit to FFOP Youth Alumni Association’s engagements and events.
  • Commit to lead a faith-based community climate action project.
  • Demonstrate eagerness to learn and expand their professional networks and to benefit from exposure at the fellowship.
  • A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and interfaith cooperation.

Where will the 2025 fellowship be held?

• FFOP Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship will be hosted at Duke University, widely considered one of the most prestigious universities in the world. It is reputed for producing globally reputed scholars and thinkers including 15 Nobel Laureates, and three Turing Award recipients.
• The campus spans over 8,600 acres on three contiguous sub-campuses at the heart of which is the magnificent Duke Chapel indicative of the university’s religious roots and spirit.
• Building on that legacy and excellence, they have experts from the Duke Divinity School that have designed and will be delivering, this fellowship for the next generation of global interfaith leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

• The fellowship seeks to attract 25 individuals, between the ages of 20 to 30.
• They hope to maintain an inclusive and diverse cohort with representation from different faiths, communities, abilities, genders, and sectors. Participants entering the program should fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
  • Be 20-35 years of age (required).
  • Have education, volunteer, and/or work experience relevant to the themes of the fellowship (climate, religion, community leadership, etc.)
  • Have access to a local network (social, professional, religious, etc.) or a willingness to mobilize accessible local networks.
  • Have an excellent command of the English language.

For more information, visit Faith For Our Planet.