The North-South Centre of the Council of Europe is inviting young people from Europe, Africa and the Middle East to apply for its Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) Tutored Online Course on Environment. The four-week course explores the relationship between human rights and the environment, with a particular focus on climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Participants will examine how environmental degradation affects human rights and marginalised communities while developing practical approaches to environmental and human rights advocacy. The course is fully online and free of charge, making it accessible to young people who meet the participant profile and are selected for the programme. Applications close on 18 October 2026. HEY Online Course on Environment 2026 Overview Organiser: North-South Centre of the Council of Europe Programme: Human Rights Education for Youth (HEY) Course: Tutored Online Course on Environment Dates: 28 October–24 November 2026 Duration: 4 weeks Format: Fully online Workload: Approximately 30 hours Modules: 4, with one module per week Cost: Free of charge Certificate: Certificate of participation Application deadline: 18 October 2026 Selection results: 23 October 2026 Who Can Apply? The course is aimed at active young people up to 30 years old from the 46 Council of Europe Member States, as well as participants from Africa and the Middle East. The programme particularly welcomes young people involved in environmental, human rights and youth-related activities. Eligible profiles include: Members of civil society organisations. Informal groups, grassroots movements and coalitions. Youth organisations and youth workers. Youth women-led groups. Young environmental human rights activists and defenders. Young journalists and media practitioners. Formal and non-formal education practitioners. Youth leaders. Young human rights observers and paralegals. Young environmental negotiators. Young professionals. Young politicians and policy advisers. Young people from communities affected by climate change and environmental degradation. Young Indigenous community advocates and members. Priority will be given to candidates who are active in a CSO, youth organisation, youth platform or youth-related institution and who have the potential to act as multipliers within their communities. Course Objectives The training addresses the connection between environmental protection and human rights through a North-South perspective. Participants will: Learn key concepts related to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. Examine the relationship between environmental challenges and human rights through global and regional legal frameworks. Analyse how environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalised communities. Explore community-based responses to environmental and human rights violations. Develop their capacity to engage in environmental and human rights advocacy. The course is therefore particularly relevant to young activists, youth leaders, educators, journalists and community advocates working on environmental justice, climate action and human rights. Course Structure and Learning Format The course takes place over four weeks, with one module delivered each week and an estimated total workload of approximately 30 hours. It is hosted fully online through the HEY Programme e-learning platform, which uses Moodle Workplace. The main learning format is asynchronous, allowing participants to study according to their own schedules. The course also includes: Group activities requiring regular participation. Self-organised group work. A limited number of live tutoring sessions. Tutor support for group activities and the learning process. A certificate of participation will be awarded to participants who complete the course. Course Language The course page identifies French as the course language. Applicants should therefore carefully review the official application information and language requirements before applying. The selection criteria also state that candidates should be able to communicate in English, which is described on the page as the working language of the course. Selection Process A total of 50 participants will be selected. The application itself will form the basis of the selection process. The North-South Centre of the Council of Europe and its partner organisations will seek to ensure gender and geographical balance among participants. Applicants with active involvement in civil society or youth organisations and the potential to share the knowledge gained with wider communities may receive priority. The Council of Europe welcomes eligible candidates regardless of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation. Important Dates Application deadline: 18 October 2026 at 23:59 Lisbon timeSelection results: 23 October 2026Course dates: 28 October–24 November 2026Duration: 4 weeks Due to the expected high number of applications, only selected candidates will be contacted. Selected participants must confirm their participation within the deadline provided by the North-South Centre. Failure to confirm may result in the place being offered to another shortlisted candidate. How to Apply Interested candidates should complete the official online application form before the deadline. Applicants should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their involvement in youth, environmental, human rights or community activities and explains how they could use the knowledge gained through the course in their communities or organisations. Because only 50 participants will be selected, applicants should provide specific evidence of their experience, motivation and potential to act as multipliers. Why Apply? The HEY Environment course offers young people an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the triple planetary crisis and its human rights implications while connecting environmental issues with social justice and community action. The fully online format allows selected participants to take part without travelling, while the free programme and certificate of participation make it particularly accessible to young activists and professionals. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.