The Youth Plastic Action Network (YPAN) is inviting expressions of interest from motivated youth leaders to join its Interim Coordination Team (ICT). YPAN is a global youth constituency being established to ensure meaningful, inclusive, and sustained participation in the negotiations and implementation of the UN Plastics Treaty. The initiative aims to elevate youth voices and empower young people to actively shape solutions to plastic pollution at a global scale. About YPAN YPAN is being developed with support from the Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG) to UNEP and over 30 UN-accredited NGOs. Its purpose is to provide ongoing coordination, representation, and advocacy for youth throughout the treaty’s negotiation and implementation phases. The network envisions youth not simply as participants, but as architects of global solutions for plastic pollution, fostering innovation and leadership among the next generation of environmental champions. YPAN’s focus areas include: Supporting meaningful youth engagement during Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) sessions and subsequent treaty discussions. Sustaining youth involvement in the implementation of treaty outcomes and future Conferences of the Parties (COPs). Providing training, coordination, and advocacy support for youth working across the plastics lifecycle and environmental governance. The Interim Coordination Team (ICT) The ICT will guide YPAN through its foundational six-month phase, during which the network’s governance structure will be developed. Unlike traditional leadership selections, the ICT will be composed based on skills, experience, capacity, availability, and thematic expertise rather than predefined roles. The ICT’s responsibilities include: Leading YPAN through the initial governance-building period. Supporting consultations with youth, partners, and stakeholders to define governance, structure, policies, and decision-making frameworks. Coordinating youth engagement across thematic areas and regions. Collaborating with CYMG, accredited NGOs, and youth networks to amplify youth participation. Designing and co-leading emerging thematic working groups. Ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in YPAN’s early development. The ICT will also play a key role in determining the process for future leadership selection, which may include elections, appointments, or hybrid approaches. Mandate Duration and Transition The ICT mandate is six months, reflecting the estimated time required to establish YPAN’s governance framework. At the end of this period, roles may: Transition into permanent positions. Lead to an election or alternative selection process. Evolve depending on the agreed governance system. Current Operating Framework Until its governance structure is formally established, YPAN operates under the Terms of Reference of CYMG to UNEP. These terms provide a guiding framework for coordination, consultation, and engagement. Link to Terms of Reference Selection Criteria Applicants will be evaluated based on: Relevant skills and expertise, including policy, communications, governance, and regional engagement. Demonstrated thematic knowledge in plastics governance or related fields. Experience with youth constituencies, coalitions, or governance-building processes (desirable but not required). Availability of approximately 3 hours per week, with flexibility during treaty sessions or consultations. Collaborative experience in youth-led or multistakeholder environments. Commitment to inclusive, transparent youth participation. Applicants may indicate multiple thematic or regional interests. Working groups will be co-designed once the ICT is formed. Application Process Interested candidates should submit their applications via the designated Google Form by 2 December 2025, 23:59 UTC. For inquiries, applicants can contact the YPAN administrative team at admin@ypanplastics.com. The ICT will provide onboarding, guidance, and tools to selected members, ensuring they are equipped to contribute effectively to governance-building activities. While selection is competitive, all applicants will have opportunities to engage through consultations and other participatory processes. Join YPAN This is an opportunity for youth to actively influence global policy, build leadership skills, and contribute to shaping an inclusive and sustainable approach to plastic governance. Selected ICT members will play a critical role in ensuring that youth participation is meaningful, equitable, and impactful. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.