The fellowship is a fully funded, week-long residential program at Duke University for the next generation of faith leaders. This is an invaluable opportunity for young climate conscious individuals from all faiths and walks of life to become a part of a global network of religious actors engaged in climate action. 

Through expert lectures, interactive sessions, policy dialogues, and vocational training, fellows will explore various themes and tap into transferable skills to curate 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 a part the program, our fellows will benefit from knowledge of: 

• World religions and the environment 
• Eco-theology: the theological study of relationship between religion and the environment 
• Systems thinking: Identifying the political and economic paradigms of climate change 
• Project planning and community mobilization 
• Strategic communications 
• Advocacy and community outreach  

Upon completion of the program, our 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 provided by Faith For Our Planet.

The program is designed to convene the next generation of interfaith leaders and changemakers who will apply the learnings from the fellowship to benefit their communities, organizations, and institutions. We cultivate trust and understanding by connecting individuals across faiths, cultures and sectors, while building their knowledge and skills on climate action and channelling their ideologies into shared responsibilities.

Through this process, FFOP generates trust and an increased value of making a difference, and more importantly, an improved understanding of the role of religion and faith leaders in generating impactful climate action.  

Through this initiative, we will focus on specific skills of the next generation of global faith leaders to: 

• Better sense of the urgency of climate action by equipping them with an improved understanding of climate change through a systems-based approach to fully grasp the effects of the impending climate crisis and the need for swift climate action. 
   
• Better utilize skills and methods on community mobilization and social action, such as communication, building public narratives, resource mobilization and project planning for their climate action projects/initiatives. 
   
• “Think Globally, Act Locally” as agents of change capable of conceptualizing climate crisis as a shared cause (as understood through global policy frameworks such as UN SDGs, The Charter of Makkah, etc.), yet articulated to suit local needs.  
   
• Engage with other youth leaders, as well as leading climate experts and policy makers. To build powerful networks with experts in the field and prominent members of various faith groups, premised on mitigating climate change. 

The first FFOP Youth Fellowship will be hosted at Duke University, widely considered as one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and around the world. Duke has produced many globally reputed international scholars, 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, we have experts from the Duke Divinity School that have designed, and will be delivering, this fellowship for the next generation of global interfaith leaders. 

The university’s legacy and unparalleled academic excellence makes Duke ideal for FFOP to host its first-ever Youth Interfaith Leaders Fellowship program.   

The fellowship seeks to attract 25 individuals, between the ages of 20 to 35. We hope to maintain an inclusive cohort with representation from diverse backgrounds. A diverse representation of major faiths, students of eco-theology, environmental and community activists, early career professionals eager to deepen their knowledge of faith and environmental protection, members of FBOs and NGOs working in the field of climate change and ecology are all welcomed.

Participants entering the program should meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• Be between the ages of 20 to 35 (required) 
• Have acquired or currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program 
• A degree in environment, religious studies, philosophy, or any number of relevant fields is preferred. Equally, relevant work experience (paid, volunteer, internships, etc.) are also considered.
• An established local network (social, professional, religious, etc.) or willingness to mobilize accessible local network,  
• A strong interest in learning about eco-theology and commitment to lead a faith-based climate action project, 
• Good communication skills and a fluency in English, 
• A strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and interfaith cooperation. 

Participant Expectations:  

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, 
• Commit to FFOP Youth Alumni Association’s engagements and events,
• Commit to working on a 3-month project focused on making a positive impact at a local, national, and/or international level. The project should leverage insights gained during the fellowship on (inter)faith-based climate action, 
• Demonstrate eagerness to learn and expand their professional networks and to benefit from exposure during the fellowship, 
• Demonstrate commitment to become leaders in their communities. 

All nominating agencies and prospective candidates must fill out the application form available on our website. Your application and profile will be assessed by a panel of Faith For Our Planet Program Coordinators. Besides assessing candidates’ eligibility for the program, the online application contains questions on their skills, motivation and relevant academic, professional, volunteer and leadership experience. 

If successful, applicants will be contacted for an online interview and expected to submit their reference letter(s) within 10 days of getting shortlisted.  

Only the candidates who succeed in both our application and interview process, will be notified of their selection via email.

Candidates who are shortlisted for an interview, will be required to provide a minimum of one letter of recommendation from either work and/or educational institution. The letter must be submitted within 10 days of getting shortlisted and sent to info@faithforourplanet.org.  
 
In their letter, the referee is required to address the following:

• Their contact details: email, phone number, work address, etc. 

• How long they have known you 

• In what capacity have they known you (e.g., educational, voluntary, professional, religious, etc.) 

• A brief overall endorsement of your skills in leadership, networking, and other interpersonal skills 

Please note that FFOP may contact your referees. When submitting the letter, please ensure it is signed by your referee, is on an official letterhead, and in a pdf format. 

Although optional, candidates are encouraged to provide a widely recognized English language proficiency test result (such as of IELTs, TOEFL, CAE, etc.) as a part of their application. Given that English will be the working language during the fellowship, candidates will be required to prove a sufficient understanding of English to actively participate in the program. Please note that the absence of such test will not negatively affect your selection to the program.

Candidates with successful applications will be invited for an online interview. The selection committee aims to notify shortlisted candidates within 7 days after they have submitted their application. Each interview lasts up to 60 minutes and will contain questions on the applicant’s motivation, suitability to the program, relevant experience and a possible project plan they will undertake if selected.