August 30, 2026 | UCLG ASPAC is proud to support Jakarta in creating meaningful space for young people to contribute to climate solutions through the city’s participation in the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), a global initiative funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies that supports local governments in mobilising young people aged 15–24 to design and implement locally relevant climate solutions. Jakarta is among 300 participating cities globally and one of three participating local governments in Indonesia. UCLG ASPAC serves as a fiscal sponsor, supporting grant management and ensuring compliance with fiduciary requirements.
Through YCAF, Jakarta not only invites youths to share their ideas but also opens the door to the resources needed to turn those ideas into action. Youth can access grants ranging from USD 1,000-5,000 per selected project to support locally implemented climate action. The initiative also demonstrates how innovative financing mechanisms can complement local government efforts by channeling external resources towards community-level action aligned with city priorities.
Bringing the Open Call closer to Jakarta’s young people
On August 29-30, 2026, the Jakarta Provincial Government and UCLG ASPAC launched the YCAF Jakarta Open Call at FLONA 2026, Jakarta’s annual flora and fauna exhibition organised in collaboration with the Jakarta Parks and City Forest Agency.
The YCAF Open Call was designed to help potential applicants understand how their ideas could contribute to addressing Jakarta’s climate priorities. The YCAF team also provided a space for young people to brainstorm how challenges they observed in their neighbourhoods could be translated into potential projects. The discussions focused particularly on three priority areas identified for the Jakarta Open Call:
- Waste Management and Circular Economy,
- Coastal and Mangrove Ecosystems, and
- Resilience to Climate Change.
This locally grounded approach is important in a city as diverse as Jakarta. Climate impacts and environmental challenges are experienced differently across neighbourhoods and communities. Young residents can bring first-hand knowledge of these conditions, while local government can provide the policy direction, institutional support and resources needed to connect community-level innovation with broader climate objectives. Through the YCAF Open Call, visitors were introduced to the programme and given access to key information, including application guidance, eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, references to Jakarta’s climate action plans, and the proposal submission channel.
A model for locally led climate action
UCLG ASPAC highly appreciates Jakarta’s initiative to participate in this programme and embrace the value of the model: local government sets the enabling framework and climate priorities; young people bring ideas and local knowledge; and innovative financing provides resources to test practical solutions.
By participating, Jakarta demonstrates that meaningful youth participation can move beyond consultation: young people can be given the opportunity, resources and institutional space to become active partners in shaping a more resilient city.
UCLG ASPAC’s role as fiscal sponsor also demonstrates another potential pathway for cities facing institutional or regulatory limitations in accessing external financing directly. With appropriate fiduciary safeguards and clear institutional responsibilities, partnerships can help make international resources accessible for locally led action while maintaining local government ownership of programme implementation.
This work was made possible through the support of the Youth Climate Action Fund, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. UCLG ASPAC also support two other local governments in Indonesia, North Minahasa and Tangerang Regency, participating in this global initiative, which will conclude in May 2027.
