ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Aruba OCT Youth Network application process is now open, offering young residents an opportunity to represent the island, develop leadership skills and connect with young people from territories associated with the European Union.
The fourth edition of the Overseas Countries and Territories Youth Network is an initiative of the European Commission.
Applications will remain open until August 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central European Summer Time.
Young Arubans Invited to Apply
The programme is open to eligible young people between 20 and 28 years old.
The network brings together 25 participants representing the 13 Overseas Countries and Territories associated with the European Union.
These territories include Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, French Polynesia, the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, Greenland, New Caledonia, Saba, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, and Wallis and Futuna.
The Government of Aruba is encouraging interested young residents to use the opportunity to expand their knowledge, experience and international connections.
One-Year Learning Programme
Selected members of the Aruba OCT Youth Network will participate in a one-year learning and development programme.
Participants will learn more about the partnership between the European Union and the Overseas Countries and Territories.
They will also gain a better understanding of European institutions, international cooperation and the role young people can play in policy discussions affecting their communities.
The programme includes a one-week study visit to Brussels, where participants can explore how European institutions operate.
Members will also attend online webinars, networking events and facilitated dialogue sessions with European Union representatives and political leaders.
Youth Perspectives Included in Discussions
The network gives young people an opportunity to contribute their ideas to discussions about the future of their territories.
Members can help identify priorities and topics that should receive attention from a youth perspective.
They may also participate in important international events, including the OCT-EU Forum, where representatives from the territories and European institutions discuss cooperation and development.
The programme is particularly relevant to young people interested in leadership, sustainable development, youth participation, public policy and international relations.
Leadership and Communication Skills
Participation can help members strengthen skills in communication, representation, teamwork and leadership.
Young people will work with participants from different cultural, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds.
These exchanges can help members understand the challenges and opportunities experienced by other island and overseas communities.
Participants can also build personal and professional networks with other young leaders, European Union representatives and organisations involved in the OCT-EU partnership.
Network Established in 2022
The European Commission launched the OCT Youth Network in 2022 to strengthen connections between young people living in the territories and the European Union.
The initiative also seeks to increase youth understanding of the OCT-EU partnership and improve youth involvement in decisions and programmes connected to that relationship.
Previous network members have participated in study visits, policy discussions and major international events.
The fourth edition will continue this work by bringing together another diverse group of young representatives.
Opportunity to Represent Aruba
Young Arubans selected for the programme will have an opportunity to share the island’s perspectives, priorities and experiences with participants from other territories.
They can contribute to discussions involving sustainable development, education, climate challenges, economic opportunities, culture and youth participation.
Representing Aruba also allows participants to bring knowledge gained through the network back to their schools, workplaces, youth organisations and communities.
The programme encourages members to connect with existing youth initiatives at local, regional and international levels.
Applications Close August 30
Interested applicants should complete the official European Commission application form before the deadline of August 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CEST.
Applicants should carefully review the eligibility conditions and prepare the required information before submitting the form.
For information about the network and its activities, applicants may contact the European Commission team at INTPA-OCT-YN@ec.europa.eu.
The Aruba OCT Youth Network opportunity gives young residents a chance to develop valuable skills, represent their island and contribute actively to conversations about the future of Aruba and the other Overseas Countries and Territories.
