About the Olympiad
The International Olympiad on Climate Change and Environmental Issues (IOCE) 2026 will take place from September 20 to 29, 2026, in the Sirius Federal Territory, Russian Federation.
The Olympiad is being held for the third time. This year, it is being partially integrated with the Sirius International Negotiators Program, which is an intensive development program that prepares young specialists to act as UN climate diplomats and participate in real-world negotiation scenarios
IOCE is an international interdisciplinary scientific competition that aims to attract the attention of young people to current environmental issues and encourage them to solve them. The Olympiad helps to improve environmental literacy, develop the creative and scientific potential of participants, and strengthen international cooperation in environmental protection.
The Olympiad consists of two rounds: a theoretical round (individual and team) and a practical round (field and laboratory) — held on different days.
Students aged 14 to 18 inclusive can participate in teams of two to five members. Each team can be accompanied by one leader and up to two observers (adults).
The working language of the Olympiad is English, and the assignment materials for participants are provided in English by the organizers. By decision of the organizing committee, participants may use a glossary throughout all rounds of the Olympiad.
Each country can be represented by one team only.
The host party provides accommodation and meals for participants and team leaders. The sending party covers travel expenses. The participation of observers is financed separately, with an organizational fee of 85,000 RUB.
In addition to competitive challenges, participants will enjoy an extensive cultural program including lectures, workshops, and excursions.
Registration for the Olympiad will open on June 8 and will run until August 24.
Recommended arrival date: September 20, 2026
Recommended departure date: September 29, 2026
The Olympiad is being held for the third time. This year, it is being partially integrated with the Sirius International Negotiators Program, which is an intensive development program that prepares young specialists to act as UN climate diplomats and participate in real-world negotiation scenarios
IOCE is an international interdisciplinary scientific competition that aims to attract the attention of young people to current environmental issues and encourage them to solve them. The Olympiad helps to improve environmental literacy, develop the creative and scientific potential of participants, and strengthen international cooperation in environmental protection.
The Olympiad consists of two rounds: a theoretical round (individual and team) and a practical round (field and laboratory) — held on different days.
Students aged 14 to 18 inclusive can participate in teams of two to five members. Each team can be accompanied by one leader and up to two observers (adults).
The working language of the Olympiad is English, and the assignment materials for participants are provided in English by the organizers. By decision of the organizing committee, participants may use a glossary throughout all rounds of the Olympiad.
Each country can be represented by one team only.
The host party provides accommodation and meals for participants and team leaders. The sending party covers travel expenses. The participation of observers is financed separately, with an organizational fee of 85,000 RUB.
In addition to competitive challenges, participants will enjoy an extensive cultural program including lectures, workshops, and excursions.
Registration for the Olympiad will open on June 8 and will run until August 24.
Recommended arrival date: September 20, 2026
Recommended departure date: September 29, 2026
About the Sirius Federal Territory
The Sirius Federal Territory is located in the Imereti Lowland between the Mzymta and Psou rivers. The surrounding landscape is shaped by the Caucasus Mountains and unique natural areas, including the Caucasus State Nature Reserve and the Sochi National Park. The Sirius Educational Center was established on the initiative of Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, as a further development of the legacy of the 2014 XXII Olympic Winter Games. Since its establishment in 2015, the Center has provided education programs year-round for the country’s most talented school students, as well as their teachers and mentors.
In December 2020, Russia adopted a federal law establishing its first federal territory. The territory’s primary objectives are to preserve and develop Olympic, natural, and cultural heritage; introduce advanced standards in education, science, culture, and sports; and scale these standards across the country. The territory is home to the Sirius Educational Center, the Presidential Lyceum, the University and its affiliated Сollege, and the Innovative Science and Technology Center. It also has a developed cultural and sports infrastructure.
Today, Sirius is an integrated environment that encompasses education, science, technology, sports, culture, and social initiatives. It helps establish national standards for the future and creates opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.
In December 2020, Russia adopted a federal law establishing its first federal territory. The territory’s primary objectives are to preserve and develop Olympic, natural, and cultural heritage; introduce advanced standards in education, science, culture, and sports; and scale these standards across the country. The territory is home to the Sirius Educational Center, the Presidential Lyceum, the University and its affiliated Сollege, and the Innovative Science and Technology Center. It also has a developed cultural and sports infrastructure.
Today, Sirius is an integrated environment that encompasses education, science, technology, sports, culture, and social initiatives. It helps establish national standards for the future and creates opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.
