The UNEP Young Champions of the
Earth 2026 is a prestigious global environmental award program organized by
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It recognizes and
supports young environmental leaders with innovative ideas to tackle climate
change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The program is open to young people
from around the world and provides funding, mentorship, and global recognition
to scale impactful environmental solutions.
This is an important opportunity
for young innovators committed to building sustainable communities and driving
climate action globally.
About the Program
- Host Organization: United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Program Type: Global Environmental Award
- Host Country: Global (Winners implement
projects in their home countries)
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 31st March 2026
Young Champions are selected
globally. Each winner will have the opportunity to grow their environmental
initiative while gaining international exposure and professional development
support.
Financial Benefits
Selected Young Champions will
receive:
- Seed funding of US$10,000 to grow
their project or business
- Opportunity to compete in a pitch competition for
the Planet A Grant of up to US$100,000
- Mentorship from environmental experts and UN
professionals
- Workshops and capacity-building training
- Access to a worldwide community of environmental
leaders
- Invitation to the Young Champions of the Earth award
ceremony and official events
- Certificate and official recognition from UNEP
Additional Benefits
- Global publicity through interviews, speaking
engagements, and international media coverage
- VIP networking opportunities with global stakeholders
- Communications training and mentorship
- A smartphone multimedia production kit
- Feature opportunities on the official website
- Membership in the global Young Champions alumni
network
Selected Young Champions are
required to share their journey for up to one year through self-shot videos and
short articles published on the official platform.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be between 18–30 years old at the
end of the calendar year
- Be a national of any country (global opportunity)
- Have been working on their environmental idea
for at least six months
- Present a bold, innovative solution to improve the
environment
- Demonstrate commitment to sustainability and climate
action
- Show potential for scalability and measurable impact
How to Apply
- Apply online through the official UNEP Young
Champions of the Earth website
- Create an account and complete the application form
- Submit details about your environmental project
- No application fee required
If you have been developing a strong environmental solution and want global recognition, funding, and mentorship, this is your opportunity.
