UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2026 ($10,000 prize) – YOA

Deadline: March 31, 2026

Applications are open for the UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2026. Young Champions of the Earth, launched in 2017, is the flagship youth engagement initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The award is bestowed yearly to formidable younger folks from round the world with excellent concepts to guard and restore the setting, and since 2024 it has been carried out with the assist of Chris Kemper and in partnership with Planet A.

Our setting is below stress and the proof is all over the place. It’s in the air we breathe, the meals we eat and the water we drink. It’s in our soils, rivers, oceans and ambiance. Some name it the defining problem of our time. 

The query is: What are you doing about it? Now greater than ever, these of us who take care of the pure world should arise and be counted. Whether you’re an activist, educator, innovator or artist, we want you to problem the established order and battle for the well being of our planet and its folks. 

If you have got a strong concept for enhancing environmental outcomes; when you have a powerful observe document of instigating change; if you’re unafraid of failure; and when you consider in a vibrant future for our planet, you then simply may need what it takes to turn into a Young Champion of the Earth. 

Award

Young Champions of the Earth are chosen globally. Each winner may have the likelihood to:

• Grow their abilities and enterprise, together with receiving US$10,000
• Benefit from mentorship, workshops and entry to a world-broad group of environmental consultants
• Build their VIP community at the Young Champions of the Earth award ceremony and different official occasions
• Gain publicity and international recognition by interviews, talking engagements and worldwide media protection
• Compete in a pitch competitors for the Planet A grant of as much as US$100,000

Eligibility

• To be eligible for the Young Champions of the Earth award, candidates should be between the ages of 18 and 30.
• Additionally, every applicant should have a minimum of six months of prior expertise engaged on their environmental mission.
• Individuals who submitted purposes in earlier cycles of the competitors are entitled to take action once more. However, just one entry is allowed per particular person per yr.
• Employees of lead and assist organizations, i.e., United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Planet A and CoalitionWild, and their speedy members of the family aren’t eligible to take part in the Award. The time period “immediate family” of such staff consists of spouses, siblings, mother and father, youngsters, grandparents and grandchildren, whether or not as “in-laws” or by present or previous marriage(s), remarriage(s), adoption, co-habitation or different household extension, and some other individuals residing in the similar family as such staff, whether or not or not they’re associated to them. 

Selection Criteria

In the first stage of the choice course of, all purposes will likely be judged by United Nations consultants based on the following standards: 

• The 3 Ps – The constructive influence your massive concept might have on the setting (planet), society (folks) and its monetary viability (prosperity). 
• The 3 Cs – Evidence that you’re a curious, brave and vibrant particular person. 
• Demonstrated dedication – It is vital that you’ve already tried to implement your massive concept for a minimum of six months and might define achievements and developments up to now. 
• Bankability – A bankable concept is one which has been totally vetted and thought of viable, worthwhile, and low danger sufficient by potential lenders or buyers to warrant offering capital for its implementation.  
• Endorsement – The energy of your referee’s suggestion. 

Application

Click here to apply

For extra info, go to UNEP Young Champions of the Earth.