Applications are now open for the 2026 UNEP Environment Young Champions of the Earth Program. The 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 annually to ambitious young people from around the world with outstanding ideas to protect and restore the environment, and since 2024 it has been implemented with the support of Chris Kemper and in partnership with Planet A.

Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the award recognizes innovators between the ages of 18 and 30 whose work tackles the triple planetary crisis of climate change; land, nature and biodiversity loss; and pollution and waste. To help unleash their potential and scale their initiatives, award recipients receive funding, intensive training, tailored mentoring and visibility across UNEP’s global platforms.

Benefits

Young Champions of the Earth are selected globally. Each winner will have the chance to:

1. Grow their skills and business, including receiving US$10,000
2. Benefit from mentorship, workshops and access to a world-wide community of environmental experts
3. Build their VIP network at the Young Champions of the Earth award ceremony and other official events
4. Gain publicity and global recognition through interviews, speaking engagements and international media coverage
5. Compete in a pitch competition for the Planet A grant of up to US$100,000

Eligibility Requirements

• To be eligible for the Young Champions of the Earth award (hereafter referred to as “the award”), applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30. 
• Additionally, each applicant must have at least six months of prior experience working on their environmental project. 
• Individuals who submitted applications in previous cycles of the competition are entitled to do so again. However, only one entry is allowed per person per year. 

Application Deadline: 31 March 2026

Click Here to Apply Now

Also Read: Other Opportunities to Apply

Also Apply for the 2026 Strategic-Technical Support Program – Capacity Building for NGOs and CBOs with Funding Opportunities Available