Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program 2026 for Young Changemakers

Young people are at the centre of the global fight against climate change—and the Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program exists to ensure their voices, ideas, and actions shape a more resilient future.

The Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program 2026 is a global youth leadership initiative delivered by the World Bank’s Youth2Youth (Y2Y) Community in partnership with Connect4Climate (C4C). The programme honours the legacy of climate advocate Max Thabiso Edkins, who strongly believed that meaningful youth inclusion is essential to addressing climate and development challenges.

Now in its fifth edition, the program brings together young changemakers from around the world to learn, collaborate, and take action on some of today’s most pressing global development issues.

What the Program Offers

Selected 2026 Max Thabiso Edkins Youth Ambassadors will gain access to a unique learning and action-oriented experience, including:

• Learning from World Bank Group experts and partners across priority sectors such as energy, water, agribusiness, gender equality, health, tourism, and digital innovation, with job creation at the core
• Hands-on engagement with World Bank Group campaigns, including:
  • Health Works
  • Mission300
  • Empowering Women
  • AgriConnect
• Networking opportunities with global peers, professionals, and sector leaders
• Long-term engagement through a global alumni community and access to collaboration opportunities beyond the program

The program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, networks, and confidence needed to drive sustainable and inclusive solutions in their communities.

ALSO APPLY FOR:
iF Social Impact Prize 2026 for Young Changemakers (€100,000 Prize Fund)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 20 and 30 years old
• Be studying, entering the job market, or building a career in a relevant sector
• Have a strong interest in advancing sustainable growth for a livable planet
• Be passionate about one or more of the following sectors:
  • Energy
  • Water
  • Agribusiness
  • Gender equality
  • Health
  • Tourism
  • Digital innovation
• Demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to learn and grow
• Be committed to collaboration, collective action, and exchanging ideas with peers from diverse backgrounds

Application Deadline

February 24, 2026

Why You Should Apply

The Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program is more than a learning opportunity—it is a platform for young people to contribute directly to global climate and development solutions while building skills, networks, and visibility at an international level.

Apply for the Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador Program