UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Program 2026 (US$10,000 Seed Funding + Funded UN Trip)

Applications are now open for the 2026 UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Program, the flagship youth initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Launched in 2017, the Young Champions of the Earth award recognizes ambitious young environmental leaders with innovative solutions to tackle the triple planetary crisis:

• Climate change
• Nature and biodiversity loss
• Pollution and waste

Since 2024, the initiative has been implemented with the support of Chris Kemper and in partnership with Planet A.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old
• Have at least six months of experience working on their environmental project
• Submit only one application per year

Applicants who applied in previous cycles may reapply.

What Young Champions Receive

Selected winners (chosen globally) will receive:

US$10,000 Seed Funding

To scale and strengthen their environmental solution.

Funded Participation in a High-Level UN Event

Winners are invited to attend the Young Champions of the Earth award ceremony and other official events.

Mentorship & Training

• Intensive workshops
• Tailored mentorship
• Access to a global community of environmental experts

ALSO APPLY FOR: 2026 Google.org Impact Challenge: AI for Science ($30 Million Global Funding Opportunity)

Global Visibility

• Media interviews
• International speaking engagements
• Promotion across UNEP’s global platforms

Additional Funding Opportunity

• Opportunity to compete in a pitch competition for the Planet A grant of up to US$100,000

Why Apply?

The UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Program offers:

• Global recognition from the United Nations
• Direct financial support
• Professional development
• Access to global environmental networks
• A platform to scale impact internationally

For young climate innovators, sustainability entrepreneurs, and environmental activists, this is one of the most prestigious youth awards in the world.

Key Focus Areas

Your project should address one or more of the following:

• Climate action
• Biodiversity and ecosystem restoration
• Circular economy and waste reduction
• Pollution prevention
• Nature-based solutions

Application Deadline

31 March 2026

Apply for the UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Program