Young Champions of the Earth
by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Young Champions of the Earth is UNEP’s flagship youth engagement initiative (launched in 2017) and “the UN’s most prestigious award for environmental action by young people.” It recognizes ambitious young people from around the world with outstanding ideas to protect and restore the environment, addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution and waste.
by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Young Champions of the Earth is UNEP’s flagship youth engagement initiative (launched in 2017) and “the UN’s most prestigious award for environmental action by young people.” It recognizes ambitious young people from around the world with outstanding ideas to protect and restore the environment, addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution and waste.
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Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Ages 18–30
Age range / Year group
Ages 18–30
Location / Region
Online
Cost
Free
Prize highlight
Winner Support Package
Entry format
Online
Young Champions of the Earth is UNEP’s flagship youth engagement initiative (launched in 2017) and “the UN’s most prestigious award for environmental action by young people.” It recognizes ambitious young people from around the world with outstanding ideas to protect and restore the environment, addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution and waste. Winners receive mentorship and support to help nurture the next generation of environmental leaders.
Young Champions of the Earth is UNEP’s flagship youth engagement initiative (launched in 2017) and “the UN’s most prestigious award for environmental action by young people.” It recognizes ambitious young people from around the world with outstanding ideas to protect and restore the environment, addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution and waste. Winners receive mentorship and support to help nurture the next generation of environmental leaders.
Prepare your “big idea”
Identify a referee
Submit via the application portal
(If shortlisted) Provide additional materials
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30.
Applicants must have at least six months of prior experience working on their environmental project / big idea.
Applicants should have at least six months’ experience working on a “big idea” to improve environmental outcomes.
Entry cost
Free
What's included
Free Entry
Prepare your “big idea”: Develop an original, innovative idea that speaks directly to an environmental challenge (e.g., biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, water scarcity) and can be scaled up based on preliminary research; demonstrate at least six months of progress.
Identify a referee: Choose a referee who can vouch for the viability of your idea and for you as an individual.
Submit via the application portal: Submit your application through the application portal on the website before the deadline; after submission, no further edits or changes are possible.
(If shortlisted) Provide additional materials: If selected as a finalist/regional finalist, you may be invited to provide further information, including a short video pitching/explaining your idea, and a public written description of your project (as required).
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30.
Applicants must have at least six months of prior experience working on their environmental project / big idea.
Applicants should have at least six months’ experience working on a “big idea” to improve environmental outcomes.
Only one entry is allowed per person per year.
Employees of lead/support organizations (UNEP, Planet A, CoalitionWild) and their immediate family members are not eligible.
Winners are required to share their journeys via videos and blogs on the website for up to one year.
Winner Support Package
Mentorship, capacity building workshops and access to a UN community of experts; introductions to dignitaries at the award ceremony and other official events; publicity and recognition through interviews, speaking engagements, and online/global media coverage; seed-funding.
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