UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2026: Up to US$100,000 Funding and Global Recognition for Young Environmental Leaders

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has officially opened applications for the 2026 Young Champions of the Earth award, a flagship global initiative that supports young innovators developing solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and environmental degradation. The programme provides funding, mentorship, training, and international exposure to young people with proven environmental ideas that can create measurable impact.

Applications are open from 24 February to 31 March 2026, and selected winners will receive financial support and opportunities to engage with global environmental leaders and decision-makers.

What Is the UNEP Young Champions of the Earth Award?

The Young Champions of the Earth award is UNEP’s leading youth engagement initiative aimed at identifying and supporting ambitious young people who are creating innovative solutions to protect and restore the environment. Since its launch in 2017, the programme has recognized 33 young environmental leaders aged 18 to 30, including activists, entrepreneurs, scientists, and innovators.

The initiative is implemented in partnership with cleantech entrepreneur Chris Kemper, UNEP Advocate for Partnerships and co-founder of Planet A. The programme focuses on empowering young leaders whose ideas contribute to environmental sustainability while also demonstrating social and economic value.

What Winners Receive

Selected Young Champions receive a comprehensive support package designed to help them scale their ideas and expand their impact globally. Benefits include:

• US$10,000 seed funding to implement their environmental project

• Mentorship and training from environmental experts and industry leaders

• Access to a global network of innovators and change-makers

• Opportunities to participate in high-level United Nations events

• International media exposure and global recognition

• Participation in a pitch competition in New York hosted by Planet A

• Opportunity to win an additional grant of up to US$100,000

Winners are also expected to document their journey through self-produced videos and short articles, supported by a multimedia production kit and communications training provided by UNEP.

Who Should Apply?

UNEP encourages applications from young people across diverse sectors and backgrounds who are advancing innovative ideas for people, planet, and prosperity. Applicants may come from areas such as:

• Entrepreneurship and startups

• Science and research

• Economics and finance

• Arts and storytelling

• Education and communication

• Technology and innovation

• Community activism and advocacy

Applicants must demonstrate that they have actively worked on their idea for at least six months prior to applying.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Young Champions of the Earth 2026 award, applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old by the end of the calendar year

• Have at least six months of experience implementing their environmental idea

• Submit only one application per year

• Apply as an individual rather than a group

Previous applicants are allowed to apply again, provided they submit a new application.

Employees of UNEP, Planet A, CoalitionWild, and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.

Apply to become a 2026 Young Champion of the Earth.

What UNEP Is Looking For

Applications are evaluated by United Nations experts based on several core criteria designed to identify ideas with strong potential for environmental and social impact.

The 3 Ps Framework

• Planet: Positive environmental impact

• People: Social benefits and community relevance

• Prosperity: Financial viability and long-term sustainability

The 3 Cs Framework

• Curiosity

• Courage

• Creativity

Additional Selection Factors

• Demonstrated commitment through at least six months of implementation

• Bankability, meaning the idea shows potential for investment or scale

• Strong endorsement from a referee who can validate the applicant’s work

Examples of Past Winning Innovations

Recent winners demonstrate the diversity and creativity of ideas supported through the programme. Examples include:

• Plant-based leather alternatives created from banana crop waste

• Biodegradable packaging produced from invasive water hyacinth pulp

• Systems that convert greywater into safe drinking water

These examples highlight that successful ideas can emerge from technology, agriculture, circular economy solutions, education, or community-based environmental initiatives.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Global environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and pollution require innovative solutions driven by new generations of leaders. UNEP emphasizes that addressing these challenges can also generate economic and social benefits.

According to UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, investing in young innovators helps transform ambitious ideas into viable solutions that benefit communities while protecting the planet.

Key Application Details

• Programme: UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2026

• Application period: 24 February to 31 March 2026

• Seed funding: US$10,000 per winner

• Additional funding opportunity: Up to US$100,000 via Planet A pitch competition

• Travel: Fully funded for official programme events

• Global competition open to young people worldwide

Frequently Asked Questions

Do applicants need to study environmental science?
No. Applicants from any background are encouraged to apply as long as their idea addresses environmental challenges.

Is there an application fee?
No. Applying is free.

Can teams apply?
No. The award recognizes individuals, although projects may involve teams.

What happens if selected?
Winners receive funding, mentorship, training, international visibility, and opportunities to pitch for additional funding.

Are there restrictions on how the prize money is used?
Yes. The initial US$10,000 must be used to implement the winning idea, and winners must submit a final report and budget.

Travel and Participation Requirements

Selected Young Champions will be required to travel to attend award ceremonies, workshops, and the Planet A pitch competition in New York. All travel expenses are covered, but winners must hold valid passports.

Winners must also:

• Share their personal stories through videos and media features

• Participate in mentorship and storytelling activities

• Allow UNEP to use their stories for promotional purposes across various platforms

Join the UNEP Youth Network

All applicants become part of UNEP’s global youth community, which connects environmental activists and innovators worldwide and provides updates on new opportunities and initiatives.

Final Thoughts

The UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2026 award is one of the most prestigious global opportunities for young environmental leaders. It offers more than funding — it provides mentorship, international exposure, and a platform to scale innovative solutions that address some of the world’s most urgent environmental challenges.

If you are a young changemaker working on a bold idea that can improve environmental outcomes and create real impact, this programme offers a powerful pathway to accelerate your work on a global stage.

Are you ready to take action? 

Apply to become a 2026 Young Champion of the Earth.

Applications are open until 31 March 2026. Young innovators ready to transform their environmental ideas into scalable solutions are encouraged to apply through the official Young Champions of the Earth application platform.