The SOS Children’s Villages has officially launched applications for the 2026 Eco Champions Germany Program, an intensive 1.5-year climate leadership and environmental justice initiative designed to empower young people who are passionate about climate action, sustainability, advocacy, and community-driven environmental solutions.
The programme seeks five motivated young leaders aged 16–26 who are living in Germany and committed to addressing climate change through activism, innovation, awareness-building, or policy engagement.
Through personalized mentoring, financial support, networking opportunities, and international exposure, Eco Champions Germany aims to equip youth with the resources and confidence needed to implement impactful climate-related initiatives within their communities and beyond.
Participants will also gain the opportunity to attend a Global Summit in Nigeria and connect with young climate activists from around the world.
About the Eco Champions Germany Program
Eco Champions Germany is a youth-centered climate and sustainability initiative organized by SOS Children’s Villages. The programme supports young people in:
- Launching climate-related initiatives
- Expanding existing environmental projects
- Advocating for climate justice
- Building sustainable community solutions
- Strengthening youth leadership in environmental policy and activism
The programme runs for approximately 18 months and combines mentorship, project acceleration, training, financial support, and global collaboration.
Main Goals of the Program
The Eco Champions initiative seeks to:
- Empower youth-led environmental action
- Promote climate justice and sustainability
- Support marginalized and underrepresented youth
- Strengthen climate advocacy and leadership
- Build innovative local solutions to environmental challenges
- Encourage youth participation in policy and decision-making
What Participants Will Receive
Selected Eco Champions will benefit from a comprehensive support system designed to help them transform ideas into impactful environmental action.
1. Monthly Seed Funding
Participants receive:
- €300 monthly seed funding
This funding supports the implementation and development of participants’ climate and sustainability projects throughout the programme period.
2. Individual Mentoring and Coaching
Participants gain access to:
- Personalized mentoring
- Leadership guidance
- Project development support
- Advocacy coaching
3. Professional Training
The programme includes:
- Workshops
- Skills development sessions
- Advocacy training
- Project management learning opportunities
4. International Networking Opportunities
Eco Champions will:
- Connect with young climate activists globally
- Engage with international sustainability networks
- Participate in exchange programmes and conferences
5. Global Summit in Nigeria
One of the major highlights of the programme is participation in the:
- Global Summit in Nigeria
- Scheduled for September 21–27, 2026
At the summit, participants will meet Eco Champions from other countries and collaborate on global climate discussions.
6. Collaboration Opportunities with Companies
Participants may collaborate with companies within the SOS Children’s Villages network to support their initiatives and increase project visibility.
7. Opportunities to Influence Decision-Makers
The programme provides:
- Platforms for youth advocacy
- Opportunities to engage policymakers
- Access to national and international climate discussions
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Young people aged 16–26
- Individuals residing in Germany
- Youth interested in environmental justice and sustainability
- Young people with project ideas or ongoing initiatives
- Climate activists and policy advocates
Applicants should be able to:
- Communicate in English
- Participate actively for approximately 5–10 hours monthly
- Attend workshops and programme activities
- Participate in the Nigeria Global Summit
Priority Groups Encouraged to Apply
The programme strongly encourages applications from:
- Young women and girls
- Queer youth
- Refugees and migrants
- Young people experiencing racism
- Youth from low-income households
- Individuals with disabilities
- Young people without stable family support
- Youth from non-academic households
- Young people from structurally disadvantaged regions
- Other marginalized or underrepresented communities
Do you need help with your application?
Then register here for the online workshop!
Focus Areas for Climate-Related Projects
The programme accepts a broad range of environmental initiatives including:
Climate Protection Projects
Examples include:
- CO₂ reduction initiatives
- Sustainability innovation projects
- Renewable energy awareness
Environmental Education
Projects focused on:
- Climate literacy
- Awareness campaigns
- Youth environmental education
Advocacy and Policy Engagement
Including:
- Climate activism
- Political advocacy
- Policy awareness campaigns
Community Engagement
Projects that:
- Mobilize communities
- Encourage youth participation
- Build sustainable local solutions
Programme Timeline
Application Opens
April 20, 2026
Application Deadline
May 20, 2026
Online Interviews
Until June 17, 2026
Participant Notification
By June 24, 2026
Programme Start
July 1, 2026
Global Summit in Nigeria
September 21–27, 2026
Programme Duration
18 months (1.5 years)
Program Structure
Phase 1: Introduction and Preparation
July – September 2026
- Orientation sessions
- Community-building meetings
- Global Summit preparation
Phase 2: Global Summit
September 2026
- International collaboration
- Networking with global Eco Champions
- Climate leadership engagement
Phase 3: Mentoring and Accelerator Phase
From October 2026 onward
- Project implementation support
- Continuous mentoring
- Funding support
- Advocacy development
The Program’s Inclusive and Anti-Discrimination Approach
Eco Champions Germany emphasizes:
- Feminist principles
- Anti-racist values
- Inclusion and accessibility
- Respectful collaboration
- Safe participation spaces
The programme actively works to reduce participation barriers and accommodate diverse realities and support needs.
Click HERE to start your application!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Do participants need to pay to apply or participate?
No. The application and participation are completely free. All programme-related costs, including training, mentoring, exchange activities, and the Global Summit, are fully covered.
FAQ 2: How much funding do participants receive?
Participants receive:
- €300 per month in seed funding
to support their climate and sustainability projects throughout the programme duration.
FAQ 3: Is the programme flexible for students or working youth?
Yes. The programme aims to remain flexible and supportive of participants balancing:
- Education
- Employment
- Care responsibilities
- Other commitments
FAQ 4: What kinds of projects qualify?
Eligible initiatives may include:
- Climate awareness campaigns
- Advocacy work
- Sustainability innovations
- Educational projects
- Environmental activism
- Community engagement programmes
FAQ 5: Are online interviews required?
Yes. Shortlisted applicants will participate in online interviews. The organization also offers support for applicants experiencing internet or device challenges.
FAQ 6: Who evaluates the applications?
Applications are reviewed by a team of SOS Children’s Villages staff members from around the world.
FAQ 7: What selection criteria are used?
Applications are assessed based on:
- Personal story
- Commitment to climate action
- Community relevance
- Leadership potential
- Previous impact
- Originality and innovation
Why This Program Matters
Eco Champions Germany goes beyond traditional youth programmes by providing:
- Long-term support
- Funding access
- International exposure
- Leadership development
- Advocacy opportunities
- Climate justice engagement
The initiative recognizes that young people are essential drivers of environmental change and seeks to amplify their voices and solutions.
Learn more about the Climate Leadership Program for Young Environmental Changemakers Living in Germany HERE.
Official Contact Information
For questions about the programme, applicants may contact:
