Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026: Apply for Global Youth Mentorship and Climate Action Opportunities

Are you a young person passionate about environmental protection, climate action, sustainable development, and building a greener future? The Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026 offers an exciting opportunity for young people aged 14 to 20 to explore green career pathways, develop professional skills, receive personalized mentorship from experienced green job practitioners, and turn their ideas into meaningful projects that benefit their local communities.

The program is launched by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation (BKMF), supported by Dubai Cares, and implemented in collaboration with Plan International and Unbounded Associates. It is designed to help young people connect their personal interests, talents, and skills with career opportunities that contribute to environmental sustainability and the global transition toward a greener economy.

Through expert-led virtual workshops, one-on-one mentorship, professional networking, and the implementation of a Changemaker Project, selected participants will gain practical experience in addressing sustainability challenges. The program provides a platform for young people to move beyond learning about climate change and sustainable development and begin taking concrete action in their communities.

The third iteration of this action-based mentorship initiative will select 50 young people from around the world to participate in program activities scheduled from December 2026 to June 2027. Participants will learn about green jobs, strengthen their project management and communication skills, explore their professional aspirations, and develop practical solutions that support one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Applications are open to eligible young people worldwide who meet the program requirements, demonstrate a genuine interest in green careers, and can commit to participating in the online activities.

About the Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026

The Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program is an international youth development initiative that seeks to prepare young people for meaningful careers in the green economy. It recognizes that young people have an important role to play in responding to climate change, protecting the environment, promoting sustainability, and helping communities adapt to emerging environmental and social challenges.

As the global economy increasingly focuses on sustainability, renewable energy, resource efficiency, environmental protection, and climate resilience, green jobs are becoming an important part of discussions about future employment. However, many young people need guidance to understand what these careers involve, which skills they require, and how to begin preparing for them.

This mentorship program is designed to help bridge that gap by connecting young participants with professionals who have experience in green careers. Through structured learning activities and individualized guidance, participants can explore their interests, identify potential career directions, and begin developing the knowledge and practical abilities needed to pursue their goals.

The program also emphasizes action and community engagement. Participants will not simply attend workshops or receive career advice; they will have the opportunity to design and implement a Changemaker Project that responds to a challenge they care about. With guidance from their mentors and support from the program team, they will apply what they learn to a real-world initiative.

The program builds on the knowledge young people gain through the Your Future in Green Jobs Online Course, which helps learners connect their interests, passions, and abilities with potential green career pathways. Completing this course is a stated eligibility requirement, although applicants who have not yet completed it are encouraged to do so before the program’s kick-off event.

More information about the online course is available on the official Ban Ki-moon Foundation website.

Objectives of the Mentorship Program

The Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program has several interconnected objectives intended to strengthen young people’s understanding of sustainability and prepare them to take practical steps toward their future careers.

1. Introduce young people to green career opportunities

One of the central objectives is to help participants understand what green jobs are and how different professional fields can contribute to environmental sustainability and climate action.

Green careers can involve many areas, including environmental conservation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, climate education, waste management, resource efficiency, sustainable urban development, and environmental policy. The program encourages participants to explore the possibilities available to them and identify career pathways that align with their interests and abilities.

2. Develop practical and professional skills

The program aims to strengthen skills that participants can use when pursuing green careers and implementing community projects. Through expert workshops and mentorship, participants will explore project management, pitching, presentation skills, and other subjects connected to education, gender, and climate.

These skills can help young people communicate their ideas, plan activities, work with others, and present solutions to sustainability challenges.

3. Connect participants with experienced professionals

Access to knowledgeable mentors is another important element of the program. Selected participants will receive extensive one-on-one mentorship from green job professionals who can help them explore their aspirations and identify actionable next steps.

This personalized guidance can help participants better understand their chosen fields, recognize opportunities for further learning, and consider how to turn their interests into realistic professional goals.

4. Encourage youth-led climate action

The program places practical action at the center of its approach. Participants will design and implement their own Changemaker Projects, applying their learning to challenges affecting their communities.

Projects are intended to address one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This approach encourages young people to become active contributors to sustainable development rather than limiting their participation to classroom-style learning.

5. Strengthen professional networks and collaboration

Through workshops, mentorship sessions, and interactions with other participants and program professionals, young people can begin building valuable connections. They will also have opportunities to improve their communication, collaboration, and project management abilities.

These connections and experiences may help participants as they continue their education, explore future careers, or develop further community initiatives.

Benefits of the Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026

Selected participants will have access to several learning and professional development opportunities throughout the program.

1. Gain a deeper understanding of green jobs

Participants will develop a clearer understanding of green jobs, the sectors in which they exist, and the skills required to pursue them. This knowledge can help young people make more informed decisions about their future studies, training, and career interests.

Rather than approaching career planning without guidance, participants will have opportunities to explore how their existing interests and abilities might connect with professional work that supports sustainability.

2. Receive personalized mentorship from green job professionals

A major benefit of the initiative is the opportunity to receive one-on-one mentorship from a professional working in a green career.

Mentorship can provide a space for participants to discuss their ambitions, ask questions, explore possible career directions, and identify practical steps toward their goals. With guidance from a mentor, participants can better understand the expectations and skills associated with their areas of interest.

The program also provides support as participants develop and implement their Changemaker Projects.

3. Participate in expert-led virtual workshops

Participants will attend virtual workshops covering practical skills and relevant sustainability topics. The program specifically identifies project management, pitching, presentation skills, education, gender, and climate as areas of learning.

These workshops are intended to complement the individual mentorship experience and help participants build a broader understanding of the issues affecting sustainable development.

4. Design and implement a Changemaker Project

The Changemaker Project is a key practical component of the program. Participants will have the opportunity to develop an idea, plan an initiative, and put their knowledge into practice by working on a project that addresses a challenge in their community.

With support from their mentors, the Ban Ki-moon Foundation, and program trainers, participants will work toward implementing their projects during the program period.

Depending on the problem they choose to address, a project may focus on environmental awareness, community sustainability, climate action, education, gender-related challenges, or another relevant development priority. The specific project idea will depend on the participant’s interests and the needs of their community.

Projects are intended to contribute to one or more Sustainable Development Goals, helping participants understand the connection between local action and wider global development priorities.

5. Strengthen project management skills

Planning and implementing a Changemaker Project can help participants learn how to organize activities, identify objectives, manage tasks, work toward deadlines, and monitor progress.

These skills are useful not only for environmental initiatives but also for future educational, professional, and community leadership activities.

Participants will receive guidance throughout the project implementation period, helping them apply what they learn and work through the practical stages of developing an initiative.

6. Improve pitching and presentation abilities

Communicating ideas effectively is an important part of turning a sustainability concept into action. The program includes workshops on pitching and presentation skills, which can help participants explain their ideas, present their proposed solutions, and communicate the value of their projects.

These abilities can be useful when engaging community members, approaching potential collaborators, presenting project outcomes, or pursuing future opportunities.

7. Develop actionable career plans

The program is designed to help participants identify concrete next steps toward their desired careers. Through mentorship and learning activities, participants can reflect on their professional aspirations and consider the skills, knowledge, experience, and further learning they may need.

This can be particularly valuable for young people who are interested in environmental work but are still exploring the different career options available to them.

8. Build professional connections and networking skills

Participants will have opportunities to engage with mentors, trainers, experts, and other young people involved in the initiative. These interactions can help them learn from different perspectives and begin developing professional relationships.

The program also aims to strengthen networking skills, which can be valuable when seeking future mentorship, educational opportunities, collaborative projects, or entry points into green careers.

9. Apply learning to real-world sustainability challenges

The combination of expert workshops, individualized mentorship, and a community-based project allows participants to put their knowledge into practice.

This action-based approach can help young people develop a more practical understanding of sustainability challenges and the processes involved in designing responses to them.

By working on an initiative that matters to them and their communities, participants can begin developing the confidence and experience needed to contribute to future environmental and development efforts.

Program Structure and Learning Activities

The Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program combines several learning methods to provide participants with a structured development experience.

Expert workshops

Virtual workshops will take place from January to March 2027. These sessions will cover practical professional skills and relevant subject areas, including project management, pitching, presentation skills, education, gender, and climate.

The workshops are intended to equip participants with knowledge they can apply to their professional development and Changemaker Projects.

Individual mentorship

Participants will receive extensive one-on-one mentorship from a green job professional. Mentors will provide tailored guidance related to participants’ career aspirations and support them as they develop their project ideas.

Regular online meetings with mentors will continue during the Changemakers Project implementation period from February to June 2027.

Changemaker Project implementation

From February to June 2027, participants will work on their Changemaker Projects at their own pace, supported by regular online meetings with their mentors and check-ins with the Ban Ki-moon Foundation.

The self-paced structure gives participants time to put their plans into action while remaining connected to the program’s guidance and support system.

The projects are expected to address one or more Sustainable Development Goals and contribute to a better, greener future through practical action in local communities.

Online kick-off and graduation ceremonies

The program will begin with an online kick-off ceremony in December 2026. This will follow the announcement of selected candidates and the initial email exchange scheduled for November 2026.

The initiative will conclude with an online graduation ceremony in June 2027, marking the end of the program period.

Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026: Important Dates

The program is scheduled to run from December 2026 to June 2027, with selection and preparation activities beginning in November 2026.

The key dates provided by the organizers are as follows:

• Application deadline: Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 23:55 Central European Summer Time (CEST).
• November 2026: Announcement of selection results and initial email exchange with selected participants.
• December 2026: Online kick-off ceremony.
• January–March 2027: Virtual expert workshops.
• February–June 2027: Self-paced Changemakers Project implementation, regular online meetings with mentors, and check-ins with the Ban Ki-moon Foundation.
• June 2027: Online graduation ceremony.

Applicants should submit their applications before the stated deadline and allow enough time to prepare the required personal information, portrait photograph, and introduction video.

The supplied listing also displays the deadline as Monday, October 26, 2026, at 12:55 AM. This corresponds to Sunday, October 25, at 23:55 CEST when converted to Central Africa Time (CAT), which is used in Zambia. Applicants should follow the official application portal’s deadline and time-zone instructions.

How to Apply for the Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026

Young people interested in the program should prepare their applications carefully, ensuring that they provide accurate personal details and explain their motivation for participating.

The application process includes personal information, questions about professional aspirations and motivation, and supporting materials that must be attached at the final stage.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

Step 1: Complete the Your Future in Green Jobs Online Course

Applicants are expected to have successfully completed the Your Future in Green Jobs Online Course.

The course introduces young people to green careers and helps them connect their interests, passions, and skills with potential professional pathways in the green economy.

Applicants who have not completed the course are not necessarily discouraged from applying. The organizers indicate that they can still complete it before the program’s kick-off event. However, obtaining the course completion certificate is expected to strengthen an applicant’s chances of selection.

Access the course through the official Ban Ki-moon Foundation website.

Step 2: Prepare your personal information

During the application process, applicants will be asked to provide personal and educational information. The requested details include:

• Full name and contact information.
• Date of birth.
• Residential address.
• Citizenship.
• Education details.
• Language competence.
• A short profile description.

Applicants should ensure that all information is accurate and complete before submitting the form.

Step 3: Explain your professional aspirations

Applicants will also need to describe their career interests, reasons for applying, and motivation to participate in the program.

This section may include information about:

• The green career field or professional area that interests you.
• Your long-term career aspirations.
• The sustainability or development challenges you are passionate about addressing.
• Why you want to participate in the mentorship program.
• Your initial ideas for a Changemaker Project.
• How you hope to use the knowledge and skills gained through the program.

Applicants should aim to communicate their interests clearly and explain why the opportunity is relevant to their personal development and future goals.

Because the program is designed around mentorship and practical action, it is helpful to think carefully about the challenges you would like to address and the kind of change you hope to contribute to your community.

Step 4: Prepare the required application attachments

At the final stage of the application process, applicants will be prompted to attach the following materials:

A portrait photograph

Applicants must provide a portrait photo in either JPEG or PNG format. It is advisable to prepare a clear photograph in the required file format before reaching the final stage of the application.

An introduction video

Applicants must submit a short introduction video with a maximum duration of one minute. The accepted formats are MP4 and MOV.

The video provides an opportunity to introduce yourself and communicate your interests and motivation. Applicants should ensure that the recording is clear, remains within the time limit, and uses one of the accepted file formats.

A curriculum vitae (optional)

Applicants may also attach a CV prepared in a simple format. This document is optional, but applicants who have a CV may wish to include it to provide additional information about their education, interests, experience, skills, or relevant activities.

Applicants should distinguish between the required photograph and introduction video and the optional CV when preparing their supporting documents.

Step 5: Review and submit your application before the deadline

Before submitting the application, review the information entered in each section and check that the required attachments have been included.

The organizers indicate that applicants can save their application form as a draft and return to complete it at any time before the deadline. This feature allows applicants to prepare their responses gradually rather than completing the entire application in one sitting.

However, saving a draft should not be confused with submitting a completed application. Applicants should ensure that they complete the required steps and submit the application before the deadline.

Step 6: Wait for the selection results

The selection process is competitive. A total of 50 candidates aged 14 to 20 from around the world will be selected.

According to the program schedule, the announcement of selection results and initial email exchange are expected in November 2026.

Selected participants should be prepared to engage in the online kick-off ceremony, virtual workshops, mentorship meetings, and Changemaker Project activities scheduled between December 2026 and June 2027.

CLICK HERE for more information on Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026

Who Should Consider Applying?

The program is intended for young people who are curious about green careers and motivated to contribute to sustainable development.

It may be particularly relevant to applicants who want to explore how their interests can connect with environmental protection, climate action, community development, or other sustainability-related fields.

Young people who already have an idea for a community project may also find the program valuable because it provides a structured opportunity to develop and implement that idea with mentor guidance.

Similarly, applicants who are still exploring their future careers can benefit from the program’s emphasis on professional discovery, practical skills, networking, and personalized mentorship.

The program welcomes applications from around the world, provided applicants meet the eligibility criteria and can participate in the online activities.

Why Green Jobs and Youth Climate Action Matter

Green jobs contribute to environmental sustainability and can help communities respond to challenges such as climate change, pollution, resource depletion, and environmental degradation.

As countries and communities work toward more sustainable development, young people need opportunities to understand emerging career pathways and develop the skills required to contribute to them.

Green careers are not limited to one profession or industry. They may involve scientific research, engineering, agriculture, education, business, community organizing, public policy, environmental management, and many other fields.

Introducing young people to these possibilities can help them understand that environmental sustainability is connected to a wide range of professional skills and activities.

The Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program responds to this need by combining career exploration with practical learning. Participants will have opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, develop their own ideas, and take action through projects connected to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The community-based Changemaker Project component is especially important because environmental and development challenges often require solutions that reflect local needs. By encouraging participants to identify issues in their communities and develop practical responses, the program can help connect global sustainability priorities with local action.

For young people, this experience can also provide an early opportunity to develop initiative, communication skills, project planning abilities, and a stronger understanding of how to work toward meaningful change.

Contact Information for Inquiries

Applicants who have questions about the Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program can contact the program team using the email address provided by the organizers:

Email: maja.markus@bankimoon.org

Applicants are encouraged to seek clarification directly from the program team if they need additional information about eligibility, application requirements, supporting documents, or participation expectations.

For the most accurate information, applicants should also consult the official Ban Ki-moon Foundation website and the relevant application materials.

Conclusion

The Your Future in Green Jobs Mentorship Program 2026 is an opportunity for young people aged 14 to 20 to explore green careers, receive personalized mentorship, strengthen professional skills, and participate in practical climate and sustainability action.

Organized by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation with support from Dubai Cares and in collaboration with Plan International and Unbounded Associates, the program combines expert workshops, one-on-one mentorship, professional networking, and the development of a Changemaker Project.

Through these activities, selected participants will be able to connect their interests with potential green career pathways, identify actionable next steps toward their professional goals, and apply their learning to challenges in their local communities.

The program will select 50 young people from around the world to participate in activities scheduled from December 2026 to June 2027. Applicants should meet the eligibility requirements, complete the Your Future in Green Jobs Online Course, prepare their personal information and supporting documents, and explain their motivation for joining the initiative.

The application deadline is Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 23:55 CEST.

Young people who are passionate about sustainability and ready to explore their role in building a greener future are encouraged to review the program requirements and submit their applications through the official application process before the deadline.

Discover more global fellowship opportunities on opportunities for youth (oyf) HERE.