Brief Information
Young Champions of the Earth 2026 is a prestigious global award led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to recognize outstanding young environmental innovators aged 18–30.
Selected winners receive US$10,000 seed funding, global mentorship, international visibility, and a chance to compete for an additional US$100,000 Planet A grant.
If you have been working on an environmental solution for at least six months, this could be your opportunity to scale your impact worldwide.
Key Dates & Details
- Programme Name: Young Champions of the Earth 2026
- Organizer: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- Partner: Planet A
- Application Deadline: N/A (Check official timeline)
- Location / Type: Global | International Programme (with travel to New York for finalists)
- Funding:
- US$10,000 seed funding per winner
- Opportunity to win up to US$100,000 Planet A grant
- Age Requirement: 18–30 years old
- Experience Requirement: Minimum 6 months implementing your environmental project
- Travel: Fully covered for award ceremony & pitch competition
- Application Fee: Free
Table of Contents
Overview
Young Champions of the Earth 2026 is UNEP’s flagship youth environmental award designed to identify, support and empower bold young leaders driving innovative solutions to the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges.
Our planet is under unprecedented stress — climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and waste are affecting the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. Through Young Champions of the Earth 2026, UNEP seeks young activists, innovators, educators, entrepreneurs and artists who are taking real action.
Each selected Young Champion will:
- Receive US$10,000 to implement their environmental idea
- Access professional mentorship and expert workshops
- Join a global network of environmental leaders
- Gain international media exposure
- Compete in the Planet A Pitch Competition for a chance to win US$100,000
The pitch competition, hosted by Planet A, offers finalists the opportunity to present their idea to environmental and business leaders in New York.
Winners must document their journey through self-shot videos and short articles over one year. UNEP provides a smartphone multimedia production kit and storytelling mentorship to support this process.
For broader environmental goals and global sustainability frameworks, applicants may explore the official UN Sustainable Development Goals page:
👉 https://sdgs.un.org/goals
Eligibility
To apply for Young Champions of the Earth 2026, you must:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Have worked on your environmental project for at least six months
- Submit only one application per year
- Provide a referee endorsement
- Hold a valid passport (if selected for travel)
You do not need to study environmental science or work in the environmental sector. UNEP welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.
Not Eligible:
- Employees of UNEP, Planet A or CoalitionWild
- Immediate family members of employees
- Group applications (award is individual-based)
Selection Criteria
Applications for Young Champions of the Earth 2026 are evaluated by experts from UNEP and Planet A based on:
The 3 Ps:
- Planet – Positive environmental impact
- People – Social value and community impact
- Prosperity – Financial viability
The 3 Cs:
- Curious
- Courageous
- Colourful personality and leadership
Additional Factors:
- Demonstrated commitment (minimum six months of implementation)
- Bankability (feasibility and investment readiness)
- Strong referee endorsement
UNEP expects thousands of applications worldwide, making this a highly competitive global award.
Application Details
To apply for Young Champions of the Earth 2026:
- Complete the official online application form.
- Provide details of your environmental idea and achievements.
- Submit a referee who can validate your idea’s viability.
- Ensure all information is final before submission (no edits allowed afterward).
There is no application fee.
Winners will be notified by email and publicly announced shortly after selection.
Selected Young Champions must:
- Attend award ceremonies and workshops
- Travel to New York for the Planet A pitch competition (expenses covered)
- Submit a final impact and financial report
- Share storytelling content with UNEP
FAQ
1. Can I apply if I previously applied?
Yes. You may reapply in a new cycle, but only one application per year is allowed.
2. Is there an application fee?
No. Participation in Young Champions of the Earth 2026 is completely free.
3. Can a team apply together?
No. The award is given to individuals, although your project may involve a team.
4. Are there restrictions on using the prize money?
Yes. The initial US$10,000 must be used to implement your environmental idea, and winners must submit a financial report.
Official Link
For full rules, timeline and application access:
👉 Apply here:
https://forms.office.com/application -form
👉 Official Website & Timeline:
https://www.unep.org/youngchampions/index.php/apply/timeline
Take action today and become a global environmental leader through Young Champions of the Earth 2026.
Visit More Opportunities – oppotify.com
Discover more fully funded scholarships, fellowships and global youth programmes at 👉 https://oppotify.com
