Young Champions of the Earth is UNEP’s global search for the next generation of environmental innovators. The 2026 call is now open. From a referee-backed application to expert review by UNEP and Planet A, the process culminates in a cohort of winners who gain funding opportunities, high-level mentorship, and international visibility.
Application
- Application method: Applicants submit via the official online application form and must identify a referee who can vouch for both the viability of the idea and the applicant as an individual. Once submitted, no edits can be made.
- Cost: There is no fee to apply or participate.
- Current call deadline (per UNEP timeline page): Applications are due by 31 March 2026 (for the cycle currently shown on the timeline page).
Review and selection
- Who evaluates applications: Experts from UNEP and Planet A evaluate and score submissions.
- Outcome notification: If selected, Young Champions are notified by email first, and the winners are publicly announced soon afterwards.
Programme benefits
Selected Young Champions may have the chance to:
- Receive US$10,000 to help grow skills and their project/business.
- Benefit from mentorship, workshops, and access to a global community of environmental experts.
- Gain publicity and global recognition through interviews, speaking engagements, and international media coverage.
- Compete in a Planet A pitch competition for a grant of up to US$100,000 (as stated on UNEP’s timeline page).
Key participation requirements
- Individual applications only: The programme awards and mentorship are given to an individual, not a group (even if the idea is collaborative).
- One application per person: Applicants may submit only one application.
- Use of the US$10,000 + reporting: Winners are required to use the initial US$10,000 to implement their idea and submit a final report and budget.
- Travel obligations: Winners must be prepared to travel to participate in programme activities; UNEP states travel expenses are covered, and winners must have a valid passport.
- Storytelling commitments: Winners are required to share their journey through self-shot videos and short articles (for up to one year), with UNEP providing a smartphone multimedia kit plus communications training/mentorship.
Young Champions of the Earth provides a structured, no-fee route for individual young changemakers to move ambitious environmental ideas toward real-world impact. Through an application that includes a referee and an expert-led assessment by UNEP and Planet A, the programme selects innovators who can benefit from practical support, while also setting clear expectations around implementation, reporting, and participation in programme activities.