UNEP Young Champions of the Earth 2026 Application for Young Environmental Entrepreneurs
Organization: United Nations Environment Programme
Program: Young Champions of the Earth
Category: Environmental award programme
Eligibility: Ages 18–30
Scope: Global
Funding: US$10,000
The United Nations Environment Programme describes Young Champions of the Earth as its most prestigious award for environmental action by young people. According to UNEP, the programme honours inspiring changemakers from around the world and is awarded annually to a few select young entrepreneurs whose big ideas are helping to protect and restore the planet.
Programme Overview
UNEP states that Young Champions of the Earth is a global programme. On the application page, it says winners are selected globally and invited to develop their ideas through funding, mentorship, visibility, and network-building opportunities.
What Winners Receive
Each winner will have the chance to grow their skills and business, including receiving US$10,000. UNEP also says winners benefit from mentorship, workshops, and access to a worldwide community of environmental experts.
The programme further offers opportunities to build a VIP network at the Young Champions of the Earth award ceremony and other official events. UNEP adds that winners can gain publicity and global recognition through interviews, speaking engagements, and international media coverage.
In addition, winners can compete in a pitch competition for the Planet A grant of up to US$100,000.
One-Year Content Commitment
UNEP says Young Champions of the Earth are required to share their journeys through self-shot videos and short articles on the programme website for up to one year. Each Young Champion will also receive a smartphone multimedia production kit, along with communications training and mentorship.
Eligibility
Applicants are eligible if they have been working on their big idea to improve the environment for at least six months and will be between 18 and 30 years old at the end of the calendar year.
What the Programme Recognizes
On the main programme page, UNEP says the award honours young people doing outstanding work to protect and restore the planet. It also notes that the award is given to a few select young entrepreneurs whose big ideas are helping to safeguard the collective future.
Partnership
The website states that the programme is in partnership with and supported by Planet A, which it describes as a storytelling platform driving environmental awareness and action through @TheOfficialPlanetA YouTube.
