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2024 UNEP Young Champions of the Earth award

With Young Champions of the Earth – the UN’s most prestigious prize for environmental action by young people – UNEP is looking for young changemakers with pathbreaking ideas and solutions that showcase nature’s potential in addressing the triple planetary crisis.

The climate crisis, biodiversity and nature loss and increasing pollution and waste levels are threatening the existence of natural ecosystems and societies. Young visionaries are needed who see beyond these crises and have the courage to invent the future by carving their place in a new and greener society.

Young people are bearing the brunt of rising inequality and unemployment. They require better access to networks and capital, a seat at the table of environmental decision-making, and tailored mentoring and training.

In 2024, young people – selected from every global region – will be named Young Champions of the Earth. These winners receive seed funding, intensive training and tailored mentoring to bring their big environmental ideas to life. UNEP is looking for young artists, scientists, economists, communicators and entrepreneurs from all walks of life who have big, bold ideas – for the environment, for humanity and for a greener future.

In 2024, Young Champions of the Earth will be selected, one from each global region: Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, West Asia and two from Asia and the Pacific. Each winner will receive:

  1. Mentorship, capacity building workshops and access to a UN community of experts
  2. An introduction to dignitaries at the Young Champions of the Earth award ceremony
  3. Publicity and recognition through interviews and online and global media
  4. US$20,000 in seed-funding

The 2024 Young Champions of the Earth will be required to share their journeys through videos and blogs on this website for up to one year. If you have at least 6 months experience working on a big idea to protect or restore the environment and will be aged between 18 and 30 on 31 December 2024, you are eligible to apply.

The community

More than just an honorary title, the Young Champions of the Earth prize aims to nurture the next generation of environmental leaders. Applicants who demonstrate a strong willingness to learn will be granted access to mentoring and skill-building opportunities and to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and experts.

Are you ready to take action?

If you have a bright vision for the future of our planet, you can become a Young Champion of the Earth!

Apply: https://www.unep.org/youngchampions


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