The Young Champions of the Earth program is the primary initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to engage with young people. Each year, the program recognizes and honors driven individuals from various countries who have impressive proposals to safeguard and repair the environment.
UNEP Environment Young Champions of the Earth Program
Young Champions of the Earth is the United Nations’ top recognition for young individuals taking environmentally-friendly actions. The program seeks out innovative young leaders with groundbreaking concepts and remedies that demonstrate nature’s capacity to tackle the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity decline, and pollution and waste.
In 2024, Young Champions of the Earth will choose one winner from each major global region: Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and West Asia, and two winners from Asia and the Pacific.
Benefits
- Mentorship, training workshops, and the opportunity to connect with a network of UN professionals
- Opportunity to be introduced to prominent figures at the Young Champions of the Earth award ceremony
- Publicity and acknowledgment through interviews, online, and international media
- $20,000 in seed funding
- All travel costs will be covered by UNEP
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible for the Young Champions of the Earth contest (hereafter referred to as “the Competition”), candidates must be at least between 18 and 30.
- Each applicant should have a minimum of six months of prior involvement in their environmental initiative. Only one submission is permitted per individual per year.
- Competition entrants cannot be employees of CoalitionWILD, any other Competition partners, the United Nations Environment Programme (hereafter referred to as “UNEP”), or immediate family members of such employees
- The 2024 Young Champions of the Earth winners must document their experiences through videos and blogs on the competition website for a duration of up to one year.
Selection Criteria
During the initial selection phase, United Nations experts will assess all applications based on the following criteria:
- The 3 Ps: The potential positive effects of your significant idea on the environment (planet), society (people), and economic sustainability (prosperity).
- The 3 Cs: Proof of being inquisitive, brave, and creative.
- Established dedication: Showing initiative in implementing your significant idea for a minimum of six months, and outlining accomplishments and progress achieved.
- Recommendation strength: The quality of the endorsement from your referee.
How to Apply
- To apply, complete the online application form and select a referee who can support the feasibility of your idea and your character.
- After submitting your application, no further modifications can be made. The deadline for submitting your significant idea is April 5, 2024, at 23:59 EAT (Nairobi, Kenya).
For More Information visit the Official Website of the UNEP Environment Young Champions of the Earth Program.
Application Deadline
April 5, 2024.
Be the change our planet needs! Apply now!
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