Overview:

UN Environment Young Champions of the Earth is the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) flagship youth work engagement initiative. It recognizes and honors young, bright, and forward-thinking people around the planet who are working to preserve and heal the environment through creative ideas , demonstrating them.

Objectives:

Young Champions of the Earth are the winners determined to be in the best position to address the triple planetary crisis and solutions that tap nature’s potential.

Selection and Awards:

One Young Champion will be chosen for each world region in 2024: Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and West Asia two from Asia and the Pacific. The following are the winners:

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

Responsibilities:

The 2024 Young Champions of the Earth will be expected to document their journeys through videos and blogs on the program’s website for up to one year.

Eligibility:

Applicants must have at least six months of experience working on a significant idea to protect or restore the environment and must be aged between 18 and 30 on 31 December 2024.

Benefits:

If chosen as a Young Champion of the Earth, you will be required to participate in international travel to attend the Champions of the Earth award ceremony, an entrepreneurship boot camp, and educational tours. The specific dates and locations will be communicated during the program. All travel expenses will be covered by UNEP, and winners must possess a valid passport.

Selection Criteria:

In the initial stage of the selection process, all applications will be evaluated by United Nations experts based on the following criteria:

1. The 3 Ps: The potential positive impact of your significant idea on the environment (planet), society (people), and its financial viability (prosperity).
2. The 3 Cs: Evidence demonstrating that you possess curiosity, courage, and a vibrant personality.
3. Demonstrated Commitment: It is crucial that you have already made efforts to implement your significant idea for at least six months, and you can articulate accomplishments and progress achieved thus far.
4. Endorsement: The strength of recommendation from your referee will also be considered in the selection process.

Application Deadline:

The Deadline of the Application is April 5, 2024 at 23:59 EAT (Nairobi, Kenya)

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UNEP Environment Young Champions of the Earth Program